Students in grades 6–10 enter their math and reading MAP Growth scores into the College Explorer. The tool then combines research linking MAP Growth scores to ACT and SAT scores with NWEA research on how students typically grow over time. Using these relationships, the College Explorer projects students’ MAP Growth performance through grade 11 and translates those projected scores into estimated ACT and SAT outcomes (we do not have similar linking for ACT Science or ELA).

The College Explorer allows students to see how their current performance and potential future growth may relate to college readiness, target colleges, and areas of study. The tool identifies the ACT or SAT scores typical of students in various colleges, universities, and majors around the country using NWEA’s MAP Growth data, the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard, and the College Board’s report linking SAT scores to college majors. By seeing both where they are likely to score by 11th grade and the scores that are common in individual universities or majors, students can learn what kinds of colleges or majors will be a good fit for their score profile.

Mapping the Road to CollegeNo. Rather than serving as a grade-level benchmark or a determination of whether a student is currently “on track,” the College Explorer is designed to illustrate possible pathways and future outcomes—not to predict or guarantee admission. Results are driven by correlated data entered into the tool, and college admission is not guaranteed.

Data for the College Explorer comes from three leading sources: NWEA’s MAP Growth data, the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard, and the College Board’s report linking SAT scores to college majors. The MAP Growth data is based on 2025 norms, which provide the most accurate, current, and comprehensive picture of student learning. The 2025 norms determine where students are likely to land in 11th grade. The College Explorer uses the latest College Scorecard information and the most current linking study matching MAP Growth scores to ACT and SAT scores, ensuring estimates are based on the most recent data available.

Yes. A student’s score on a test is not destiny. There is plenty of room for students to grow faster or slower than average, year over year, so projections can change as new scores are entered. Grade 6 represents the earliest opportunity to provide reasonable estimates of students’ trajectories, while still providing plenty of time for course correction and planning.

The College Explorer tool assumes a student will grow at an average rate (50th percentile). If there is a significant gap between where a student is today and where they want to be, MAP Growth tools like Student Profile and Goal Explorer can help determine goals that are realistic and attainable.

The College Explorer helps students explore post-secondary academic pursuits and answers the question, “what might be possible?” By seeing how their current performance and potential future growth may relate to college readiness, target colleges, and areas of study, students can identify goals worth working toward and use the tool, together with goal setting, to build a plan and put post-secondary dreams within reach.

The College Explorer is a tool for students to use with guidance counselors, teachers, or parents to plan for their academic future. Together with goal setting and parent conferences, College Explorer can help students develop a plan, consider new possibilities, and work towards their post-secondary goals.