The last thing anybody wants to do is sit for a meaningless test. Entrance exams like the SAT & ACT should be able to inform both test takers and target institutions about the likelihood of success at the next level. So do they? Amy and Mike invited educator David Blobaum to explore the predictive validity of test scores in college admissions.

What are five things you will learn in this episode?

1. Research says that SAT/ACT scores are better predictors of success at Ivy-plus colleges than are high school grades–why?

2. Have any other colleges beyond the Ivy-plus colleges made similar statements?

3. Why have colleges not gone back to requiring test scores then if they're so predictive?

4. Do test-optional colleges value SAT/ACT scores?

5. Are test-blind colleges blind to all tests?

MEET OUR GUEST

David Blobaum graduated from the University of Chicago with honors both from the college and in his major. In college, he took seriously the University of Chicago’s aim of a “Renaissance” or well-rounded education and took courses in 17 different disciplines, ranging from Statistics and Economics to Philosophy and Art History. Since then, he has devoted himself to helping students reach their potential on the SAT and ACT and, more broadly, to help them succeed through education. 

To that end, in 2013, he founded Summit Prep with a former UChicago classmate. They now have two tutoring centers in New Jersey, and their team of SAT/ACT experts privately tutors over 500 students per year. David is a consultant to schools on SAT/ACT best practices, personally trains each Summit Prep tutor one-on-one, and tutors a select few students himself. David not only teaches students the necessary subject matter but also motivates them to continually strive towards their potential.

David first appeared on the podcast in episode 79 to discuss Why The SAT And ACT Are Awesome, in episode 582 to discuss The Need For Testing Sites In California, and in episode 421 for a Sponsor Spotlight.

Find David at https://summitprep.com/.

LINKS

Common Data Set

AP Exam Scores Are Important For College Admissions 

The Rumors Are... True. Testing is Coming Back.

SAT And ACT Scores Are More Predictive Than Grades?

RELATED EPISODES

HOW GRADING POLICIES INFLUENCE GRADE INFLATION

WHO LOSES WHEN WE ABOLISH ENTRANCE EXAMS?

WHY TESTS MATTER: STUDENT PERSPECTIVES

WHY UC WAS WRONG TO STOP USING THE SAT

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS

Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you’re interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.