#may sat

[virgam-virtutis]

[virgam-virtutis]

[leannedodge]

When the College Board makes a mistake

It has recently come to light that the College Board misgraded one question in the math section on the May SAT. Check out the question and a discussion of what happened here.

The most troubling part to me? The only way this came to light is because this test was released to test takers through the Question and Answer service. That is, we only know that the College Board made a mistake with grading because this is one of the handful of tests each year for which the questions and answers are released afterwards to students who pay an extra sum to the College Board. An error like this on the June test, in contrast, would be undetectable.

The College Board (like the ACT) administers many test forms that remain unreleased. Both companies also tend to reuse these unreleased tests, often a year or two after an initial administration. Most likely, then, students had previously taken this particular form and had their misgraded scores submitted to colleges. For any of these tests, there’s a lack of transparency. Students are left to trust the SAT and ACT to administer a fair test and grade it correctly.

Realistically, this error will not affect many testakers: the question in play is a free response question, and the issue was that some of the correct answers were simply not counted as correct. But that an error like this could make its way into an actual test is a problem, one that I hope prompts the College Board to revisit its process of test review.

[leannedodge]

New SATs up!

Practice Tests 5 and 6 are now available on Khan Academy (these should be the two tests given in April and May, with one question swapped out from the May exam). Happy test taking!

[bobthebobking]

SAT: There was no longer a flower in his butthole...

Me: Okay so he's changed a lot since... wait.

SAT: There was no longer a flower in his buttonhole...

Me: Oh.

[stormyphoenix]

\m/

[leannedodge]

Should I take it again?

May SAT scores are out today! Some of you may be registered for June. Others of you may be trying to decide whether or not to register for June, for the fall, or stick with the scores you have. Here are a few thoughts:

- Bad news first: If you haven't been thinking about the SAT since May, you're unlikely to have a significant change for June (unless you didn't do any prep for May, or got scores that were different from the range you had been getting in practice). Note that I didn't say it's impossible--just unlikely. Don't let this stop you from taking it if you're signed up, but do start thinking about a long-term study plan for fall.

- If your scores are well within the range for the colleges you're interested in--you've probably done what you need to. If you're thinking of taking the SAT or ACT again, think about your motivations. Remember that colleges care about a lot of other factors as well. And regardless, you can relax: you've gotten the scores you need!

- If you're not reaching your target, are ready to work, and believe you can improve, start thinking about taking the test in the fall. Fall test dates are fine, even for early decision. That gives you the summer to work on the skills you need and to practice question types.

- If you're registered for June and have been working consistently, use the scores from May as an additional piece of information to help you prep. Is there a particular area that you need to address? If you've been continuing to prepare since May, you're likely to be in better shape.

- if you took the SAT and have never thought about the ACT (but aren't happy with your SAT score): Try an ACT practice test! If it goes better for you, then consider prepping for the ACT instead.

- Finally, remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to taking these tests. Do what is right for you and your situation.

[cravingcollege2k15]

Eh

Not too happy with my SAT score. Only 100 points more then lll reach my goal