Continuing the Conversation Archive

Changes are in store for the Graduate Record Examination. Beginning in fall 2011, the Educational Testing Service will begin scoring the test on a 130-170 point scale, with score increments of one point. The new system will replace the current 200-800 scale with score increments […]

At last count, California State University had received more than 600,000 applications for admission next fall, with more than 70,000 of those arriving the day before the November 30 deadline. Most of Cal State’s 23 campuses are no longer accepting applications, but a few […]

Some would argue that there has always been a friendly competition between the makers of the SAT and the ACT. But Fortune Magazine reports the rivalry has escalated to an “undeclared war.” In his article headlined, “The Standardized-Test Smackdown,” reporter David A. Kaplan says […]

The number of test-optional colleges and universities is on the rise with one-third of all accredited schools now no longer requiring applicants to submit SAT and ACT scores to be considered for admission. Agnes Scott, Assumption, Sacred Heart, SUNY Pottsdam and Washington & Jefferson are […]

There’s no doubt about it. Writing college essays is stressful! After all, it’s no easy task to answer questions like “describe the world you come from … and how (it) has shaped your dreams and aspirations.”  (University of California). But what if you were asked, […]

With the country in the grip of a recession and the unemployment rate at its highest rate in decades, both the federal government and nonprofits are encouraging more Americans to go to college. President Obama recently announced the American Graduation Initiative, which would pump $12 […]

Let’s face it. Times are tough, and many parents are wondering exactly how they’ll pay for college, especially if their child plans to attend a private university. But there’s some good news on the economic front. Kiplinger’s Magazine reports that independent colleges kept tuition increases […]

Are universities more or less selective than they were in the 1950s? According to economist Caroline M. Hoxby, the answer is….it depends. Top universities, specifically those in the top ten percent, are definitely more selective today. But about half of all colleges are actually less selective […]

What’s the difference between early decision and early action? Should I take the SAT or the ACT? Why are so many universities going test-optional? These are just a few of the questions that the Today Show set out to answer in a recent segment entitled […]