by Drue Allison
There have been recent changes to the SAT test this past test season. The main change in the score is going from 2400 to 1600. This is how the original test was set up, but after many years will revert back to the way it was in the beginning.
Students can now guess on any number of answers, and it will not hurt their score. This new ruling may encourage students to guess on more question than before and may help them in the long run.
New methods of scoring including Sub-Scoring and Cross-Test scores will be included. Only certain categories fall under this umbrella, though, including: “Reading and Writing and Language: Command of Evidence and Words in Context. Writing and Language: Expression of Ideas and Standard English Conventions. Math: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math” (SAT Suite of Assessments).
The strengths and weaknesses of students will be better assessed and presented in a light that is easier for colleges to understand. This can also help the student more easily choose the college and career they want to go into. There will also be an optional written response section that is scored in a different category than the other sections of the exam.
The SAT has long been one of the most important tests in the entirety of one’s high school career. From the depiction in movies to past horror stories told by older siblings, it seems that the SAT’s have been turned into a monstrous thing that can decide the fate of someone’s college career. This year, however, the main focus seems to be on individual student’s abilities and how to make sure they do the best they possibly can.
It is yet to be decided if this change is for the better. But it can be said this will not be the last time the test is changed. This years test seems to be centered around the student and not as much as the score. Hopefully, the score will not define the student for years to come.