Originally Posted by HowlerKarma
Make admissions tests HARDER. MUCH harder.

And then-- make them surprising. That eliminates the ability to game the system by 'coaching' for them in the first place. In fact, you know what? LET COLLEGES WRITE THEM. Not for-profit test production companies. Pick a college out of the hat every year, and hey, presto-- they get to write next year's SAT.

Everyone gets ONE shot for free. Everyone. But-- only one chance, mind.

Also-- do something about grade inflation. Seriously. Straight A students didn't use to be incapable of writing a coherent essay at a college level upon graduation from high school. This is a problem. Many college educators now regard "I'm in the honors program" as shorthand for "special snowflake syndrome" rather than actual high ability. Nobody flunks STEM classes like those honors students, though-- and nobody looks more amazed that it is happening to them, either. {sigh}


Then-- have students complete college essays under proctored conditions. Two sessions-- that's fine. Time enough to write and revise. Excellent.

Voila-- meritocracy restored.

Yes

Yes

YesYesyesyesyes.