After Reading Chapter 10 Watch
After Reading Chapter 10watchhttpswwwyoutubecomwatchvfletlzs
After reading Chapter 10, watch the video titled "So how important are those SAT's" on YouTube. Then answer these questions: 1- How do you answer questions from students or parents about the difference between the test, and whether taking one test or the other provides an advantage in the admission process? 2- How can counselors help students find out about accommodations available to them based on their financial or disability needs? 3- How would you advise a student or family who are concerned about the influence of testing in college admission? What is the appropriate way of describing the role of standardized admission test in college admission decisions?
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The role and significance of standardized testing, particularly the SAT, in college admissions remain topics of considerable debate among students, parents, educators, and counselors. With an increasing emphasis on holistic review processes, understanding how to communicate the implications of these tests and support students effectively is vital. In this paper, I will address three critical questions: appropriately explaining the differences and advantages of standardized tests, guiding students on accommodations related to financial or disability needs, and advising families concerned about testing’s influence on admissions, along with clarifying the role of standardized tests in college selection processes.
Explaining the Differences and Advantages of Standardized Tests
Many students and parents inquire about the differences between various standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, and whether choosing one over the other offers an admissions advantage. It is essential to communicate that both tests aim to assess a student’s readiness for college but differ in format, content, and scoring. The SAT emphasizes evidence-based reading and writing, along with math, while the ACT includes science reasoning and has a different structure. Neither test necessarily confers an advantage; instead, students should select the test that aligns better with their strengths and comfort levels (Freeman et al., 2020). Emphasizing practice and familiarity can improve performance more than focusing solely on perceived “superiority” of one test over another. It's also important to counsel that admissions officers often see both scores equally and may consider the higher result or superscores, depending on the institution (Hiss & Franks, 2014).
Supporting Students in Finding Accommodations
Counselors play a crucial role in assisting students with disabilities or financial challenges in accessing appropriate testing accommodations. For students with documented disabilities, the process begins with obtaining an official diagnosis and appropriate documentation, which can then be submitted to the testing organizations such as College Board or ACT, requesting specific accommodations like extended time or separate testing environments (Harvard College, 2022). For students facing financial hardship, counselors should be aware of fee waivers and other resources that can reduce costs associated with test registration and preparation. Educating families about these options, assisting with the application process, and connecting them with disability support services at their institutions help ensure equitable testing opportunities. Ultimately, fostering awareness of available supports ensures that students are fairly evaluated based on their abilities rather than barriers they face (Sundaram et al., 2021).
Advising Families Concerned About Testing’s Influence
Many families express concern that standardized testing excessively influences college admissions, potentially disadvantaging certain groups. Proper guidance involves explaining that standardized tests are only one component within a holistic review framework. Admissions committees consider academic records, extracurricular activities, personal statements, interviews, and recommendations alongside test scores. The emphasis on tests has been decreasing; numerous institutions are test-optional or test-blind, reflecting a shift toward broader evaluation criteria (Kahlenberg & Potter, 2014). Advising families to focus on strengthening overall application portfolios rather than overemphasizing test scores is crucial. It’s also valuable to communicate that emphasizing varied criteria can promote diversity and better reflect a student’s complete profile. Describing standardized tests as a “snapshot” of academic readiness rather than a sole determinant of college success helps manage expectations and reduces undue pressure.
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, clear and compassionate communication about the role of standardized testing, along with informed guidance on accommodations and holistic admissions processes, empowers students and families to navigate the college admissions landscape confidently. Recognizing the evolving nature of admissions criteria encourages a focus on the student’s comprehensive abilities and potential, fostering more equitable opportunities for higher education access.