This is a watershed moment for folks who have expertise in SAT/ACT Prep or College Admissions. The conversations mentioned in the posts that follow will likely persist in the media for the better part of 2016.

One narrative lacking coverage by the national media: the state-by-state war for graduation test contracts being waged between The College Board and ACT.  In short,  As PARCC and Smarter Balanced fizzle, the ACT and SAT have been positioned as tests which may fulfill state graduation requirements  ( Every Child Succeeds ACT).

Although those battles are taking place, the national media narrative the SAT & ACT has more to do with their shortcomings, under-communications, test changes, or score delays.   Of course, the coverage itself is helpful to firms which specialize in deciphering test changes or have a deep knowledge of what will be required of students as the tests evolve.

At the same time, there is a fairly strong narrative around the “test optional movement.” The University of Delaware and George Washington are notable for recently having gone in test optional.   This is terrific on many levels.  In an idealistic sense, it is probably overdue and in a practical sense, it allows admissions advisors to shine.

Ultimately, there is a great deal of uncertainty around both testing and college admissions.  This uncertainly is manifest in local, state, and national media coverage and this coverage should continue to provide opportunity for educational service firms.  With the power to allay client fears,  establish academic expertise, and build confident students, expect more web hits and phone calls.

Consider the following articles from the past several weeks as context for this thinking.

ACT Essay Results Lower Than Anticipated
The new scoring criteria for the ACT Essay was announced in Mid-2015, the most recent test-taking cohort seems to have been caught by surprise.  As a result, scores on the essay portion of the exam appear significantly lower than anticipated.  This has prompted a number of students to pay for an optional “re-score.”
Read on

PSAT Scores Back
PSAT scores were returned in Early January.  Beyond the late return date, the New Scoring for both the PSAT and the NMSQT caused some consternation.  Test Prep & Tutoring companies have been inundated by calls from concerned parents.  Here is a link the Collegeboard’s Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Scores 2015.

Although winter storms on the East Coast delayed the final testing of the current SAT for many, January was otherwise the last date for the test.  Shortly after, national media began to carry stories on the Redesigned SAT–suggesting it would be more difficult than its forbearer.  Although the test has fewer words overall, the degree and level of reading comprehension seems to have been increased.  Many are decrying the impact this will have on students for whom English is not the first language in the household. Read on
“Turning The Tide”  On College Admissions

The Harvard School of Education (along with scores of contributors) released a comprehensive report on the shortcomings of the current college admissions process. In short, the emphasis on standardized test scores and academic achievements are argued to be poor predictors of college success.  There is a fair amount on the nature of the process in relation to identifying (or not identifying) applicants with altruistic leanings.  Read on