Boycotting the SAT®

There’s really no delicate or politically correct way to put it. Our kids are competing against cheats.  And considering enrollment trends of the past five years suggesting a phenomenal increase in the numbers of international students coming to the U.S. for college, some of the cheats may be winning.

That's not to say cheating doesn't occur in the U.S., because it does.  But what was once a quiet little secret acknowledging the existence of cheating among some students in China and South Korea has slowly bubbled to the surface, thanks to the persistence of Valerie Strauss, of the Washington Post. 

Strauss originally picked up the story of international students who are taking advantage of technology and paying for questions and answers in advance of scheduled SAT exams.  Along with Bob Schaeffer, of FairTest, Strauss gathered increasing evidence that this isn’t a one-time occurrence.  It’s systemic and pervasive.

And the College Board is doing little to nothing about it.

In fact, they already know that there will be cheating on this Saturday’s exam.  

“Earlier this week, FairTest received a link to what purports to be the test form that will be used this Saturday in China and South Korea,” said Schaeffer.  “It appears to be a recycled copy of a June, 2014 SAT given in the U.S.”

But there are lots of hands in this particular pot.  Even College Confidential is being used as a conduit for test questions.  

“We got a recycled test, BTW.  US March 2014,” says one poster. And from this basic information test prep professionals or particularly savvy students build a Google Doc in which they can compile all questions and answers.  All they need to know is when this test will be recycled by the College Board for international test sites.

It so happens that June 2014 may be the test for Asia on Saturday.

But as of this writing, the College Board has neither responded nor cancelled the administration of Saturday’s test.

Note that the cheating doesn’t end there.  Strauss reported last October that testers are paid to take the SAT in the earliest time zone for the international, and using phones, are able to send out copies of the tests with answers and essay already completed.

There’s no reason to believe that the same thing won’t happen on Saturday. And no one seems to be batting an eyelid.

In fact, it seems that there are those within the college admissions industry who actually benefit from the cheating.

Instead of demanding action on the part of the College Board to remove even the smallest hint of corruption, colleges appear to be looking the other way and admitting increasing numbers of students from countries where the cheating takes place.

It seems that the lure of high scores together with the willingness to forgo financial aid and pay full freight makes these students highly sought after.  In fact, colleges are spending huge dollars to send admissions staff across the world to recruit them.

Note that not everyone in China and Korea cheats. And those that don’t are finding the situation increasingly untenable. Bob Schaeffer has received “very moving emails” from high school students in China who are also competing with cheaters.

But the bottom line is that our kids and others are competing for admissions to universities consumed with the competition for ever-higher SAT scores to publish and use in rankings.  High scores and full tuition—what more could the average admissions office want?  Students with character?

So what can be done?  The College Board could use brand new tests for the international market and/or use different tests at different test sites.  Tighter basic security would also seriously compromise efforts to cheat.

Or colleges could simply require the ACT, which so far hasn’t been tainted with large-scale allegations of cheating—here or abroad. 

At least this would make the international cheaters scramble as the ACT isn’t very popular in other countries—maybe because it’s harder to manipulate.

But a message needs to go out to the College Board hopefully supported by the colleges that continue to recruit and admit a large number of students from countries where cheating takes place:  Cheating on the SAT must end and if it isn't brought under control, we will take our business elsewhere.

In other words, until the problem is fixed, students might consider boycotting the SAT® Reasoning Test in favor of the ACT.  Colleges might also consider de-emphasizing the role of the SAT in admissions or maybe even take the plunge and go test-optional.

And with some of the changes the College Board has in mind for next year, this may not be such a bad idea.

On the road in Alabama with the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

Birmingham Southern College

Shrugging off the cool temperatures and overcast skies typical of winter in the deep South, 30+ independent educational consultants, all members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), recently set out to explore seven of Alabama’s colleges and universities over the course of three days.

While the weather wasn’t perfect, the warm southern hospitality found at each of the campuses more than made up for the chill in the air.

 

And make no mistake—there’s plenty to see in Alabama.  Gorgeous campuses, reasonable tuition, impressive scholarships, and a tradition of academic excellence make it easy to understand why these colleges are attracting an increasing number of out-of-state students. 

Auburn University

Auburn is one of the largest universities in the South and one of few universities in the country designated as a land, sea and space grant university.  And as an academic community, Auburn distinguishes itself in many ways:  the first bachelor of wireless engineering in the country; one of only 5 universities with capability and expertise to conduct research into nuclear waste storage and recycling; Auburn’s new curriculum in automotive engineering and manufacturing is the first of its kind in the Southeast; Auburn’s Raptor Center is the Southeast’s only full-service, on-campus medical and rehabilitation center for birds of prey; and Auburn has consistently been a leader in aviation education and research.

