Wondering if the new SAT adversity score will hurt or improve your college admissions decisions? You’re not alone. My clients are flooding my inbox with questions. In addition to math, reading, writing, and essay scores, the College Board will include an “adversity score.” Their goal is to provide a more comprehensive snapshot of the applicant’s background. The SAT and ACT have received much criticism about scores reflecting rich parents’ ability to pay for SAT/ACT tutoring, private high school tuition, and elite summer camps, which result in higher scores instead of students’ basic knowledge and academic skills without these special opportunities. Here are the facts:
The Adversity Score considers the following:
High School:
1. Average senior class size
2. Percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunches
3. AP course availability
4. Scores on AP exams
Home and Neighborhood:
1. Home environment (single parent?)
2. Neighborhood (safety and opportunities)
3. Crime level
4. Family income
5. Family stability
6. Poverty
7. Ethnicity is NOT considered