Put to the test, SAT proves indecisive

USA Today, The Associated Press, and The Chronicle of Higher Education were among news outlets covering Bates’ 20–year study comparing academic outcomes for students who had submitted SAT scores for admission with those of non–submitters. The study found only minute differences in GPA and graduation rates between submitters and non–submitters (so much for our Christmas card from the College Board). The study did reveal interesting differences in career choice; for instance, submitters were more likely to go into medicine and law (fields that require standardized-test proficiency), but were outnumbered by non–submitters in education and finance.

The findings were presented at a national conference of admissions counselors on Oct. 1 by Vice President Bill Hiss, who presided over the demise of Bates’ SAT requirement in 1984. More on the Web: www.bates.edu/x58748.xml

Speaking of admissions, the national media turned to admissions Dean Wylie Mitchell as a voice for reason amidst the frenzied competition for slots at good schools. The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe were among papers tapping Mitchell on such topics as parental over–involvement in the college search, the summer–school advantage, and students who game the early–decision process with multiple ED applications.

Another face in the news belonged to Oliver Wolf ’06, president of the Bates College Republicans and vice chair of the Maine college GOP organization. Wolf made news at both national party conventions—demonstrating against the Democrats and representing Maine at the GOP gathering—and in the Maine press became a spokesman for college–age Republicans.

Bates itself became a campaign truck–stop during the fall: visiting politicos included Ralph ader’s running mate Peter Camejo; several John Kerry surrogates, including former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, who stayed with Bates archivist and fellow Vietnam vet Chris Beam; and first daughters Barbara and Jenna Bush, who presided over a by–invitation–only event in Chase Hall (photo, page 7).

Short Terms Ebony Magazine  reprinted a 1994 profile of Benjamin E. Mays ’20 in its September issue. The article is excerpted from a forthcoming book by Mays protégé Lerone Bennett Jr. . . . In its report about the local Eclectic Art Gallery, the Nashua Telegraph  mentioned an exhibitor familiar to Batesies: Don Lent, professor emeritus of art. . . . In September the Boston Herald  praised the Boston debut of Salt, a play adapted from Euripides by Bates classicist Lisa Maurizio, directed by John Ambrosino ’01, and premiered here in May. . . . Finally, the University of North Dakota has pulled up its knee socks and fielded a team for the national College Bowl knowledge competitions, the Grand Forks Herald  reported. Perhaps coincidentally, it’s the school’s first team since 1961, the same year UND met Bates on TV’s long–running College Bowl  program. The score: Bates 275, UND 30.