YCBK 53: Why More Schools Are Going Test Optional

In this episode you will hear: (3:11) In this week’s news, “As students return to college, a basic question persists: What are they learning?” by Jon Marcus. What is known publicly about what and whether college students learn is mixed. Some schools insist that measuring learning in college, and reporting the results, is surprisingly hard to do; and that translating those results in a way that laypeople can understand is even harder. (21:38) We are in chapter 53 of 171 Answers and we are discussing why more schools are selecting to go test optional. (41:09) This week’s question is from a mom who wants to know how her child can know whether the major she selects is going to lead to a job she will love and be good at. (54:03) Mark continues his interview with Elaine Griffin Rubin, Senior Contributor and Communications Specialist with Edvisors, in Part II of the 9 federal loan repayment options. (69:43) Mark’s recommended resource of the week is the Hechinger Report. You can access the Hechinger Report at hechingerreport.org.   Don’t forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to   Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy visit  and if you want to see what future episodes will cover just click the red button “See exactly what 171 Answers covers.