Often seen as the epitome of standardized tests, the SAT has historically drawn a good deal of criticism. Therefore, it is refreshing when its administrators recognize the test’s weaknesses and seek to improve it.
This has been seen most recently in the College Board’s announcement that in the spring of 2016, the SAT will reform its questions to be more real-world based, make the essay portion optional and no longer deduct a quarter of a point for wrong answers.
While all these reforms seem to be welcome changes that will make the test more useful in predicting a student’s academic success, UNC’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions should be wary of the initial scores produced and perhaps even suggest applicants take the test’s competitor, the ACT, in the wake of these changes.
A similar change was recently seen in North Carolina’s standardized testing, as the state switched to Common Core-based tests. Officials explain that the low test scores after the switch were mainly due to the changes, and were not indicative of the students’ aptitude. Though the changes to the SAT are not as drastic, similar logic should be applied.
A massive preparation system has been built around the current test. Countless preparation classes and books will need to be revised to help students ready themselves for the new test. It is unclear how effective these resources will be, as teachers and authors will not have access to past tests to study.
Though these changes do seem to be improvements, there is also the possibility they will not truly improve the effectiveness of the test. Despite this seeming unlikely, there has been criticism of the changes that must be accounted for.
Admissions officers should therefore not require, but urge applicants to take the ACT until these changes can be studied.
