A College Counselor's Look at the College Test Prep Paradox

by Mandee Heller Adler

As a college counselor I know commercial test prep schools are very expensive. As a college counselor I also know test scores play a major role in college admission decisions at many colleges.

I recently came across a study which shows that students preparing for the college admissions process may not be getting as much help as they think from commercial admission test preparation.

Parents who are thinking about shelling out the big bucks to send their high school student to one of these programs should read the article I’ve pasted below.  I copied it with edits for space/readability.  You can see the entire article on the National Association for College Admission Counseling website at http://www.nacacnet.org/AboutNACAC/PressRoom/2009/Pages/TestPrep.aspx

I, personally, agree with the consensus that more research is needed.  Currently, at my college counseling company, we send students to a handpicked few tutors who have the flexibility and experience to tailor their approach to each student’s goals and needs. And at International College Counselors we’ve had great success with many students – from Florida State to the Ivy League!

Report   Highlights Test Prep Paradox— Paying   for Test Prep Doesn’t Yield Big Returns, But Returns May Still Matter in Light   of Admission Practice

Students preparing for the college admissions process may not be getting as much help as they think from commercial admission test preparation, according to a report commissioned by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Existing research suggests average gains as a result of commercial test preparation are approximately 30 points on the SAT and less than one point on the ACT— substantially lower than gains marketed by test preparation companies.

However, the research report also indicates that some colleges and universities may make inappropriate distinctions among applications based on small differences in admission test scores, making even minimal test score gains potentially important in those decisions. The report suggests more comprehensive research is needed to further understand the impact of specific types of test preparation, as distinct from other factors that may improve test scores.
  
 A   survey of NACAC-member colleges included in the study revealed that in a small   number of cases, colleges report either that they use a cut-off test score in   the admission process or that a small increase in test score could have a   significant impact on an applicant’s chances of being admitted. Such practices   run counter to guidance from NACAC and testing agencies as to the appropriate   use of admission test scores. These realities are likely to complicate the   decisions of students and families trying to determine how best to allocate time and money related to test  preparation.
  
The research points to the need for continued research on the effects of test preparation, particularly as it becomes more widely accessible through a variety of formats and delivery   systems. Some important practical questions   remain unanswered including, are   commercial forms of test preparation any more effective than student-driven test preparation?

The article concludes by saying that research will   continue in order to provide the best information to students and families about how to allocate test   preparation resources and to provide guidance and training to admission   offices about appropriate use of test scores in admission decisions.

NOTE from lead college counselor, Mandee Heller Adler:  I’ll let you know as I know of any further studies or conclusions. 

If you have any other college admissions questions for a college counselor, I’d be happy to answer them.  Please write me here or at my personal email which can be found on my International College Counselors college counseling website.

 

Mandee Heller Adler, Founder and Principal of International College Counselors

www.internationalcollegecounselors.com