Helping Students
Showcase Their
Strengths to Colleges
NOSCA Conference
April 2012
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
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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!
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Let’s play….
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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
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Let’s meet the families…
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Part One – Admissions Factors
What are the most common factors
considered by colleges when looking at a
student’s profile?
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Factors Considered in College Admissions
Primary Factors
Additional Factors
(2 points each)
(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
Part Two – Highlighting Academic Talents
What are the different ways for students to
highlight their academic achievements?
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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)
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®
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.
Critical Reading

Short (paragraph) and
long (up to 800 word)
passages

48 questions, make
inferences, draw
conclusions

19 sentence completion
questions
Mathematics


44 multiple-choice
items, 10 studentproduced response
items
Number & Operations,
Algebra, Geometry,
Data Analysis
Writing

25 minute essay, take
sides on an accessible
topic

49 multiple-choice
grammar/usage
questions
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
Math Level 2
World History
Chemistry
Literature
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
13
SAT and SAT Subject Tests Complement Each Other
SAT
Subject Tests
Tests students’ knowledge of reading,
writing and math as well as their
ability to apply that knowledge
Writing
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
Math
Critical
Reading
Physics
Spanish
Modern Hebrew
Chinese
French
Latin
Japanese
German
Italian
Korean
Reflects all major subjects learned by students in high school
Subject Tests and AP - How do they compare?
Subject Tests
AP Exams
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
• Assesses knowledge of fundamental
concepts and the ability to apply that
knowledge
• Covers more advanced topics or in
greater depth that is more
reflective of a college-level course
• Primarily used for college admissions
• Primarily used for college course
credit & placement
• Indication of interest in specific
subjects
• On average, 38% of Subject Test
takers also take the corresponding AP
exam; more than 60% do not
• Indication of rigor of courses taken
in high school
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Part Three – Role of Assessments
What are the different ways colleges use
information from assessments in the
admissions and enrollment process?
16
Role of Assessments
Admissions
Enrollment
(2 points each)
(2 points each)
 Search - Identify
prospective students the
institution is interested in
 Yield - One of many factors
used to target scholarship
awards and yield efforts
 Recruit - Recruit
prospective students
 Placement - Supports
placement into first year
classes
 Admit - One of many
factors to determine a
student’s academic
readiness for college
 Retention - Identify
students who may need
additional academic
support
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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
Rich sources
of student
data that
help
colleges and
universities
target
specific
populations
Recruit
Admit
Yield
Enroll
Retain
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
Graduate
The SAT and SAT Subject Tests are used by admission and enrollment
officers to impact decisions throughout the enrollment process.
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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
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.”
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Note: College logos are property of the respective institutions.
Why do students take Subject Tests?
Top Five Reasons Students take Subject Tests
College Requirement
Recommended by an Influencer
To demonstrate subject mastery
To differentiate myself
To have another credential
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
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Part Four – Serving Underserved Students
How can under served students benefit from
participation in assessments such as SAT,
SAT Subject Tests, and AP?
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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
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.
2011 SAT Takers  Beneficiaries of
the SAT Fee-Waiver Program
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
198,729
230,080
269,015
2011 SAT Takers  Prospective FirstGeneration College Goers
2007
487,113
2008
483,842
2009
309,289
351,068
2010
2011
507,782
533,731
545,010
77% increase in SAT Fee-Waiver usage since 2007
Represents more than $37 million in fees and services
Source: 2011 College-Bound Seniors
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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
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Part Five – Best Practices for Advising
Students
What are some best practices for advising
students to do their best on assessments?
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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
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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?
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SAT & SAT Subject Tests Practice Tools
At a Glance
Practicing for the SAT
Planning for Test Day
SAT Question of the Day Email – FREE
The Official SAT Online Course™
SAT Question of the Day iTunes App - FREE
SAT Test Taking Approaches – FREE
 How to Do Your Best
SAT Practice Questions – FREE
Answers Imagined – FREE
 What to Bring
SAT Subject Test Practice Questions – FREE
SAT Essay Strategies – FREE
 Standby Testing
SAT Practice Test – FREE
SAT Subject Test Taking Approaches – FREE
 If You’re Absent
Mathematics Review – FREE
SAT Subject Test Recommended Skills and
 SAT Test Center Closing
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™
Prerequisites – FREE
SAT Subject Test Web Resources – FREE
 Articles
 Lab Exercises
 Tutorials
 Writing Tools
Important Test Day information on:
 Make-up Testing
 Test Security and Fairness
My College QuickStart™
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
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…and THE WINNING TEAM is…
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Come see us after the session for your prize
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Questions?
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