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What defines whether a student or graduate is ready, willing and able to take the next step in their lives—whether it be college or a career—and be successful?

According to a recent , the answer is much more than a standardized test score.

“We need to think more deeply about the facets of individual readiness,” said Steve Kappler, ACT Interim Vice President, Marketing and Communications. “We know it’s not just one academic, cognitive or behavioral domain that drives readiness. This report is the first time meaningful research has been brought to bear on the holistic picture.”

The report indicates two strategies to help students with college and career readiness (CCR):

1. Broaden the definition of readiness, to include not only traditional academic areas but also “cross-cutting capabilities, such as critical thinking, collaborative problem solving, information and technology skills, and noncognitive skills, such as behaviors, planning, goal setting, and self-knowledge.”
2. Provide earlier feedback and intervention to gauge whether students are on track to achieve CCR. The report recommends “a comprehensive framework… that describes in detail the full range of skills necessary for success, offering individuals clarity about what they need to know and be able to do at key transition points along the K–Career continuum.”

“The report is a good reminder that a single ACT score does not a complete picture make,” Kappler said.

Three takeaways

The report contains at least three major takeaways for higher education professionals, Kappler said. It emphasizes:

1. Thinking more broadly about academic measures. “It’s important to use a series of scores—not just the composite—to understand a student’s cognitive abilities,” Kappler said.
2. Understanding student’s “cross-cutting” capabilities and non-academic skills such as study habits and time management. “We can use data like that to inform early interventions and utilize wonderful student services to help students succeed,” Kappler said.
3. Finding a student’s passion. “Aligning interest inventories with the student’s major helps ensure that students have the passion to overcome obstacles like tough coursework,” Kappler said. 

“This is about retention and transitions,” Kappler said. “It’s not just about admissions but more broadly about how to successfully transfer students onto campus and into careers.”

Visit ACT's website for the .