The College Essay Guy Podcast: A Practical Guide to College Admissions
523: Busting College Admission Myths Using Data: Standardized Tests, Rankings, and the Cost of College with Akil Bello
Dec 17, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Akil Bello, an educator and advocate for equitable education access, tackles prevalent college admissions myths. He clarifies that most colleges are not returning to standardized test requirements, debunks the myth that prestigious schools guarantee success, and reveals the complexities of college costs, emphasizing underreported financial aid options. Bello also critiques ranking systems for prioritizing reputation over quality. His insights aim to empower families navigating the admissions landscape.
51:44
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The misconception that most colleges are returning to requiring standardized tests overlooks that 84% of schools currently remain test-optional.
- The flawed methodology of college rankings suggests that higher scores do not necessarily indicate better quality education, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation.
Deep dives
The Reality of Standardized Testing
Many individuals believe that colleges are rapidly returning to requiring standardized tests, such as the SAT, but this is misleading. As of now, approximately 84% of colleges are test-optional, allowing students the choice to submit test scores or not. The narrative often highlighted by the media focuses on a few highly selective institutions that have reinstated test requirements, overshadowing the majority that continue to embrace test-optional policies. This disparity in reporting leads to misconceptions that do not accurately reflect the overall trends in college admissions.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
