Thriving at College

Making standardized tests easier won't increase their value: The previous version of the SAT featured reading passages that ranged from 500 to 750 words with multiple questions following each passage. But the new version has reading passages ranging from only 25 to 150 words, with just one question tied to each passage. The ACT has made similar changes: 44 fewer questions overall, a shorter test (125 minutes versus the previous 195 minutes), and more time per question. The ACT’s reading section is now 40 minutes long (previously 35 minutes) and has 36 questions (previously 40). It’s … [Read more...] about Making standardized tests easier won’t increase their value

The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point is experiencing a budget shortfall to the tune of $7.9 million. A year ago they cut $12 million from their budget. But with enrollment continuing to fall, six liberal arts majors are now on the chopping block. Including history. Students in these majors would be allowed to complete their programs. Many of the faculty would stay to teach liberal arts courses to students in other disciplines. But some layoffs are expected. The proposal has caused alarm. In 2015, Governor Walker supposedly tried to remove the phrase “search for truth” from the … [Read more...] about Is Specialization Hurting the Liberal Arts?

Katie Reilly, for Time magazine, writes that "Record Numbers of College Students Are Seeking Treatment for Depression and Anxiety — But Schools Can't  Keep Up." An excerpt: "Between 2009 and 2015, the number of students visiting counseling centers increased by about 30% on average, while enrollment grew by less than 6%, the Center for Collegiate Mental Health found in a 2015 report. Students seeking help are increasingly likely to have attempted suicide or engaged in self-harm, the center found. In spring 2017, nearly 40% of college students said they had felt so depressed in the prior year … [Read more...] about More Students Seeking Help for Anxiety & Depression