The Tribune’s Post

Our higher education admissions research team is working to quickly identify data-driven insights to support decision making in college and graduate admissions in the post-covid landscape. When we speak with schools about their testing and holistic admissions policies, they often share that their key goals include improving equity. Are the outcomes meeting the goals? Reginald Gooch shares high-level takeaways from the emerging literature below - we hope you'll check out the article for more insights!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, universities across the country dropped requirements for incoming students to take #admissions tests such as the #SAT or #ACT. Yet it has taken until now for research to begin to disentangle what effect these policies are having on the makeup of incoming classes, how those classes are faring, and the support they are receiving from their schools. Our team's report, published this week in the Journal of Postsecondary Student Success (article link: https://lnkd.in/g9CU4dAj) reviews 12 recent studies and finds the following: Key takeaways:   Applicant pools. Results are mixed on whether test-optional policies increase enrollment or applicant quality.    Equity. Context matters:   Studies looking at a mix of selective public/private schools of various sizes or at liberal arts schools have not demonstrated effects on equity.  Studies limited to large research universities demonstrate more positive effects on equity.  Other considerations. Schools admitting more diverse classes may not be adequately supporting them.  Schools may be admitting students with higher needs, but without increasing budget to support them.  Students who do not submit test scores may be disadvantaged in securing funding. Bottom line. Pursuing test-optional admissions policies is not a “magic bullet” for equity. It is likely to have different effects based on timing of adoption, level of diversity prior to adoption, and institution type. Furthermore, it is unlikely to succeed without a larger institutional effort to improve equity, that includes efforts to ensure retention and completion. ETS Research Institute Coauthors: Vinetha Belur, Sara Haviland, Ph.D., Lydia Liu DOI: https://lnkd.in/gD-MNcew

Are Universities Ready for the Rise in Home Education? Rising levels of home education are changing the landscape for university admissions—how are institutions adapting? This article on Wonkhe explores the challenges and opportunities for home-educated students seeking access to higher education. If you're a home educator, you’ll want to check this out for insights into how the system could better support your learners. Read more and share your thoughts—what’s your experience been like navigating higher education pathways? Read the article here: https://bit.ly/4eJqvnl #HomeEducation #UniversityAccess #HigherEducation #EducationReform #Wonkhe

Direct admissions is becoming a more popular practice as colleges struggle to maintain or bolster their enrollment. It can drastically simplify the process and reduce stress for some applicants. #GreatCollegeAdvice #CollegeAdmissions #DirectAdmissions

Direct admissions is becoming a more popular practice as colleges struggle to maintain or bolster their enrollment. It can drastically simplify the process and reduce stress for some applicants. #GreatCollegeAdvice #CollegeAdmissions #DirectAdmissions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board cut-off marks 2024 - https://lnkd.in/dFbpBPWb major factor of consideration in determining the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) cut-off mark is academic performance and

There are always a number of variables influencing students and families willingness to consider colleges and universities that solely require test preps. Being test optional is definitely a positive attribute for most prospective students and families—and the higher ed institutions that choose to stick with a test-optional process. #highered #higheredleadership #collegesanduniversities #enrollmentmanagement #admissions #HigherEdDive

Primary school admissions reminder! 🏫✉️ The deadline for primary school admissions is fast approaching! If your child was born between September 2020 and August 2021, you have until Wednesday 15th January to explore your options and submit your application. If you need further guidance, our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about choosing the best primary school and navigating the admissions process. Read more here: https://ow.ly/3M9T50UyECu #primaryschooladmissions #schooladmissions #education #independentschools

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board cut-off marks 2024 - https://lnkd.in/dFbpBPWb major factor of consideration in determining the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) cut-off mark is academic performance and