Helping Students

Showcase Their

Strengths to Colleges

NOSCA Conference

April 2012

• 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

Meet the Presenters

2

• 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!

Outline

3

4

Let’s play….

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

6

Let’s meet the families…

7

Part One – Admissions Factors

What are the most common factors

considered by colleges when looking at a

student’s profile?

Factors Considered in College Admissions

8

Primary Factors(2 points each)

Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses

Academic Performance/ Grades

Test Scores (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP®, etc.)

Special Talents, projects, achievements

Additional Factors(1 point each)

Extracurricular Activities

Personal Statements / Essay(s)

Letters of Recommendation

Demonstrated Interest

9

Part Two – Highlighting Academic Talents

What are the different ways for students to

highlight their academic achievements?

Academic Resources & Tools

10

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)

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

– 2nd, 3rd and 4th year GPAs

– College Retention

What’s On The Test…

The SAT® assesses the core academic skills necessary for college success and how students apply those skills.

12

44 multiple-choice

items, 10 student-

produced response

items

Number & Operations,

Algebra, Geometry,

Data Analysis

25 minute essay, take

sides on an accessible

topic

49 multiple-choice

grammar/usage

questions

Short (paragraph) and

long (up to 800 word)

passages

48 questions, make

inferences, draw

conclusions

19 sentence completion

questions

Critical Reading Mathematics Writing

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

13

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 9th – 12th

grades

200-800 score scale

Hour long, content-based tests which allow students to showcase

achievement in specific subject areas

SAT and SAT Subject Tests Complement Each Other

Subject Tests

Reflects all major subjects learned by students in high school

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

Tests students’ knowledge of reading, writing and math as well as their ability to apply that knowledge

Writing

Math

Critical

Reading

SAT

Subject Tests and AP - How do they compare?

15

• 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

Subject Tests AP Exams

• 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

High school level tests that indicate a student’s readiness to take

college-level courses in specific subject areas

College level tests that assess a student’s knowledge, skills, and

abilities, learned in the corresponding AP courses

16

Part Three – Role of Assessments

What are the different ways colleges use

information from assessments in the

admissions and enrollment process?

Role of Assessments

17

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

Role of SAT and SAT Subject Tests

18

Colleges and universities use the SAT® and SAT Subject Tests™ to support enrollment goals at many steps throughout the journey.

The SAT and SAT Subject Tests are used by admission and enrollment officers to impact decisions throughout the enrollment process.

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 first-

year classes

Consistent and strong predictors of college retention

Rich sources of student data that

help colleges and universities

target specific

populations

Inspire Search Recruit Admit Yield Enroll Retain Graduate

18

How are Subject Tests used?

19

College Admissions (~90 institutions)

• Required or recommended by some colleges

• Provides a more holistic picture of a students’ academic achievements

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)

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

Institutional Policies in Practice

• All applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores AND

• Strongly recommend two SAT Subject Tests of the student’s choice

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)

MIT

Note: College logos are property of the respective institutions.

20

• 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.”

Northwestern

University

Why do students take Subject Tests?

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

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

To have another credential

To differentiate myself

To demonstrate subject mastery

Recommended by an Influencer

College Requirement

Top Five Reasons Students take Subject Tests

Most students take Subject Tests because a college required it, someone they trust recommended it or to

demonstrate subject mastery

22

Part Four – Serving Underserved Students

How can under served students benefit from

participation in assessments such as SAT,

SAT Subject Tests, and AP?

Serving Underserved Students

23

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)

The SAT® Is Reaching More Underserved

Students

2011 SAT Takers Beneficiaries of the SAT Fee-Waiver Program

545,010

533,731

507,782

483,842

487,113

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2011 SAT Takers Prospective First-Generation College Goers

24

351,068

309,289

269,015

230,080

198,729

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

Source: 2011 College-Bound Seniors

77% increase in SAT Fee-Waiver usage since 2007

Represents more than $37 million in fees and services

The SAT is reaching more low-income and first-generation students who are traditionally underserved in the college-going process.

Subject Tests Benefit Underserved students

25

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)

Subject Tests provide under-represented students an additional opportunity to demonstrate their academic potential

Source: College Board (in press) study

26

Part Five – Best Practices for Advising

Students

What are some best practices for advising

students to do their best on assessments?

Best Practices

27

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

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?

Additional Considerations for Subject

Tests

28

SAT & SAT Subject Tests Practice Tools

At a Glance

Practicing for the SAT Planning for Test Day

SAT Question of the Day Email – 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™: 2nd Edition

The Official SAT Subject Test Study Guide™

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™

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

Helping Students Get Ready

Models, Lesson Plans, and Strategies for: Argumentative writing skills School-based SAT Practice The Official SAT Teacher’s Guide™ ESL/ELL students

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

Questions?

31