Auburn’s surge in popularity has resulted in a small overenrollment issue, which means that enrollment will be “capped” this year.  For fall 2013, 4592 freshmen enrolled at Auburn University, bringing undergraduate enrollment to 20,629—about 900 over target, according to admissions officials. The goal this year will be to bring numbers more under control by limiting the incoming class to 4400. 

Auburn’s application is released on September 1 and the first decisions, based only on test scores and grade point averages, are rolled out on October 15.  Scholarships are generous, ranging from full tuition plus a $1000 technology stipend (32-36 ACT or 1400-1600 SAT and a minimum 3.5 GPA) to $3000 per year (28-29 ACT or 1250-1320 SAT and a minimum 3.5 GPA).  War Eagle!

Birmingham Southern College

The “most nontraditional college president in America today,” General Charles “Chuck” Krulak spent his first year at Birmingham Southern College (BSC) living in the dorms to better understand the student experience.  And from the experience, he came up with the idea for the RISE3 (Research, Internships, Service, Experience) initiative. RISE3 challenges students to apply their skills in the real world by exploring a variety of experiences connected to academics. 

Big news at BSC is the introduction of an on-campus cadaver lab.  With a substantial donation, the biology department purchased the necessary supplies and equipment so that 16 students in human anatomy would have access to two bodies in the new laboratory.  Pre-med students consider the experience a real advantage for medical school applications.

Samford  University

A Christian university located on a stunning campus in a scenic corner of Birmingham, Samford currently enrolls 68% of its students from out of state and likes to remind visitors that it’s the #1 top-ranked university in Alabama, according to Forbes, Inc. Although most of the facilities on the Birmingham campus are relatively new, Samford is actually the 87^th oldest university in the U.S. and the 6^th oldest in Alabama.  But you wouldn’t know judging from the modern academic buildings and 28 state-of-the-art residence halls housing 2,241 students in 1,309 rooms.

For athletes, the Samford Bulldogs compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports.  Between 2008 and 2014, Samford has won 19 conference championships and 20 players have been drafted into professional sports.  And tailgating is huge!

But at the core of the Samford experience is its Christian commitment and motto:  “For God, for learning, forever.”

Tuskegee University

Founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee University offers an impressive variety of programs contained within seven colleges:  the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Science; the College of Business and Information Science; the College of Engineering; the School of Architecture and Construction Science; the College of Arts and Sciences; the School of Education; and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health.

One of the “top ranked” Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) in the United States, Tuskegee is situated on 5,000 acres of land—450 of which make up the main campus—and is the only university in the nation designated as a National Historic District Site.

Particularly noteworthy for prospective students is the Tuskegee National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care, which grew out of President Clinton’s 1997 apology to the nation, the survivors of the Syphillis Study, Tuskegee University, and Tuskegee/Macon County for the US Public Health Service medical experiment conducted from 1932 to 1972.  More than $20 million in grants and pledges have been made to Tuskegee to help grow and operate the Center, which supports an interdisciplinary undergraduate Bioethics minor.

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, offers one of the most generous National Merit scholarship programs in the country and is a leader among public universities nationwide in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars, with more than 600 currently enrolled.  Scholars receive the value of tuition for up to 5 years or 10 semesters for degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as one year of on-campus housing, a $3,500 per year stipend for 4 years, a one-time allowance of $2,000 for use in summer research or international study, and an iPad.  “We like to think we are recruiting scholars in the way we recruit athletes.”

And the results are clear.  Forty-one UA students have been named Goldwater Scholars in the last 25 years, including two in 2014.  UA has produced a total of 15 Rhodes Scholars, 14 Truman Scholars, and numerous Hollings Scholars.  Eight graduates have accepted Fulbright awards to study and teach abroad during 2014-15, and 27 UA faculty have received NSF CAREER Awards—the nation’s most prestigious recognition of young scientists.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

While deeply embroiled in a controversy involving the future of its football team, the University of Alabama at Birmingham continues to stand tall in academics and boasts of remarkable growth in “size, quality, reputation and impact.”   In 1969, UAB became an independent institution, one of the autonomous universities within the newly created three-campus University of Alabama System.  It is now the largest research institution in the state of Alabama, the largest employer in Birmingham, and is a nationally recognized academic health center with schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Optometry.

Some of UAB’s more unique programs include Neuroscience, Forensic Sciences (with emphasis on cybercrime), Medical Industrial Distribution, Biomedical Engineering, and Musical Theatre.  In the works are undergrad programs in Cancer Biology, Immunology, and Bioinformatics.

