In order to contribute to the study of the variables self-esteem, goal setting, study skills, school adjustment, assertiveness and substance use in the academic achievement of high school students in Mexico, it was suggested this investigation. 1581 students attended a public high school in Mexico City, with an average age of 17.4 years, participated in the study. The type of sampling method used was simple random sampling considered as a sampling unit the school group affiliation. Participants responded to several self-report questionnaires and academic performance was determined by averaging grades. The proposed models were assessed using structural equation modeling. The results revealed the relative contribution of self-esteem, study skills, goal setting and substance use on academic performance. The scope and limitations of this study and its usefulness to the basis and design of preventive interventions in educational settings, are discussed.

Goal setting, self-esteem, study skills, substance abuse, academic achievement.