Dr. Stephen Himes • November 16, 2022

Storyboards Deep-Dives Into SFFA v. UNC-Chapel Hill and Harvard

Storyboards Grapples with what the Supreme Court is Likely to Do to College Admissions Next June--And What It Means For Students

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Even if you're not a constitutional lawyer, you may have heard about Students for Fair Admissions vs. UNC and Harvard recently.  Most news articles reported that the Supreme Court is poised to end Affirmative Action in college admissions, and I think that's probably right.  But when you really dig into the cases....


It's possible that the entire college admissions system gets upended


Not only am I a career educator, I'm an attorney whose Ed.D. specialized in Civil Rights in Education Law.  My dissertation, which won the statewide "Dissertation of the Year" Award at the University of Missouri, dealt with DEI issues in the K-12 context.  I studied the effect of the Supreme Court's decision in Parents Involved v. Seattle Schools (the "the way to stop discriminating on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race" case) had on resegregating public schools.  So, I'm very versed on Grutter v. Bollinger, Bakke v. California, Fisher v. Texas (both times), and the other precedents at issue here, as well as the substantive inner workings of college admissions.


I have poured over all 4.5 hours of oral argument, reviewed the Supreme Court transcript, and analyzed the trial court decision (and deep-dived into the footnotes, where the really informative stuff is).  Last week, I also attended the national Education Law Association Conference (where I've presented three times before on civil rights in education issues), and roundtabled and participated in sessions with lawyers and professors in this field to figure out just what the heck is going on. 


Even if the Supreme Court doesn't get as radical as I think it might, these cases tell us a lot about how Holistic Admissions work in practice.


Regardless of your political leanings, the trial court decisions give us a window directly into the Holistic Admissions process itself, aside from the diversity issues involved in the lawsuit.  Basically, UNC-Chapel Hill and Harvard opened their books (including specific notes from admissions officers) to show us exactly what happens when your student's application lands on the other end of the platform.


If your student did the Storyboards program, you already know most of this!  (Tbh, it's nice to have it confirmed by the federal courts).  Each student gets individualized consideration, and if you listened to oral argument, both Justices Jackson and Roberts talked a lot about storytelling in the context of academic achievement and overall profile. 

 

Really, from our point of view, the trial courts in both cases do a great job showing us how Holistic Admissions works--again, regardless of your politics, this is how the system works. At Storyboards, we're figuring out what the Supreme Court's potential rulings mean for kids and schools before it happens.  Because, as we saw this year, the Supreme Court isn't shying away from overturning decades of precedent and completely upending an entire field of law, no matter the practical realities in real people's lives.


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More Than Just Numbers: The True Meaning Behind Test Scores and GPAs

By Stephen Himes • December 17, 2024
We all know that colleges place a lot of emphasis on standardized test scores and GPAs when evaluating applicants. But have you ever stopped to wonder - what do these numbers really tell us? The research is clear - test scores and grades are largely a proxy for one key factor: how likely a student is to graduate. That's it. These metrics don't necessarily reflect someone's true "merit" or "deserving" of a spot in the incoming class. Let me give you an example to illustrate this point. Imagine two students, both strong applicants. Student A scored a 28 on the ACT, thanks to extensive test prep and family resources to support their studies. Student B, on the other hand, scored a 26 using only free ACT prep materials. Does the 28 ACT score mean Student A "deserves" admission more? Not necessarily. Colleges recognize that the 28 score may simply indicate Student A had more access to tools and support that boosted their test performance - not that they are inherently "smarter." Meanwhile, Student B's 26 may actually be a stronger indicator of their true academic abilities and readiness for the rigors of college. If they've demonstrated other qualities like resilience, creativity, and a genuine passion for learning, they could be an even better fit for the school's culture and mission. You see, college admissions isn't just about raw numbers. It's an art and a science, blending quantitative metrics with a holistic assessment of each applicant as a unique individual. Colleges aren't just looking to "rack and stack" candidates by test scores and GPAs. They want to build diverse classes of students who will thrive on their campuses and contribute to the community in meaningful ways. So the next time you're feeling discouraged by your test scores, remember - they don't tell the whole story. Colleges are increasingly looking beyond the numbers to find students who will be successful and make a positive impact. Focus on showcasing your full authentic self, and the rest will fall into place. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. How have you navigated the college admissions process, and what role have test scores and grades played?

How Colleges Use Test Scores and GPA Data: "Readiness" More Than "Merit"

By Stephen Himes • December 11, 2024
You're probably aware that most colleges have "gone test-optional" in recent years. In the next post, we'll discuss what that actually means. For now, let's talk about how the pandemic changed the way colleges use test scores and GPAs.

Triangulating Student Readiness with Test Scores and GPA

By Stephen Himes • December 5, 2024
Colleges use test scores and GPA data to assess an applicant's "readiness" for their academic environment, not just raw "merit." This involves a process of "triangulation" using multiple data points. First, they look at your GPA - the strongest predictor of college success. They'll consider both your core academic GPA and your overall GPA to get a sense of your preparation. Next, they review your high school's profile to understand the rigor of your curriculum and how your GPA compares to peers. This contextual information helps them evaluate your readiness. Finally, your test score serves as a check on the GPA analysis. It can indicate whether you challenged yourself appropriately or if your grades don't fully reflect your abilities. By considering these factors together, rather than in isolation, colleges can make an educated guess about your likelihood of thriving on their campus. This "triangulation" is more art than science, but it's how they assess "readiness" over pure "merit."  The key takeaway is that test scores and GPA aren't just about ranking applicants. Colleges want to understand if you have the academic preparation to succeed, not just who "deserves" admission the most. As long as your scores contextualize your full application, they can be a helpful part of this evaluation.

