Spring Break
The Daily OrangeAdmissions prepare for new SATs
By Julianne Pepitone
Posted: 3/2/05, 12:24 AM EST Section: News
The counselors each said they did not believe curriculum would change as a result of the new test.
"Generally, the SAT is supposed to be based on our curriculum - not the other way around," Kerwin said.
Kerwin herself echoed some students' dislike of the SAT in general.
"Personally, I'm not a big fan of standardized tests," she said. "A test like the SAT is one moment in time. I think a lot of colleges focus too heavily on them. I don't think they should be mandatory."
But SU's admissions board will consider many aspects of students' lives, Donovan said.
"We routinely interview students around the country to determine factors like motivation, communication skills, maturity and life experiences. Also important to us are the recommendations from counselors and teachers who can share insights that might not be readily apparent."
Donovan said she does not believe the new SAT will have a drastic effect on SU's admissions policy.
"We have never established 'cut offs' or minimum scores, so that won't change," she said. "We will assess the new scores in relation to all the other factors that play a part in our evaluation. I don't see the new test having any dramatic change on the way we personalize our approach to evaluating students for admission here at SU."
"Generally, the SAT is supposed to be based on our curriculum - not the other way around," Kerwin said.
Kerwin herself echoed some students' dislike of the SAT in general.
"Personally, I'm not a big fan of standardized tests," she said. "A test like the SAT is one moment in time. I think a lot of colleges focus too heavily on them. I don't think they should be mandatory."
But SU's admissions board will consider many aspects of students' lives, Donovan said.
"We routinely interview students around the country to determine factors like motivation, communication skills, maturity and life experiences. Also important to us are the recommendations from counselors and teachers who can share insights that might not be readily apparent."
Donovan said she does not believe the new SAT will have a drastic effect on SU's admissions policy.
"We have never established 'cut offs' or minimum scores, so that won't change," she said. "We will assess the new scores in relation to all the other factors that play a part in our evaluation. I don't see the new test having any dramatic change on the way we personalize our approach to evaluating students for admission here at SU."
