The Misguided War on the SAT

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DP here. This is a good article.
For those of you commenting without reading the article, I highly recommend you read it first. The reporter mentions multiple recent studies that all show the same thing - test scores are more predictive of future college success than high school grades.
Most college admissions officials agree that test scores should be used as one factor towards admissions but they are scared of political backlash if they bring test scores back.

Yes, gpa is generally more predictive than test scores alone but not as predictive as gpa plus test scores. Further, gpa has become less and less predictive as grades have become inflated. Source: UC system and Purdue research.

In a sane world, GPA, standardized test scores, and taking the most rigorous classes at your school, and major relevant ECs would be the major factors in getting into college vs. ethnicity, skin color, legacy status, contrived essays or athletic ability.

Fortunately that's the case--with the only exception being that at test optional schools students can choose whether to showcase their test scores or not. It's a relatively small percentage of folks who have any advantage from race/ethnicity/legacy. Essays are a way to share your voice and can give the nudge one way or another when the GPA/class rigor/recommendations and ECs are roughly equal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HS students should get one bite at the apple. ACT, SAT, their choice. But one at bat. That’s it. This super scoring horseshit is the one of the most bizarre developments since I was applying to college hundreds of years ago.

As the parent of DC who was "one and done" w/SAT, I strongly agree. 1550. Could have taken it more times to let that total creep up to 1570/1580. Totally fed up with this nonsencial system and just stopped.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HS students should get one bite at the apple. ACT, SAT, their choice. But one at bat. That’s it. This super scoring horseshit is the one of the most bizarre developments since I was applying to college hundreds of years ago.

Super scores have been around for a while. I know they were doing it when I applied to college in 1992

[Anonymous]

Test optional is here to stay.

[Anonymous]

Yes, i used a superscore in 1994. My score wasnt high though, like 1360, but the scale was different then.

[Anonymous]

Most T20 schools will become test "preferred" to:

1) avoid political backlash if they go back to test required
2) avoid admitting unprepared students (low SAT scores), which ultimately will affect the 4- and 6-year graduation rate, and increase the number of students on academic probation and withdrawal percentage
3) avoid faculty pushback if the percentage of unprepared students increases to a tipping point
4) continue to benefit from the flexibility to admit students who meet institutional priorities
5) continue to benefit from high application numbers that maintain low admit rates

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS students should get one bite at the apple. ACT, SAT, their choice. But one at bat. That’s it. This super scoring horseshit is the one of the most bizarre developments since I was applying to college hundreds of years ago.

Super scores have been around for a while. I know they were doing it when I applied to college in 1992

Might suggest 2 tries since there will be some with legitimate extenuating circumstances - but just don't allow super-scoring at all.

On another note, I just don't get the rationale at all for TO - schools should be encouraged to accept students with a reasonable range and not just all 35/36. Knowing where students might need more support would be very helpful, even with the essay and freshman writing seminar placement.

[Anonymous]

Test optional should stay. Submit if you wish and the school will consider it. Don't submit if you wish and the school will not consider it. Simple. You don't need to get your knickers all tied up in knots just because your DC scored high on the STA/ACT. Submit your score but know that your DC's application will be viewed in its entirety.

GPA is the most important indicator by far because it shows the work that the student puts in all four years of high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS students should get one bite at the apple. ACT, SAT, their choice. But one at bat. That’s it. This super scoring horseshit is the one of the most bizarre developments since I was applying to college hundreds of years ago.

Super scores have been around for a while. I know they were doing it when I applied to college in 1992

Might suggest 2 tries since there will be some with legitimate extenuating circumstances - but just don't allow super-scoring at all.

On another note, I just don't get the rationale at all for TO - schools should be encouraged to accept students with a reasonable range and not just all 35/36. Knowing where students might need more support would be very helpful, even with the essay and freshman writing seminar placement.

Test optional has been around for decades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Test optional is here to stay.

Pendulums always swing...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Test optional should stay. Submit if you wish and the school will consider it. Don't submit if you wish and the school will not consider it. Simple. You don't need to get your knickers all tied up in knots just because your DC scored high on the STA/ACT. Submit your score but know that your DC's application will be viewed in its entirety.

GPA is the most important indicator by far because it shows the work that the student puts in all four years of high school.

GPA can be easily skewed by cheating, which is very common in most if not all high schools.

SATs can be improved but not gamed. A 1200 kid is not going to test prep their was to a 1500.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most T20 schools will become test "preferred" to:

1) avoid political backlash if they go back to test required
2) avoid admitting unprepared students (low SAT scores), which ultimately will affect the 4- and 6-year graduation rate, and increase the number of students on academic probation and withdrawal percentage
3) avoid faculty pushback if the percentage of unprepared students increases to a tipping point
4) continue to benefit from the flexibility to admit students who meet institutional priorities
5) continue to benefit from high application numbers that maintain low admit rates

THIS.

[Anonymous]

There's a strong argument for bringing back SAT subject tests as well.

The SAT II Math Level 2, Physics, Chemistry, US History, etc. were all very useful in helping determine preparation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's a strong argument for bringing back SAT subject tests as well.

The SAT II Math Level 2, Physics, Chemistry, US History, etc. were all very useful in helping determine preparation.

None of this is coming back.

Sorry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS students should get one bite at the apple. ACT, SAT, their choice. But one at bat. That’s it. This super scoring horseshit is the one of the most bizarre developments since I was applying to college hundreds of years ago.

As the parent of DC who was "one and done" w/SAT, I strongly agree. 1550. Could have taken it more times to let that total creep up to 1570/1580. Totally fed up with this nonsencial system and just stopped.

The PSAT can’t be repeated or superscored. Use that.