Continuing the Conversation in Baltimore Later This Month

If you missed out on the Rethinking Admissions Conference here at Wake Forest last spring, you’ll get another chance to hear from experts on some of the very same topics at this month’s meeting of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). The last day of the national conference in Baltimore, September 26, includes three sessions on the use of standardized testing in admissions. First up is Wake Forest’s Martha Allman, who will join three other experts to discuss the ins and outs of implementing a test-optional admission policy. The NACAC answered the “why” of going test optional, now discussion turns to the “how.” The second panel will feature Wake Forest’s Joseph Soares, an associate professor of sociology who helped organize the Rethinking Admissions Conference. He will join two other scholars to discuss research on the old and new SAT and college admissions, as well as share Wake Forest’s experience with tests and admissions. The third panel will feature two speakers who will focus on alternative approaches to admissions and their impact on social diversity, academic quality, practical ability and creativity. You’ll find a full list of speakers below.  There’s still time to register to attend the conference scheduled for September 24-26, or just log in to the NACAC conference blog for the latest news.

Panel  #1: Implementing Test-Optional Admission

Robert Schaeffer,  National Center for Fair & Open Testing, FL

Martha Allman,  Wake Forest University, NC

Andrew Flagel,  George Mason University, VA

Kristin Tichenor,  Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA

Panel #2: Institutional Research on the Utility of Standardized Admission Tests

Joseph Soares, Wake Forest University, NC

Matt Chingos, Mellon Foundation and author of the forthcoming book, Crossing the Finish Line

Chris Cornwall, University of Georgia

Panel #3: Alternative Approaches and Ramifications for Colleges

Thomas Espanshade, Princeton University, NJ

Robert Sternberg, Tufts University, MA