<p>So then, perhaps the student who submits only an ACT score is not on equal footing with the applicant who submitted a strong SAT score? At least at Baylor? Just wondering. I had always read that both are considered equal in admission decisions.</p>
<p>Here's what Baylor currently reports (these figures, as for all colleges, reflect the entering class that enrolled in fall 2007). </p>
<p>College</a> Search - Baylor University - BU - SAT®, AP®, CLEP® </p>
<p>You can use the same Web-based tool to look up any other college you are interested in.</p>
<p>Baylor is not alone in this. I know a friend who was asked 'nicely' to retake the SAT after admission to Appalachian State.</p>
<p>A few select schools have been outed for calling alumni and asking them to "just donate one dollar" so that they can increase the "percentage of alumni donating to the school"--another factor figured into the rankings--I guess that it's all part of the game--how sad.</p>
<br>
<blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <p>I believe that Wash U and Harvard (and others!) stongly encourage a lot of people to apply so they can show high selectivity, a low acceptance rate on the US News Rankings. Whatever. <<<<</p> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote>
<br>
<p>EXACTLY.... Baylor shouldn't be criticized as long as others play their little "games" in order to increase their rankings (WashU is famous for trying to get you to apply - their mailers make it seem like "they want YOU," when they really just want your app (& money).</p>
<p>Name me a college that DOESN'T encourage a lot of people to apply. </p>
<p>See </p>
<p>Maguire</a> Associates - Services - EMPOWR: Optimizing Student Recruitment </p>
<p>for some perspective. (You may like some of the other links on that site.)</p>
<p>Quote:
Baylor insists its main motive was helping students financially, not boosting the average test scores.</p>
<p>Baylor</a> under fire for offering financial perks to freshmen who retake SATs -- Courant.com</p>
<p>My son received a 33 on the ACT last year as a junior, and the GC did advise him to take the test again this year based on information he had that suggested a 34 would increase the chances of him receiving more merit aid. The 33 was high enough for the schools that he was looking at. I didn't realize that some colleges will let you take these entrance exams as enrolled students and change the amount of merit aid received.</p>
<p>rcefn
1) This is an anomaly the likes of which none of us have ever seen before.
2) I think the students had to retake the test before the school year started.</p>
<p>I think the encouraging part of the second article (the one posted above by NewHope33) was that Baylor's Faculty Senate has condemned the action and asked that it be discontinued.</p>
<p>Clearly, Baylor's gaming the rankings...</p>
<p>The</a> Chronicle: 5/25/2007: Playing the Rankings Game</p>
<p>
[Quote]
Baylor is clear about how it will calibrate its success: On the third page of the 42-page document, Baylor states that its overarching goal is to enter the top tier of institutions, as determined by U.S. News & World Report's college rankings.
[/Quote]
</p>
<p>As Emily Latella would say: "Nevermind"</p>
<p>Baylor</a> backs off plan offering perks to retake SAT</p>
<p>Bizarre as I find the Baylor program I can think of a rationale other than simply gaming the USNews ranking. </p>
<p>Apparently bond rating agencies use both SAT score and rankings in setting the ratings for colleges. Rather than simply looking at financial statements, they consider, I suppose, the demand for the educational services the college offers. Increasing their SAT scores could improve Baylor's credit rating, which could reduce its borrowing costs. Depending on how much this factor was limiting the university's rating beforehand, it might be possible for Baylor to come out way ahead financially even after paying many students to retake the test.</p>
<p>By the way, unless Baylor is very different than most colleges, the Faculty Senate coming out against the plan probably had much less to do with the decision to drop it than did the publicity. Faculty Senates are always condemning things the administrations do, and are usually politely ignored.</p>
<p>afan, does this mean that the schools that recently have gone test optional could have their credit rating go down and have their borrowing costs increased?</p>
<p>New York Times follow-up: </p>
<p>Hmmm. Yesterday Son got a "likely" letter from Baylor. He also got a cute litte fill in the blank letter from them. It said something like "We think you are amazing because of your terrific test scores." I thought, that's why they want him - high test scores!</p>
<p>I don't know what the credit agencies are doing with SAT optional schools. I heard about the role of ranking and SAT scores before SAT optional caught on as big as it is now.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Perhaps it's just part of Baylor's efforts to expand extracurricular activities. I mean what else is there to do in Waco?
[/quote]
Hey, I went to Baylor for a year, and I'll have you know that there is a Taco Bell right next to campus!</p>
<p>
[quote]
"Go Fightin' Wacos!" or whatever they call themselves.
[/quote]
That would be "Sic' em, Bears!"</p>