2008 Woodie Awards
ACT report shows lack of college preparation
Jessica Clarkson
Issue date: 11/12/04 Section: News
Only 22 percent of high school graduates who took the ACT test are prepared for college, according to a report released by the non-profit company that administers the exam.
ACT Inc.'s support showed American high school students are no better prepared for college than they were 10 years ago.
Marion O'Rourke, guidance counselor at Murray High School, disagreed.
"There are a lot of programs developed to encourage students to have a solid preparation for college," O'Rourke said. "Because of precollege curriculum students are more prepared than ever before."
Many high schools provide and recommend advanced placement courses or college-level classes for high school students, O'Rourke said. Students who take an advanced placement class and pass the exam can obtain college credit.
Meagan Hensley, freshman from Frankfort, took advantage of the opportunity provided with advance placement courses.
"I felt like I was better prepared for college than people who took the easy way out," Hensley said.
Students who do not prepare academically in high school may be required to take remedial courses upon entering college and may have to spend extra time earning their degrees since most colleges do not offer credit for these courses, O'Rourke said.
Vice President of Student Affairs Don Robertson said the University focuses on freshman retention with freshman orientation, first year leaders and remedial classes.
Robertson said the most popular programs available to students who come to Murray State unprepared include the required orientation class, tutoring and remedial classes.
The decrease in high school graduates being prepared for college has not yet affected Murray State, Robertson said, and it may not.
"Retention rates are going up and are in the mid-70s," Robertson said. "The explanation for the University's success, despite the results of the recent ACT report, may be due to the fact the University has already adjusted to the growing needs of students who are unprepared for college courses."
ACT Inc.'s support showed American high school students are no better prepared for college than they were 10 years ago.
Marion O'Rourke, guidance counselor at Murray High School, disagreed.
"There are a lot of programs developed to encourage students to have a solid preparation for college," O'Rourke said. "Because of precollege curriculum students are more prepared than ever before."
Many high schools provide and recommend advanced placement courses or college-level classes for high school students, O'Rourke said. Students who take an advanced placement class and pass the exam can obtain college credit.
Meagan Hensley, freshman from Frankfort, took advantage of the opportunity provided with advance placement courses.
"I felt like I was better prepared for college than people who took the easy way out," Hensley said.
Students who do not prepare academically in high school may be required to take remedial courses upon entering college and may have to spend extra time earning their degrees since most colleges do not offer credit for these courses, O'Rourke said.
Vice President of Student Affairs Don Robertson said the University focuses on freshman retention with freshman orientation, first year leaders and remedial classes.
Robertson said the most popular programs available to students who come to Murray State unprepared include the required orientation class, tutoring and remedial classes.
The decrease in high school graduates being prepared for college has not yet affected Murray State, Robertson said, and it may not.
"Retention rates are going up and are in the mid-70s," Robertson said. "The explanation for the University's success, despite the results of the recent ACT report, may be due to the fact the University has already adjusted to the growing needs of students who are unprepared for college courses."
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