News You Need to Know: Daily Roundup, Thurs., Oct. 19th

Early Admissions "Loophole" for Athletes

Schools that have recently eliminated the early admissions process, such as Harvard, Princeton, and the University of Virginia, still have an early admissions "loophole" in place for athletes. Colleges notify athletes of their acceptance in October with "likely" letters; that is a letter stating the athlete will be admitted if he or she continues to perform adequately in high school. The "likely" letters for athletes are simply another way for colleges to control the composition of their classes, like the early decision processes. Schools defend the practice as necessary, especially smaller, private institutions that do not award athletic scholarships and have to use other means to recruit athletes.

Number of Students Taking SAT and ACT Rises

The number of students taking the SAT and the ACT has risen sharply from a year ago. The ACT experienced a 17 percent increase in student registration, and the SAT experienced a 16 percent increase. Most of the ACT increase can be attributed to students on the East Coastwho in the past typically only took the SATdeciding to try both tests in the hope of boosting their admissions chances. In addition, the ACT could be growing in popularity, because students reported being "worn out" by the newly revised SAT format with its extensive new writing test.

Miller Criticizes College Accreditation Process

Charles Miller, the chairman of the federal Commission on the Future of Higher Education, spoke at a conference yesterday about the inadequacy of the current college accreditation process. Miller referred to the accreditation process as an "insiders game" that focuses excessively on "inputs." According to Miller, in the context of a globalizing world, this focus on inputs is becoming less relevant as students move more frequently between institutions and often take classes via distance education. Miller argues that the current accreditation process hinders innovation, and that a new process is needed that will encourage colleges to adapt to the changing world. Higher Ed Watch wonders if George Miller (no relation), the possible incoming Chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, might agree with Charles. . .