Helping Students Showcase Their Strengths to Colleges. NOSCA Conference April 2012

Transcription

1 Helping Students Showcase Their Strengths to Colleges NOSCA Conference April 2012

2 Meet the Presenters David Glover, Co-Dept Chair, School Counseling, Dundalk High School, Baltimore, MD Eliel Gonzalez, AP Math Teacher, East Longmeadow High School, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts Linda Liu, Executive Director, SAT Program, The College Board 2

3 Outline Look at key factors considered in the college admissions and enrollment process Examine role of assessments in college admissions and enrollment Learn how assessments such as SAT and SAT Subject Tests can benefit all students Have fun! 3

4 Let s play. 4

5 The Rules Team who buzzes first gets 30 seconds to guess as many answers as they can Answers are recorded on flip charts Points are awarded for matched answers Team with the most points at the end wins 5

6 Let s meet the families 6

7 Part One Admissions Factors What are the most common factors considered by colleges when looking at a student s profile? 7

8 Factors Considered in College Admissions Primary Factors (2 points each) Additional Factors (1 point each) Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses Academic Performance/ Grades Test Scores (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP, etc.) Special Talents, projects, achievements Extracurricular Activities Personal Statements / Essay(s) Letters of Recommendation Demonstrated Interest 8

9 Part Two Highlighting Academic Talents What are the different ways for students to highlight their academic achievements? 9

10 Academic Resources & Tools 2 points each Take rigorous high school courses (e.g., honors, AP, IB) and perform well Prepare for and take the SAT Consider SAT Subject Tests in subjects that they re strong in Consider taking the corresponding AP exams (if in AP course) Participate in extracurricular activities aligned with their academic interests (e.g., National Honor Society, Model United Nations) Consider summer enrichment programs (e.g., Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO), university sponsored programs, MSDE Project Connect) 10

11 What is the SAT? A Measure of College Readiness The SAT evaluates the cognitive tools necessary to succeed in college and beyond, including the ability to: Think critically Solve problems Communicate effectively A Predictor of College Outcomes Is a valid predictor of meaningful college outcomes on a student s path to a college degree, including: Freshman Year GPA 2 nd, 3 rd and 4 th year GPAs College Retention

12 What s On The Test The SAT assesses the core academic skills necessary for college success and how students apply those skills. Critical Reading Mathematics Writing Short (paragraph) and long (up to 800 word) passages 48 questions, make inferences, draw conclusions 19 sentence completion questions 44 multiple-choice items, 10 studentproduced response items Number & Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis 25 minute essay, take sides on an accessible topic 49 multiple-choice grammar/usage questions

13 What are SAT Subject Tests? Hour long, content-based tests which allow students to showcase achievement in specific subject areas & differentiate themselves for college admissions Eight Subject Tests assess subject knowledge in literature, math, history and the sciences Math Level 1 US History Biology E/M Literature Math Level 2 World History Chemistry Physics 12 language tests; six with a listening component Spanish Modern Hebrew Chinese w/ Listening French Latin Japanese w/ Listening German Spanish w/ Listening Korean w/ Listening Italian French w/ Listening German w/ Listening Key Facts One hour in length; take up to three in one sitting Generally given 6 times per year, may vary depending on test Two Fee Waivers available to qualifying students in 9 th 12 th grades score scale 13

14 SAT and SAT Subject Tests Complement Each Other SAT Tests students knowledge of reading, writing and math as well as their ability to apply that knowledge Writing Math Critical Reading Subject Tests Hour long, content-based tests which allow students to showcase achievement in specific subject areas Math Level 1 US History Biology E/M Math Level 2 World History Chemistry Literature Physics Spanish Modern Hebrew Chinese French Latin Japanese German Italian Korean Reflects all major subjects learned by students in high school

15 Subject Tests and AP - How do they compare? Subject Tests High school level tests that indicate a student s readiness to take college-level courses in specific subject areas Assesses knowledge of fundamental concepts and the ability to apply that knowledge Primarily used for college admissions Indication of interest in specific subjects On average, 38% of Subject Test takers also take the corresponding AP exam; more than 60% do not AP Exams College level tests that assess a student s knowledge, skills, and abilities, learned in the corresponding AP courses Covers more advanced topics or in greater depth that is more reflective of a college-level course Primarily used for college course credit & placement Indication of rigor of courses taken in high school 15

16 Part Three Role of Assessments What are the different ways colleges use information from assessments in the admissions and enrollment process? 16

17 Role of Assessments Admissions (2 points each) Search - Identify prospective students the institution is interested in Recruit - Recruit prospective students Admit - One of many factors to determine a student s academic readiness for college Enrollment (2 points each) Yield - One of many factors used to target scholarship awards and yield efforts Placement - Supports placement into first year classes Retention - Identify students who may need additional academic support 17

18 Role of SAT and SAT Subject Tests Colleges and universities use the SAT and SAT Subject Tests to support enrollment goals at many steps throughout the journey. Inspire Search Recruit Admit Yield Enroll Retain Graduate Rich sources of student data that help colleges and universities target specific populations Valuable for college and university recruitment efforts One of the most reliable and predictive factors in the college application process Useful criteria to target scholarship awards and yield efforts Supports colleges and universities to place students in their firstyear classes Consistent and strong predictors of college retention The SAT and SAT Subject Tests are used by admission and enrollment officers to impact decisions throughout the enrollment process

