W. Va. Code R. § 133-24-5
Two important measures of the preparation of high school students for college are the national standardized examinations, the ACT and SAT tests. Under Higher Education Policy Commission policy, students are normally expected to have achieved at least a score of 17 on the ACT exam (830 on the SAT-1 exam) to be eligible for admission to baccalaureate programs. By 2008, the recommended minimum score for baccalaureate institutions is 19 on the ACT composite (910 on the SAT-1) exam. Several of the state colleges and universities have established higher standardized exam scores for admission. Additionally, certain academic degree programs also have a higher ACT score requirement for admission to a program.
Another important standardized assessment indicator for success in college, is the ACT Explore exam which is administered to all eighth grade students in West Virginia schools. Correlation studies prepared by ACT indicate that students who achieve a minimum of 17 on Explore should when preparing to enter college achieve a score of 17 or higher on the ACT test. Similarly, a student who achieves a score of 20 on Explore should achieve at least a 19 on the ACT exam.
Many West Virginia high school students take the ACT Plan assessment in the tenth grade. According to ACT correlation tables, students receiving a 17 on Plan should score at least a 17 on the ACT exam and students receiving a 19 on Plan should score at least 19 on the ACT test. The new assessment program being developed for the K-12 schools will include ACT Plan as a required instrument to be administered to tenth graders.
Although higher scores on standardized admission examinations such as the ACT or SAT-1 are indications of a greater chance for success in college, the possession of the ACT 17 (SAT 830) minimum score is not essential for admission to college. The Community and Technical Colleges in West Virginia have an open admission policy and provide developmental course opportunities for students who have deficiencies in specific academic areas and who need additional help before enrolling in an academic program.
The proposed new requirements for high school graduates being considered by the West Virginia Board of Education will better prepare students for success in college. All students, effective with the 2008 graduating class, would be required to complete a 16-credit academic core. Additionally, students completing the Professional Pathway (college preparatory) track would be required to complete four credits in mathematics, four credits in science, and two credits in foreign language. These requirements, which parallel the new 2008 baccalaureate academic standards, will provide high school graduates a firmer academic foundation.
W. Va. Code R. § 133-24-5