"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."   John Adams, December, 1770

Colleges Report Mystery Decline in SAT Scores
According to a NYTimes May 11 article by Karen Arenson, just two months after the College Board disclosed that thousands of SAT exams taken in October were erroneously scored, some by more than 400 points, a new mystery has arisen over the college admissions exam.
Many colleges are reporting that their applicants' average scores this year on the verbal and math sections of the exam fell significantly, some by more than 10 points. Usually, scores change glacially, a point or two a year.
Colleges and board officials are unsure of the reasons for the decline, and no one points to scoring errors. But the declines have created jitters and puzzlement.

Applications up at first N.J. university to drop SAT requirements
From Geoff Mulvihill of the Associated Press, reported on May 13:
…Last year, Drew became the first four-year college in New Jersey - but one of hundreds across the country - to make SAT or ACT scores an optional part of the application process. Since the change, Drew officials say applications have increased, and they hope the new policy also will attract brighter students.

Lewis University adds three new programs for Fall 2006
B.A. Philosophy of Law
While many universities have Pre-Law concentrations, Lewis will be one of the few to have a dedicated major focused on preparation for Law School. The Philosophy of Law major cultivates critical thinking crucial for success on the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT) by introducing students to logical strategies for constructing strong arguments and detecting fallacies, offering values-based, cross-cultural philosophical background in areas such as philosophy of rights and philosophy of law, and providing writing intensive courses designed to help students publish one of their works - a recommendation by law schools. Having experience with and gaining expertise in the Socratic Method will also be beneficial to Pre-Law students, who will likely find a similar pedagogy employed in law school classes. This program will also be available as a minor.
B.S. Aviation Security
As the leader in aviation education in the Chicago area, the program at Lewis will focus on security issues as they relate to aviation, airports, air travel, and the laws, policies, and procedures impacting response to security issues. This degree program will prepare students for a variety of roles and settings comprising the rapidly growing aviation and transportation security industry. Employment opportunities for graduates of this program will be outstanding.
Biotechnology Minor
Offered through the Department of Biology, Biotechnology involves the application of biological research to produce goods and services that we use everyday. It is one of the fastest growing and most lucrative areas of research science. Biotechnology is used in areas such as agriculture, pharmaceutical research and production, bioremediation, medical research and forensic science. The Lewis Biotechnology major will be distinct as it opens the experience of science to students from all majors.

Costly honor societies won't help kids get into college
Chicago Sun-Times, May 14, 2006 by Dave Newbart
The invitations to join come on fancy letterheads and from such dignitaries as Claes Nobel, a member of the family for which the Nobel Prizes are named.
They have impressive-sounding names: National Honor Roll. The National Society of High School Scholars. Who's Who Among American High School Students.
But do any of these lists or groups, which charge fees to join or purchase books, help high school students get into college?
No, say college counselors and high school advisers. Students should save their money.
"That money would be better spent on a good book or saved toward college costs," said Keith Todd, director of undergraduate admission at Northwestern. He cited other programs, such as the National Honor Society, in which students are nominated by high schools and aren't required to pay fees, as more helpful in getting into college.

Don't dismiss private colleges due to cost
By Shelly K. Schwartz - Bankrate.com
The term "private college" is sometimes a turnoff for college-shoppers because of the institiutions' stratospheric tuition prices. But students and their not-so-deep-pocketed parents should have another look: Most students who attend private colleges across the country are offered financial aid. Often, it's substantial.

Colleges admit few students off the wait list
Tuesday, May 16, 2006, by Anne Marie Chaker, The Wall Street Journal
It's shaping up to be another disappointing year for many students on college wait lists.
A number of selective schools say they are taking very few -- if any -- students from the wait list this year. Harvard University says it will likely take only between five and 10 students, down from the 28 it admitted last year. Georgetown University says it is only taking about 10 students, down from about 70 last year. Others, including Princeton University and Ohio State University, aren't taking any.

Muhlenberg to Offer Degree in Film Studies
The Muhlenberg College faculty has approved the addition of a Bachelor of Arts degree in film studies to the curriculum. The interdisciplinary major, which draws courses from the departments of English, theatre, media and communication, history, sociology, psychology, religion, and languages, literatures and cultures, reflects the College's commitment to liberal education and increasing student interest in film.

Harvard announces plans for the creation of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Harvard expects to approve the new school by the end of fall.
From Inside Higher Education, May 25, 2006
Harvard will add 30 faculty members to the 70 already in the Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Perhaps most importantly, as Lawrence H. Summers, president of Harvard said in a statement: "It marks our recognition of the profound importance of technology and applied sciences for every aspect of our society."

Some Allowed to Sit Out the SAT
By Maria Glod and Jay Mathews, Washington Post Staff Writers, Thursday, May 25, 2006
Officials at George Mason University in Fairfax announced yesterday that the school will allow some high-achieving students to apply for admission without submitting SAT scores, joining a growing list of colleges that are moving away from requiring applicants to take the standardized test. Admissions officials said high school students who rank in the top 20 percent of their class and have a grade-point average of 3.5 or better can apply without submitting SAT scores. Instead, the students will be required to submit two extra letters of recommendation from their teachers and will have to write an essay.

Delaware eliminates Early Decision
Louis L. Hirsh, Director of Admissions, University of Delaware
"After much consideration, the University of Delaware Admissions Committee has decided to eliminate its binding Early Decision admission plan, beginning with applicants for the 2007-08 school year. We will instead notify all of our freshman applicants by mid-March 2007."

Hobart and William Smith Colleges make SAT optional
President Mark D. Gearan announced Tuesday, June 6, that Hobart and William Smith Colleges will make standardized test scores, including the SAT, an optional part of their highly selective admissions process. The Colleges join a growing number of leading institutions that have limited the impact of SAT scores by making them a voluntary component of student applications for regular admission.

In the CPS ARCHIVES:

May 2006 Newsletter
April 2006 Newsletter
March 2006 Newsletter
February 2006 Newsletter
January 2006 Newsletter
November 2005 Newsletter
October 2005 Newsletter
September 2005 Newsletter
August 2005 Newsletter
July 2005 Newsletter
June 2005 Newsletter

Given the nature of the admissions process and the selectivity of many educational institutions, we cannot guarantee admission to any institution.