UGA might consider standardized writing tests

The University of Georgia may begin to consider scores on standardized writing tests in its formula for admitting students, beginning with next fall’s freshman class.

A university committee recommended last week that scores on the writing portions of the SAT or ACT be considered along with math and verbal scores in evaluating which applicants would be most likely to succeed at UGA. University President Michael Adams is epxected to sign off on the plan soon.

The university has required for three years that students submit scores from the writing portion of the SAT, but those scores were not a formal component of the admissions criteria.

After looking at the performance of students who did well on the writing tests, however, officials determined that a good grade was a reliable sign that a student would be able to handle a tough schedule of college courses, said Nancy McDuff, UGA’s director of admissions.

“Also, it’s a pretty good signal to high school students that writing is going to be important when you get to the University of Georgia,” she said.

Applicants’ high school grades and the rigor of their high school schedules will still count more than standardized tests in deciding which students to admit, McDuff said. She said university officials haven’t decided how heavily the writing portion of the tests will be weighed. Standardized tests count for roughly one-third of the admissions score.

Once a student is determined to be academically eligible, admissions officials consider other criteria.

“We then read their essays and look at their activities and teachers’ recommendations,” McDuff said. “We also make sure there aren’t any conduct issues.”

The university has begun receiving applications for admissions next year, McDuff said. Early admissions applications for fall 2009 are due by Oct. 15; applications for regular admission must be postmarked by January 15.

Last year the university accepted 9,626 of 17,334 applicants; of those, 4,830 enrolled.