Top College Admissions Changes

Financial cutbacks and budget crises in our public universities across the country are changing the typical admissions protocol from years back. US news and World Report talks about 5 things you might find different about the admissions process this year.

1. SATs won't count as much. Students who get good grades but score poorly on tests will have a better shot of getting into their dream schools. College officials say more students are taking ACTs. And some college admissions officers say that high Advance Placement test scores wow them more than any other score.

2. Students will likely choose better colleges. The Department of Education will notify students of the freshman retention and graduation rates of each college to which they apply for financial aid.

3. The "public Ivies" will become more competitive. Highly ranked, affordable public universities have become the hottest schools for this year's high school seniors.

4. Wealthy, good students will be heavily recruited by out-of-state public colleges that are hoping to make up for state budget cuts and endowment declines by getting more students to pay higher tuition. In somebut not allcases, the out-of-staters will take seats away from less wealthy in-staters.

5. Rich international students, especially students from China, will be heavily recruited. In some cases, they will fill seats that would otherwise have gone to less wealthy Americans.

Being up to date can help you save time and money. If the SAT is not a necessary test, then save the money. Those who want to earn their bachelors degree at their local college may find admissions more difficult.