Exit Testing for College Graduates?

I've been wondering for some time if we shouldn't be implementing some sort of standardized exit-testing program in America's colleges and universities. After all, a diploma tells us little to nothing of a student's actual achievement level in college. Couple this with rising calls on American campuses for enhanced "retention" efforts, and a desire to equalize graduation rates of all students, and you can understand why mere college graduation appears to have diminishing credibility in the workplace.

Wouldn't exit testing be a wonderful way to see what a diploma-bearer's level of intelligence actually is? (And, for that matter, it begs the question of whether the degree is really necessary. Perhaps testing is a quicker way of ascertaining ability levels than asking most families and students to sacrifice considerable income and four—or five—years earning a diploma that seemingly proves little?)

Now, along comes a book offering evidence of the scant intellectual effort being expended by ever-widening segments of college-going youth. According to Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa in Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses, there really isn't much hard work going on on America's college campuses after all, despite soaring demand and out-of-control costs. And they have the evidence to back up their assertions. They actually tested college students and found that nearly half of them showed no improvement in a range of academic and thinking skills after two years of college.

Ouch. If I were an employer reviewing recent college graduates, you can bet I'd want to see more than just evidence that they graduated. I'd want to see standardized test scores. Personally, I'd also want to make each candidate sit down and compose a one page essay on "Why I Want this Job." That would be the most revealing exercise of all and you'd know immediately which ones can't even construct a coherent thought or complete sentence.

Ask yourself this...

Is college—any college—worth $1,000...a week?

Harvard's "Unofficial" Early Admissions Process

Even though Harvard officially scrapped its early admissions program in 2007, some applicants receive early indications that they might be getting in. In an unofficial process called "indicators of admission," Harvard—and some other Ivies—will provide feedback on certain students' chances of admission. Students may learn that they are "likely," "possible," or "unlikely" to be admitted, which can help them to make decisions about how to approach the rest of their admissions options. This courtesy is more likely to be extended to highly courted applicants, such as heavily recruited athletes. Learn more here.

The Limits of Student Debt

$200K in student loans for a Sociology degree? Don't let this happen to your kid.

Enrollment Management

For those of you who thought college admissions was really need-blind, it may be time to review the notion of Enrollment Management and the concept of merit aid in this classic Atlantic Monthly article. 

Bright College Years=Stressful Years

The college years used to be conceived of in song and nostalgia as being a carefree time full of fun and hijinks. Is this all going by the wayside? 

It seems so, if a recent AP poll is correct. According to the Associated Press,  85% of college students surveyed report feeling stressed, with upwards of 40% reporting feeling sad or depressed. 

Today's college students, by and large, face greater pressures than their predecessors, including dimmer job prospects and heavier debt loads. College students are increasingly likely to work while taking classes, as well, which contributes to their higher levels of stress. 

Parents and counselors, take note: college students still need your support and guidance, even though they're grown up and living on campus. Be alert for signs of stress and depression and stay involved. Ask questions when your child comes home for vacations and don't be afraid to intervene when necessary. Luckily, college campuses offer counseling and mental health services. Make sure your child is aware of these services and knows how to access them. 

Major Mix-up!

UC San Diego actually sent 29,000 acceptance letters to students they had meant to reject this year. 

Read about it here.