GCSU third in GA SAT scores

GCSU has ranked third among University System of Georgia Institutions for SAT scores. Georgia Tech and University of Georgia have ranked first and second, respectively. GCSU’s ranking went up from fourth place into Southern Polytechnic University’s spot. According to Dr. Paul Jones, vice president for Institutional Research and Enrollment Management, the USG findings are for "only the freshmen class….each year the university system provides the ranking for the Fall entering class." The USG ranking for 2005 and 2006 shows GCSU composite scores The SAT Math score went up from 558 to 564, while the Verbal score went down from 562 to 561. In regards to the drop in Verbal scores, Jones chalked it up to a new essay required on the SAT The composite score rose from 1,120 in 2005 to 1,124 in 2006. "Scores went down nationwide….we’re pleased we made the score, since scores decreased by five points or more," Jones said. According to Dr. Bruce Harshbarger, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, "SAT is a good measure of basic skills," meaning the SAT is not the only means of a student to gain entry into the university. "It’s not a measure of a student’s work ethic." Jones did state, "We are pleased…it’s not how we make admissions decisions, we take a holistic approach to admissions." The admissions department "looks at what contributions the student can bring. We want to make sure it’s the right fit for the student." Both Jones and Harshbarger agreed some students are not good test-takers, while, others do quite well on the SAT, but GCSU may not be a good fit for the student. The admissions application has an essay required for all entering freshmen, which the admissions department looks at very carefully. Dr. Dorothy Leland, GCSU President, was not available to comment, due to an out-of-town engagement; however according to a press release, Leland was quoted saying " Students with these SAT scores have so many choices, so it’s clear that Georgia College is being recognized for its academic excellence, private school atmosphere and public university price tag." Harshbarger also stated that retention rates have gone up in addition too SAT scores, which appears to be as important, if not more important among university officials here at GCSU. "In 1998, the university had a 55% retention rate, now it’s 85%." Community Service, religious houses and RSO’s are the "three biggest areas" for student growth and activism on campus. "Engagement is the magic button," Harshbarger added. The numbers for HOPE scholarship recipients has also increased, according to Harshbarger. "About 95% come in with the HOPE Grant." Jones added there are other forms of financial aid for students with excellent High School records such as the Goizeta Scholarship. Unfortunately, though with more students scoring higher, the university receives the same amount of funding from USG, which makes it more competitive. The University Advancement Department makes due with the available funds the university can offer in the form of grants and scholarships for high scoring students. "This is great news for GCSU and the state of Georgia," Leland said in a press release. "We’re not only pleased test scores are up, but we continue to be encouraged by the increased retention rates and the number of HOPE Scholars we have been able to keep in the State of Georgia."

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Jan 19 2007. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry