Test Predictors of Success in Academia:
“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”
Alexander Graham Bell
After returning to college at age 43, I felt disappointed to discover that I missed obtaining an ACT score by only one point: 24 vs 25. However, having maintained a GPA of 3.8 clearly demonstrates that this small gap is not an accurate predictor for successfully completing academic requirements and earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accountancy at W.P. Carey School of Business. Another indication of my academic success is membership in Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society.
Even though I have 20 years of successful employment in the field of accounting, I feel the need to obtain an undergraduate degree – especially since the economic downturn. Several cohorts were laid off, which caused me to worry about job stability. It was then when I realized the need to get my accounting degree. Thankfully, my current employer has focused more on my years of experience rather than lack of academic credentials.
My short-term goal is to earn the undergraduate degree. My long-term goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with the vision to be selected as Chief Financial Officer when my supervisor retires. With the appropriate academic credentials, I would be an obvious choice for the position.
In my first job, the Supervisor recognized my abilities, potential, and maturity to work with numbers. Therefore, she served as a mentor teaching me manual payroll processing and accounts payable. When the company closed, I was able to use those two accounting skills to obtain another accounting position at Payroll Clerk. I am currently employed as an Accountant with Aero Automatic Fire Sprinkler. With more than 20 years of employment experience, I have competently handled accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, cash, billings, inventory, and general ledgers. And I’ve maintained such traits and characteristics as being an effective communicator, critical thinker; and known to be analytical, inquisitive, detail oriented, ethical, and intuitive. These employment experiences, along with past academic performance have prepared me for success in your prestigious program. After all, it’s a known fact that the debate and controversy continues on whether the ACT and SAT predicts college success.
In McWilliams’ article: ACT Scores and SAT Scores – Do They Predict College Success? the author points out that these tests attempt to measure college readiness and academic success. The National Bureau of Economic Research found that “parts of the ACT standardized test — the science and reading sections, which sets the test apart from the SAT test — have ‘little or no’ ability to help colleges predict whether applicants will succeed.” And in an article by the National Center for Fair and Open Testing - The ACT: Biased, Inaccurate, and Misused – the authors point out “long-standing problems of bias, inaccuracy, coachability, and misuse” continue to be flaws”neither the ACT or SAT – should be required in the college admissions process.”
Admittedly, these tests do serve a purpose for screening college applicants. Nonetheless, other factors should be considered – especially when the required score is only one point off. With perseverance and determination, I am prepared to achieve success at your School of Business. All that’s needed is an opportunity to do so.
