UC Quits National Merit Program

[bluebayou]

<p>mini:</p>

<p>when did the UC system suspended the use of SAT tests in admissions?</p>

[1Down2togo]

<p>UC didn’t suspend using SAT I’s – but it threatened to. In the end, the test was revamped and UC didn’t pull out.</p>

[mackinaw]

<p>In #128, I wrote:

I agree completely with that. But this doesn’t mean that SAT scores on the whole aren’t a very good predictor of a student’s college performance.

Sorry for any confusion this caused but I meant to say “this doesn’t mean that SAT scores on the whole ARE a very good predictor of a student’s college performance.”</p>

[ellemenope]

<br>

<blockquote>
<p>At least with an SAT option, kids at non-descript high schools can markedly enhance their app with a 1500; it may not get them into the top tier, but at least they won’t go to the auto reject pile upon first read.<<</p>
</blockquote>

<br>

<p>I agree with this whole-heartedly, having a D who did very well at a non-descript public school and is now at HYP. HYP doesn’t seem to give our bright kids who don’t have a major hook (sports, URM) a second glance unless the SATs are in the high 1400s/1500s.</p>

[Northstarmom]

<p>" HYP doesn’t seem to give our bright kids who don’t have a major hook (sports, URM) a second glance unless the SATs are in the high 1400s/1500s."</p>

<p>This is true for everyone. I know some URMs who didn’t get into Harvard with scores in the 1400s and 1500s. It’s simply tough to get into colleges like that no matter what a student has to offer.</p>

[ellemenope]

<br>

<blockquote>
<p>I know some URMs who didn’t get into Harvard with scores in the 1400s and 1500s. It’s simply tough to get into colleges like that no matter what a student has to offer.<<</p>
</blockquote>

<br>

<p>So, true, Northstarmom–there is a misconception that being an URM is like the gold ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.</p>

[ellemenope]

<p>UCs have raised the minimum required GPA for eligibility. Many think that this will have the affect of closing off the UCs for more minority students.</p>

<p>Under the current eligibility standards, in the recent past, there have been more eligible seniors than there have been places in the UC system. I understand that Texas with its top 10% program is having the same trouble. Rather than raise the required SAT scores, they have raised the GPA.</p>

[Tsky]

<p>College Board “10 real SAT’s” ($19.95) + self-discipline (using "Xiggi’s Method) is all it costs to improve on the SAT. If a kid is not motivated, no amount of spoon feeding through expensive prep-programs will get him a top score. After D got a B+ in her “best” subject (Calc AB) (another teacher, another school…an A-?)…she was happy to get her 5 on the AP. In my view, we welcomed the “second opinion” from the College Board.</p>

[MFS]

<p>Comprehensive Review Factors for UC Freshman Applicants

1. Academic grade point average in all completed “a-g” courses, including additional points for completed University-certified honors courses.
2. Scores on the ACT Assessment plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test, and two SAT Subject Tests.
3. Number of, content of and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum “a-g” requirements.
4. Number of and performance in University-approved honors courses and Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and transferable college courses.
5. Identification by UC as being ranked in the top 4 percent of the student’s high school class at the end of his or her junior year (“eligible in the local context” or ELC).
6. Quality of the student’s senior-year program, as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned.
7. Quality of the student’s academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in his or her high school.
8. Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas.
9. Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.
10. Recent, marked improvement in academic performance, as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.
11. Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate the student’s promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of a campus.
12. Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of the student’s high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.
13. Academic accomplishments in light of the student’s life experiences and special circumstances.
14. Location of the student’s secondary school and residence.
    Freshman Selection by Campus
    Each UC campus designs its own method for evaluating the factors considered in
    comprehensive review.</p>

[thumper1]

<br>

<blockquote>
<p>The student, however, is extremely unlikely to be accepted at top 25 universities or LACs >></p>
</blockquote>

<br>

<p>This student is NOT interested in any of the Ivies, Swat, Stanford, MIT or the like. BUT I’d be interested in hearing suggestions of other schools. Carolyn has already given us a lot of direction…but this thread made me think that others might want to contribute.</p>

<p>Criteria…warm weather AND the ability to play in an ensemble and study oboe/English Horn as a non-music major. Would like a strong science program. Will probably major in engineering.</p>

[klc]

<p>Didn’t the UC Board of Regents raise the minimum GPA to a 3.0 weighted?</p>