The ACT Test is Evolving: What it Means for College Admissions

By Stephen Himes • November 19, 2024
The pandemic has radically transformed the standardized testing industry, breaking the long-standing dominance of high-stakes exams like the ACT. While testing isn't going away entirely, educators now have more flexibility to question the assumptions behind these assessments. This shift is reflected in the recent changes to the ACT itself. The test is scaling back, making the Science section optional and shortening the overall exam "to make the testing experience more manageable for students." The rationale reveals a key truth - ACT scores are largely a function of test preparation, not necessarily academic ability. Mastering the ACT is more about learning the test's idiosyncrasies than demonstrating higher-order skills. This is why colleges are increasingly moving towards "test-optional" policies. The ACT content doesn't strongly correlate with the knowledge and critical thinking needed to succeed in college. Scores have limited utility for admissions decisions beyond triangulating GPAs and high school profiles. For the ACT as a company, this presents a challenge. To stay relevant, they must prove the test provides colleges the data they need. The elimination of the Science section, for example, may be an attempt to make the exam more aligned with the curriculum. Ultimately, the evolution of the ACT signals a broader rethinking of standardized testing's role in higher ed. As the non-profit organization transitions to private ownership, the pressure to monetize and modernize the exam will only intensify. This could accelerate efforts by colleges to collectively develop "best practices" for using test scores. The goal will be ensuring these assessments genuinely reflect student readiness, not just test-taking prowess. It will be an interesting transition to watch unfold.

Putting Your High School Transcript in Context for Colleges

By Stephen Himes • October 22, 2024
Gone are the days when you could simply plug your test scores and GPA into a matrix to predict college admissions odds. Post-pandemic, test data has become less reliable and colleges are questioning its value altogether. Grades, on the other hand, remain the top factor in admissions decisions. But interpreting those grades requires understanding the full context of your high school experience. There's a misconception that certain grading scales and weighting systems create inherent advantages. 4.0 vs. 4.0 weighted, letter grades vs. percentages, even "ungrading" systems - colleges know these are just different ways schools choose to evaluate student learning. The key is that grades only have meaning within the context of your particular high school. Colleges collect data on how students from your school have historically performed in college. They read your school profile closely, especially if many applicants come from there. So while grades are extremely important, colleges don't simply "rank" applicants by the numbers. They use that data, along with other application materials, to assess your overall "readiness" in a more holistic, contextual way. If there are any dips or anomalies in your transcript, you can provide that context in the Additional Information section or through your school counselor. Colleges recognize that the learning process is more important than perfection.  The bottom line is that your high school record needs to be understood in light of your unique circumstances and environment. Focus on developing your skills and knowledge, not just optimizing your GPA. That's what will truly prepare you for success in college.

The Rise of Experiential Learning: Boosting Your College Application

By Stephen Himes • October 3, 2024
With the loosening of high-stakes testing under ESSA, and the pandemic further disrupting standardized assessments, colleges are seeking new ways to evaluate applicants beyond just grades and test scores. Enter the rise of "experiential learning" - hands-on, project-based approaches that go beyond traditional classroom instruction. Things like internships, community-based research, and interdisciplinary "ungrading" programs are gaining traction. Colleges recognize these experiences develop crucial real-world skills like collaboration, independent work, and problem-solving. They signal an applicant's readiness to thrive on campus and contribute meaningfully. So if you've participated in these types of learning opportunities, be sure to highlight them in your application. Mention them in your Activities List or Additional Information section. Show how they've shaped your interests, skills, and personal growth.  Admissions teams will use this to complement your transcript and gauge your overall preparedness. And if your school district has profiled these offerings well, colleges will understand the unique value you can bring to their community. The bottom line is that experiential learning is becoming a key differentiator in a crowded applicant pool. Showcase these experiences to help admissions officers envision you as a successful, engaged student on their campus.

Don't Just List Extracurriculars - Show Their Impact

By Stephen Himes • September 19, 2024
Colleges today aren't just looking for a long list of club memberships and positions. They want to see the real-world skills and experiences you've developed through your extracurriculars. Gone are the days of "gunning" for activities just to pad your resume. Admissions teams can spot that a mile away. Instead, they're looking for depth - how you've made a tangible impact through the things you're passionate about. On your application's Activities and Honors sections, focus on conveying your skills and accomplishments, not just titles. What did you actually do, and what did you deliver? Demonstrate your ability to organize, lead, and create change. And remember, extracurriculars aren't just school-based clubs. Anything you do outside the classroom that reveals your character, identity, and real-world responsibilities is fair game. Caring for family, creative hobbies, even a part-time job - these all speak to the qualities colleges value. The key is to show admissions officers how your experiences have shaped you as a person and prepared you for the academic and social demands of college. Don't just list your activities - let them see the impact you can have on their campus.