TAMPA, FL (WFLA) — For college-bound students, the SAT is always stressful. Add an extra twist this year and you have some added pressure. Starting in March, students will have to take a redesigned exam.
According to the college board the new test is meant to, “Focus on the few things that matter most for college and career readiness, and it better reflects what students are learning in class.”
Several local educators don’t see it that way. SAT tutor and former teacher, Mary Wharton Schroeder, believes it’s simply a poorly written version of the ACT.
“It’s meant to dumb-down the test,” Wharton Schroeder said. “It’s laid out the same as the ACT but presented in a way that’s more confusing. And the reason is not a good one.”
The new test, last revised in 2005, focuses on “evidence based reading.” Unlike before, there’s no penalty for wrong answers. The test is also written with a more general and less specific focus.
The PSAT, which dictates National Merit Scholarships, was based off of the new SAT. But up until March students could choose to still take the former SAT. Parents were left wondering if students should go with the old test or risk it and try the new one.
“It’s a dilemma for students, a dilemma for parents, and for people who do what I do,” Wharton Schroeder said. “But I’m well-versed in both tests now and can prepare students either way.”
8 on Your Side talked to Cyndie Schmeiser, the Chief of Assessment for the College Board, the group that administers the SAT. She stands by the new exam and maintains it focuses more on what students need to know for college. She refutes any claims the exam is more confusing and instead calls it “transparent.”
“Instead of giving SAT words that students can memorize the night before and then never use again, the redesigned test uses more everyday words,” Schmeiser said. “We also have free materials that can help students get ready. If they take advantage of those materials they will walk in knowing they’re prepared not only for the test but also for college.”
Sarah Jennewein, a junior in the magnet program at Robinson High School, had that dilemma. She prepared for the PSAT, which goes with the new version of the SAT, in hopes of getting a scholarship. She decided to forego the redesigned test and take the old test before the deadline.
“It was just a little stressful for me not knowing what the results would be and the curve,” Jennewein said. “it’s a number that really defines where you get to be and where you go in the future.”
Jennewein did well on the PSAT and hopes to be a National Merit Scholar. Her mother, Allison, is heavily involved in the school. She recommends parents get as much information about the tests as possible.
“There’s a lot of information that you need to get and its hard to take the time to find all you need to know to really be comfortable,” Allison said. “But the more you prepare with your kids then they’ll go in with more test tasking confidence.”
She, like Schmeiser, recommends using the Khan Academy which provides free SAT materials, or getting a tutor like Wharton Schroeder. Wharton Schroeder, who does 8 two hour sessions with students, recommends taking both the ACT and SAT but putting most attention on the ACT.
“I compare it to when you read the comic strips. You don’t read all of them,” Wharton Schroeder said. “You have certain that appeal to you. Some are more reader friendly. One test is better for some and the other is better for others.”Find out more:Kaplan SAT Changes College Board Information on the Redesigned SATKhan AcademyPrinceton Review: The new SAT
