''Comprehensive Review'' Mirrors Methods Suggested by League`s 2001 Study, ''Spotting Talent and Potential in the Business World''
ADVISORY--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Jan 29, 2002--WHO: National Urban League president Hugh B. Price
WHAT: Is available to discuss how the League`s groundbreaking study, ''Spotting Talent and Potential in the Business World: Lessons from Corporate America for College Admissions,'' contains recommendations for revising the college admissions process that mirror those embraced recently by the University of California-San Diego.
Conducted by DYG, Inc., the study underscores the pitfalls of over-relying on such tests as the SAT as criteria for identifying and selecting the best and the brightest for admission to top tier schools. Based on a survey conducted exclusively among corporate presidents, CEOs, CFOs, and COOs, as well as senior VPs and VPs of the nation`s Fortune 1000 companies, the study`s key findings reveal the following:
- 91 percent rated ''character'' (defined as integrity, the ability to overcome obstacles, determination, and drive), as the most crucial attribute for achieving long-term success in business, followed by ''communication skills'' and ''leadership skills.''
- 96 percent said standardized test scores are ''not very important'' to long-term success in business.
- When asked how much weight should be attached to SAT scores in college admissions, 58 percent said ''a lot of weight, but less than today`s level'' and ''much less weight than today`s levels.''
- Of the executives who could recall their SAT or ACT scores, the majority (37 percent) scored in the middling 1000 - 1299 range. This mirrors precisely the talent pool of fully meritorious applicants who possess enormous promise yet whose prospects of being admitted to top-tier institutions are diminished by undue reliance on SAT and ACT scores and grades and by insufficient consideration of those attributes identified in the League`s survey that contribute to success in the real world.
Among other topics, Price can discuss how an admissions process such as UC-San Diego`s can ultimately contribute to a more diverse and successful student body, and later, a more diverse and successful corporate talent pool.
CONTACT: Media relations director Leslie Dunbar at 212-558-5438 or [email protected], to arrange an interview or to request copies of the study press release, results and related materials.
|
