Balancing Equity and Excellence in College Admissions

About the Episode: 

This week, we’re featuring Dr. Sara Haviland, Senior Measurement Scientist at ETS, to discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions. She delves into the complexities of standardized testing, holistic admissions, and the impact of recent societal changes on these processes. Sara provides insights from her research and experience, highlighting the importance of a balanced approach that considers both qualitative and quantitative measures. She explores the implications of test-optional policies, the need for transparent and equitable admissions systems, and the potential role of AI in shaping the future of higher education.

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Key Takeaways

• Standardized Testing in Flux: While many institutions have embraced test-optional policies, the research suggests that these changes don’t always achieve their intended goals of greater diversity and equity.
• Holistic Admissions Defined: A spectrum of practices underpins holistic admissions, from reviewing all applicant materials ("whole file") to considering personal characteristics and context.
• The Need for Proactive Policy Development: Institutions should seize this moment to reexamine their admissions policies in alignment with their mission and values, involving diverse stakeholders in the process.
• The Ethical Role of AI in Admissions: Leveraging AI thoughtfully can enhance efficiency but must be approached with safeguards to ensure equity and fairness.

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Episode Summary

What is ETS and Its Role in Higher Ed?

ETS (Educational Testing Service) is a global education and talent solutions organization. With a focus on advancing measurement science, ETS aims to create assessments that drive equitable and transparent education pathways. Dr. Sara Haviland and her team at the ETS Research Institute are particularly focused on admissions policies and practices in higher education, analyzing trends and offering evidence-based insights to support institutions.

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What Does the Research Say About Standardized Testing?

1. Mixed Outcomes of Test-Optional Policies: While many institutions adopted test-optional policies during the pandemic, research shows no conclusive evidence that these policies universally increase diversity or equity. The impact often depends on institutional context and existing student demographics.
2. Challenges of Ambiguity: Test-optional policies can introduce confusion for applicants, especially first-generation students or those with limited access to guidance. This ambiguity may lead to missed opportunities for students who could benefit from submitting their scores.
3. A Balanced Perspective: Standardized tests remain a valuable tool for many students to showcase their abilities and provide a consistent benchmark for evaluation. ETS advocates for thoughtful integration of test scores into a broader admissions strategy.

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What is Holistic Admissions, and How Does It Work?

1. Defining Holistic Admissions: Holistic admissions approaches include reviewing the full application ("whole file"), assessing the applicant as a person ("whole person"), and considering the applicant's context and opportunities ("whole context").
2. Practical Challenges: Many institutions practice "whole file" admissions, where all application materials are reviewed without a strict cutoff. However, scaling these practices can be resource-intensive and subjective, particularly for larger institutions.
3. Opportunities for Improvement: Developing rubrics for holistic admissions can help standardize evaluations while preserving flexibility. Institutions must also address ambiguity to ensure transparency and accessibility for all applicants.

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What’s Next for Admissions Policies?

1. A Pivot Toward Proactivity: As the post-pandemic landscape stabilizes, institutions should shift from reactive to proactive strategies, defining clear admissions goals aligned with their mission and values.
2. Stakeholder Involvement: Admissions policies should reflect input from a broad range of stakeholders, including students, employers, and community members, alongside faculty and university leaders.
3. AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: While AI can enhance efficiency in reviewing applications, ethical considerations are paramount. Institutions must ensure AI systems are transparent, fair, and supported by human oversight.

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About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/
https://twitter.com/HigherEd_Geek

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and  I Wanna Work There. 

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