Thread by @James_S_Murphy

What applying to college looked like in 1962:

There's >2000 schools. Most are good.
Don't obsess over prestige.
Preconceptions dominate.
In an age of new knowledge, colleges are in a state of ferment.

Counselors shortages are a problem in 1962, and counseling loads need to be cut in half at most schools.

Private schools had a larger advantage at many prestigious colleges in 1962. But not everywhere.

The SAT had a writing sample (ungraded) in 1962. Students took them much later than they do today, if this book is to be trusted.

In 1962, some people were worried that the expectations for scores were too high.

The ACT was gradually being accepted as an admissions test. It had been used for advising and financial aid(?).

In the 60s it looks like the ACT scale only went out to 36 on the Math section.

ACT published a concordance with the SAT in the early 60s, when it was trying to establish itself as a competitor.

1962: test prep doesn't work!

The 1962 college application guide advises students to look at the character of a school. This school is known for its "escapades."

Legacy preferences in 1962

In 1962, Princeton's avg SAT V was a 645 and avg M was a 680. 24% of the class was legacy, and 2/3 of legacy applicants were accepted.

Oh sister.

Basically no discussion of personal essays in this book. #thegoodolddays, suggesting they were not required or not a source or anxiety.

Here's the book this comes from and a link babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.…