Colleges Don’t Care if Kids Can Write

At least on the SAT, where you may need only write long words

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 20, 2007 3:57 PM CDT

(Newser) – The hours and dollars spent on SAT writing preparation might be for naught, the Boston Globe reports, as 56% of four-year colleges don’t even use the newest section of the aptitude test. Skeptics find fuel in a study showing that big words were all it took to achieve near-perfect scores. "These aren't higher-level learning measures," one admissions officer says.

The SAT’s third section was one of a number of changes instituted in 2005 to address concerns that the test didn't effectively measure college readiness. Students have only 25 minutes to read the essay question and draft their response, an amount of time one admissions director calls insufficient for achieving anything of value. "It's a real shame," said one high-school junior. "I feel it's what I've prepared the most for."

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Many universities ignore the written portion of the SAT tests, frustrating many students who prepare for them. (Shutterstock.com)

The debate regarding the written portion of the test is only the latest point of contention in what has been decades of controversy over the necessity of the test and validity of its results. (Shutterstock.com)

In spring 2005, the SAT was expanded from the traditional two sections of reading and math to three, adding 45 minutes to the three hour duration and the possible point total to 2,400. (shutterstock.com)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

A fictionalized high-stress SAT prep environment addresses the workload many students undertake for the written portion of the test. (usopsama2 (YouTube))

View larger videos >>

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Road to Ivy Paved With Rejection Letters

Thin-letter notices reach students in record numbers

(NEWSER) - The dreaded thin letter from college admissions offices is cluttering mailboxes in record numbers this year, but you'd think the elite of the elite would be safe. Not so, reports the Austin American-Statesman, which talks to local top students, including one who capped his impressive high school record with perfect scores on his SAT and ACT but failed to sway Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, and others. More»

Freshmen More Stressed Than Ever

First-year college students report low emotional health

(NEWSER) - College freshmen might not be learning much —but that doesn’t mean they’re not stressed. The levels of emotional health in incoming freshmen hit a record low last year, probably thanks in part to the recession. According to an annual survey, students who rated themselves as having “below average” emotional health rose, while those who said they had “above average” emotional health fell to 52%. In 1985, 64% of students claimed “above average” emotional health, the New York Times reports. Parental unemployment was also at a record high. More»

Average SAT Score Slips Again

College Board dismisses 'a couple points,' touts test-takers' diversity

(NEWSER) - The average SAT score for 2007 was the lowest in years, but that's not necessarily bad news. Scores from round two of the revamped college-entrance exam declined an average of seven points nationwide, which the College Board chalks up to greater participation, particularly among students who weren't on a traditional college-prep path, the AP reports. More»

Has Wiki Replaced the College Library?

Not quite: Undergrads still turn to more traditional sources

(NEWSER) - Contrary to expectations, college students are not rushing online for answers to research assignments. A new survey shows only 3% of undergraduates with research tasks went to Wikipedia first and only 13% tried search engines. The largest number, 40%, turned to course materials first and 23% sought out the library. More»

Students Win $2.85M on SATs

College Board settles class-action lawsuit over incorrect scores

(NEWSER) - Students who took the SAT exam in 2005 and received incorrect scores have settled a class-action lawsuit with the test makers to the tune of $2.85 million, the New York Times reports. Over 4,000 students who sat the examination received scores that were artificially low—as much as 450 points out of 2,400—because their answer sheets had become damp. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Colleges Don’t Care if Kids Can Write