Support for the Use of the "New SAT" in the CSU Eligibility Index

AS-2691-05/AA - March 10-11, 2005

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University (CSU) recommend the inclusion of all three components (math, critical reading, and writing) of the "New SAT" into the CSU eligibility index; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate CSU, for equivalency, recommend the inclusion of the optional writing component of the ACT into the CSU eligibility index.

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate CSU recommend that the Admission Advisory Council solicit input to consider in the determination of the reconfiguration of the Eligibility Index.

RATIONALE: Writing competence is integral to success in college. Eligibility indexes (defined in Section 40601, subdivision (f), and Sections 40753 and 40754 of Title 5 of the California Administrative Code) are used for freshman applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0. The eligibility indexes are currently defined as:

1. The formula for computing the eligibility index using the total of the verbal and mathematics scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Tests is (800 x GPA) + SAT.
   
   
2. The formula for computing the eligibility index using the composite score of the American College Test is (200 x GPA) + (10 x ACT).

The pre-March 2005 SAT included two sections, verbal and math. The "New SAT" now includes a writing section. Each of the three components measured by the "New SAT" is fundamental for university level education.

The entire SAT I score was previously used in its entirety in the eligibility index.

The total score of the "New SAT" has been broadly adopted nationally as an element contributing to an admissions decision.

Various groups, such as the English Council and the advisory groups to the English Placement Test (EPT) and Early Assessment Program (EAP), will be solicited for their views on the reconfiguration of the Eligibility Index.