June 2008 Archives

There have been a lot of reports recently regarding findings about the SATs and their recently added essay section.  The basic story is that the new (and longer) SAT test doesn't provide a much better predictor of an applicant's college success than the older version without the essay section.  Here is a link to the Newsday writeup of the story.
While we all know that admissions tests are long and boring (and don't do a good job of predicting college success), they are still a very important part of the admissions process and a part that colleges still take very seriously.  If you are getting ready to apply for college, don't let these reports slow down your preparation for the admissions exams.  It would even be a good idea to get a practice book for the exam that you are preparing for.  Finally, if you are going to take the SAT, I would recommend doing several practice essays, as few students have done a lot of this type of work in high school.  It is important to learn to quickly brainstorm and organize your ideas and then put them on paper. 
While these reports may slow down other students' preparations, the SATs and the essay section are likely here to stay, so make sure that you are prepared for them.