<p>Wow, didn’t expect to create this much of a row over “These factors probably have a minor inflationary impact on rankings” in referring to Bowdoin and Midd’s standardized testing policies. I thought I would be saved by “probably” and “minor.” Bon chance.</p>
<p>Arcadia, there is no reason to be defensive. I did not suggest (and don’t believe) that either school’s reporting practices are in any way dishonest or designed to manipulate numbers. I agree with you that US News, not these colleges, have dictated the rules of reporting. Nonetheless, Bowdoin, on its own website, states that around 20% of the incoming class typically does not present standardized test scores. The number of students at Midd not included in the US News data is probably similar, but for somewhat different reasons as you know well (around 14% of Midd’s class is accepted as “February admits” and those numbers are not included per US News protocol in calculations. At least a few percent of the fall admits never present ACT or SAT I scores on top of this.) These students, in general, understandably represent a weaker applicant pool at least with regard to standardized test scores. They are invisible to US News.</p>
<p>Hoping to head off further hijacking of this thread (hope against hope?) and in the name of “full disclosure,” below is the link to Arcadia’s comments yesterday explaining much of this in more detail.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/553348-usnwr-best-colleges-2009-a-27.html#post1060902239[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/553348-usnwr-best-colleges-2009-a-27.html#post1060902239</a></p>
<p>And Limner, I fully agree with you that the Midd policy is “SAT-optional lite” but actually agree with it. I’m no fan of standardized testing but understand the need of admissions offices to try to validate the credentials of students applying, in particular, from small or heavily grade inflated high schools (“where everyone is above average,” to paraphrase our Prarie Home neighbor, Garrison Keilor). I believe Midd even used to allow AP scores to mix and match with SAT 2’s in place of the SAT 1 or ACT. Sounds like bedlum, but maybe a fairer system for students with different aptitudes. Wouldn’t hold my breath that these options catch on any time soon so long as US News continues to hold colleges hostage.</p>