Admitted students are offered up to $300 in travel vouchers to see the campus—why not?  And once enrolled, students have access to the Motorist Assistance Roadside Service (MARS)—a free service available to all visitors, students, and employees parking on campus who need help with a dead battery, flat tire, keys locked in a car, or empty gas tank.  Sweet!

University of Montevallo

Founded in 1896 as the Alabama Girls’ Industrial School, the University of Montevallo opened its doors to men in 1956.  Today, it’s Alabama’s only public liberal arts university offering more than 30 degree programs featuring approximately 75 majors.

Originally designed by the Olmstead brothers of Central Park and Biltmore Estate fame, the campus features 73 buildings including 3 antebellum structures.  And the university boasts of the oldest homecoming tradition in the United States known as College Night, during which the entire campus divides into Purple or Gold sides for various events and competitions.

New this year is the President’s Outdoor Scholars program:  “Simplify your life, unplug and enjoy the great outdoors with like-minded students who love experiencing Mother Nature as much as you.”  The program includes activities ranging from bass fishing to duck hunts to guided big-game hunts, together with partial scholarships for students “who have distinguished accomplishments in outdoor sports and demonstrated a personal commitment to conservation.”

2015 Day of Service honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at Tuskegee University Chapel

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday as a National Day of Service and assigned the Corporation for National and Community Service responsibility for leading a national effort to get citizens more involved in their communities.

And in 20+ years, the movement has gained enormous momentum.  Because of the overwhelming response, community service organizations throughout the country have expanded the “day” of service into a “weekend” of service.

So what better time to begin a lifetime habit of service or rededicate a personal commitment to volunteerism beginning in the high school years?

Throughout the holiday weekend, millions of volunteers of all backgrounds, ages, and ethnicity are joining together to support a movement that has already had a profound impact on our nation. 

But it doesn’t just have to be for a weekend or a day. You can help by looking around your community for projects or kick-up your service a notch by joining larger scale projects sponsored by area nonprofits.

Here are a few ideas:

• Join Habitat for Humanity, AmeriCorps members and community volunteers to help build new construction units in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington, DC.
• Donate children’s book, non-perishable food items and coats through the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
• Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service to help remove invasives from the trees and the ground in the eastern section of Melvin Hazen, a tributary of Rock Creek.
• Come to the Greater Washington Urban League headquarters and help assemble care packages or help distribute blankets and care packages to the homeless across DC and Maryland.
• Assemble a group of friends to write holiday cards and notes for seniors enrolled in local Meals on Wheels programs. Valentine's Day is just around the corner!
• Bring your own bike and participate in the Anacostia EcoTour designed to give participants a first-hand look at the environmental achievements and contributions of concerned citizens in the DC metropolitan area.
• Help elderly or disabled neighbors by raking leaves, shoveling snow, or weeding. Again a volunteer corps of high school students "on-call" to provide these services would be a welcome addition to your community.
• Round up a bank of sewing machines, collect fabric donations, and gather friends to sew pillowcases for children with life-threatening diseases.
• Organize a drive to collect jeans for the homeless in your community.
• Support your local animal shelter by organizing a pet food drive. Or bring donations to the Humane Society of Fairfax County’s “ani-meals” pet food pantry which offers pet food and related pet car items to low-income residents of the county.
• Form a weekly knitting or crochet circle of high school friends and create tiny hats for pre-mature infants in area hospitals or make scarves and shawls for patients at veterans hospitals.
• Sign-up for a shift at a local soup kitchen, like Our Daily Bread in Fairfax. Bring along canned food donations you’ve collected in your neighborhood.
• Volunteer at a donation center like the NVFS Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Centreville VA, and gather some gently-used clothes and jackets to donate when you go.
• If you speak a second language, offer translation assistance or volunteer tutoring services to limited English speaking residents of your community. Locally, there is a particular need for volunteers with knowledge of Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese.
• Collect donations and assemble “care packages” for members of the military assigned overseas. Or gather a group of friends and write letters to service personnel.
• Organize a school supply drive and donate these materials to organizations serving children and families like the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health.

Volunteer Fairfax plans to celebrate the weekend by inviting families to volunteer together at either of two local sites.  Volunteer Alexandria is looking for senior and youth volunteers to assist with canvassing a local neighborhood in the City of Alexandria to raise awareness about emergency preparedness. 

And the Montgomery County Volunteer Center is organizing a Service Projects and Volunteer Fair, on Monday January 19,  from 1:00 to 3:00, at the Marriott Conference Center in North Bethesda.

The opportunities to get involved in your community are endless.

For a more centralized listing of service projects check out the mlkday.org website maintained by the Corporation for National and Community Service. 

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others/” Martin Luther King, Jr.