19 How are Subject Tests used? College Admissions (~90 institutions) Required or recommended by some colleges Provides a more holistic picture of a students academic achievements College Recruitment Identify students with an interest in and ability to be successful in specific majors / programs College Placement (~160 institutions) Help place students into appropriate courses; potentially place out of introductory classes Identify students who may benefit from individualized support programs Other Uses Substitute for NY Regents exam to earn NYS Regents High School Diploma Fulfill high school subject requirements for certain universities (e.g., University of California, California State University, University of Arizona, Arizona State) Fulfill requirements for receiving Seal of Biliteracy (CA) 19

20 Institutional Policies in Practice MIT Freshman applicants are required to submit: SAT or ACT scores AND 2 SAT Subject Tests: Mathematics Level 1 or 2 AND a science Subject Test (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) All applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores AND Strongly recommend two SAT Subject Tests of the student s choice Northwestern University All applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores AND Recommends that all applicants take two SAT Subject Tests Requires scores from SAT Subject Tests for applicants to the Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME), the Integrated Science Program (ISP), and applicants who have been home-schooled. 20 Note: College logos are property of the respective institutions.

21 Why do students take Subject Tests? College Requirement Recommended by an Influencer To demonstrate subject mastery To differentiate myself To have another credential Top Five Reasons Students take Subject Tests 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Most students take Subject Tests because a college required it, someone they trust recommended it or to demonstrate subject mastery Source: Based on an online survey of SAT and Subject Test takers after Oct, Nov & Dec 2009 administrations; Includes both domestic & international test takers 21

22 Part Four Serving Underserved Students How can under served students benefit from participation in assessments such as SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP? 22

23 Serving Underserved Students 2 points each Connect to colleges opportunity to get on a college s radar Confidence to pursue college Early exposure to college level work (AP) Validate subject knowledge (AP, SAT Subject Tests) English language learners (ELL) can demonstrate achievement in subjects less reliant on English mastery (i.e., Math, Science, Languages) (SAT Subject Tests) Demonstrate knowledge gained through non-traditional means (SAT Subject Tests) 23

24 The SAT Is Reaching More Underserved Students The SAT is reaching more low-income and first-generation students who are traditionally underserved in the college-going process SAT Takers Beneficiaries of the SAT Fee-Waiver Program 2011 SAT Takers Prospective First- Generation College Goers , , , , , , , , , ,010 77% increase in SAT Fee-Waiver usage since 2007 Represents more than $37 million in fees and services Source: 2011 College-Bound Seniors 24

25 Subject Tests Benefit Underserved students Subject Tests provide under-represented students an additional opportunity to demonstrate their academic potential Since 2007, minority participation in SAT Subject Tests has grown 30% More than 25% of Hispanic students scored 100+ points higher on the Subject Tests than on the SAT Proportion of students who do not speak English exclusively has nearly doubled since 2007 More than 50% of ESL students scored 100+ points higher on the Subject Tests than on the SAT ESL students (i.e., best language is not English) can demonstrate achievement in subjects less reliant on English language mastery (i.e., Math, Science, Languages) Source: College Board (in press) study 25

26 Part Five Best Practices for Advising Students What are some best practices for advising students to do their best on assessments? 26

27 Best Practices 2 points each Select challenging high school courses Read and write extensively, both in and out of school Consider taking PSAT/NMSQT as a sophomore/junior Become familiar with question types, format, directions Engage other student influencers (parents, teachers) Timing is important SAT: Take SAT for the first time Spring of Junior year Best time to take Subject Tests: shortly after completing corresponding coursework on each subject Take advantage of free College Board resources 27

28 Additional Considerations for Subject Tests Which Tests to Take: Students should select tests that will help highlight their strengths or interests Having the right preparation: complete the recommended course preparation for each subject test (e.g., take Math Level I after completing Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II) Scheduling: Not all Subject Tests are offered on every test date College application deadline considerations: Early Decision or Early Action candidate? Regular deadlines? Admissions or Placement? 28

29 SAT & SAT Subject Tests Practice Tools At a Glance Practicing for the SAT Planning for Test Day SAT Question of the Day FREE SAT Question of the Day itunes App - FREE SAT Practice Questions FREE SAT Subject Test Practice Questions FREE SAT Practice Test FREE Mathematics Review FREE Effective Writing Review FREE SAT Skills Insight FREE The SAT Practice Booklet FREE SAT Study Plan FREE The Official SAT Study Guide : 2 nd Edition The Official SAT Subject Test Study Guide Models, Lesson Plans, and Strategies for: Argumentative writing skills School-based SAT Practice The Official SAT Teacher s Guide ESL/ELL students The Official SAT Online Course SAT Test Taking Approaches FREE Answers Imagined FREE SAT Essay Strategies FREE SAT Subject Test Taking Approaches FREE SAT Subject Test Recommended Skills and Prerequisites FREE SAT Subject Test Web Resources FREE Articles Lab Exercises Tutorials Writing Tools My College QuickStart Helping Students Get Ready Important Test Day information on: How to Do Your Best What to Bring Standby Testing If You re Absent SAT Test Center Closing Make-up Testing Test Security and Fairness Professional Development Workshops: Animating Student Writing Holistic Scoring Workshop School-Based SAT Practice Writing Preparation for Educators of ESL/ELL Students 20

30 and THE WINNING TEAM is CONGRATULATIONS!!! Come see us after the session for your prize 30

31 Questions? 31