Multiple Measures for College Readiness

Roughly one third of all U.S. high school graduates do not enroll in college soon after earning a diploma. There are many reasons why students do not do so, including work obligations, affordability concerns and lack of academic preparation. Yet research suggests that many of these students often aspire to a college education. Helping these students turn aspiration into action is a policy priority for states. One important factor in successful transitions for high school to college is demonstration of college readiness--traditionally measured by course seat time. However, as one strategy to enhance student transitions from high school to college, statewide and system-wide admission policies are beginning to assess college readiness through multiple measures. This Education Trends report reviews these multiple measures, provides a deeper look at competency-based assessments, and offers policy considerations for state and system leaders. Key takeaways include: (1) At least 18 states have complete or partial alignment between high school graduation course requirements and statewide or system-wide admission standards; (2) Instead of completing coursework, a growing number of states allow high school students to pass competency-based assessments to demonstrate mastery of subject content; and (3) State, K-12 and higher education leaders should continue to work closely and explore and evaluate more effective measures to gauge students' college readiness and chances of success.