Episode #236: Balancing Equity and Excellence in College Admissions

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast

This week, we’re featuring Dr. Sara Haviland, Senior Measurement Scientist at ETS, to discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions. She delves into the complexities of standardized testing, holistic admissions, and the impact of recent societal changes on these processes. Sara provides insights from her research and experience, highlighting the importance of a balanced approach that considers both qualitative and quantitative measures. She explores the implications of test-optional policies, the need for transparent and equitable admissions systems, and the potential role of AI in shaping the future of higher education.

Guest Name: Dr. Sara Haviland, Senior Measurement Specialist at ETS

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Sara Haviland is a Senior Measurement Scientist at the ETS Research Institute, where she leads research on higher education admissions policy. She has over two decades of experience studying the social, policy, organizational, and individual factors that affect education, training, and careers; she is particularly interested in how education pathways can improve individuals’ life and career trajectories. Her current research focuses on post-secondary admissions, testing policies, and durable skill development and documentation. She produces both academic and translational pieces to support evidence-based practice in these spaces. Sara holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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