UC, College Board campaign aims to better prepare low-income students
By Jeong Park
Oct. 22, 2014 7:19 a.m.
The University of California announced on Tuesday a partnership with the College Board to better prepare low-income students from minority backgrounds in California for college admission.
Under the “All In” campaign, the UC’s Early Academic Outreach Program will work with the College Board to help high schools identify high-achieving students using measures such as Preliminary SAT scores.
The partnership will also aim to encourage students to take Advanced Placement courses and the PSAT, a test usually taken by 10th or 11th grade students.
“We just wanted people to be more aware of academic experiences,” said UC spokeswoman Shelly Meron.
As part of the partnership, the College Board will provide the UC and teachers with a list of students with high PSAT scores and preparation materials as well as other resources for AP tests, Meron said.
Meron said the UC is encouraging students to take the test and classes because they may help with students’ test-taking skills and provide students with opportunities for scholarships. Students who score in the top 1 percent in their state on the PSAT are eligible for a National Merit Scholarship.
However, the College Board said that about 30 percent of students with “AP potential” PSAT scores did not take a matched AP course, according to the press release announcing the partnership.
“The test does identify students with potential to succeed,” said College Board spokesman Zachary Goldberg.
Meron said the UC’s Early Academic Outreach Program will work with its partner high schools in districts such as the Los Angeles Unified School District. Because the project already utilizes existing staff and resources, the University doesn’t expect a need for significant funding, Meron said.
UC President Janet Napolitano announced in January that the University would work with the College Board to identify high-performing students and develop strategies for outreach, such as broad-based mailing of college admission information. She also sent out a letter last spring encouraging low-income students with high PSAT scores to apply to the UC campuses.
Compiled by Jeong Park, Bruin senior staff.
