The two most important tests for college admissions, the SAT and ACT, have changed their formats.
In what officials say is the most significant change to higher education admissions, the SAT is adding a writing section, altering its math and verbal sections and eliminating its writing subject test. The ACT is now offering an optional writing section.
Algebra II, a subject not previously tested, is now included in the SAT mathematical component, while comparisons of quantity have been eliminated.
In the verbal section — now known as the critical-reading section — analogies have been eliminated as well.
Most importantly, the SAT has added another 800 points to its total possible score. These additional points are awarded based on the new, mandatory writing section.
Students who take the SAT will now be required to spend 25 minutes writing a personal essay expressing their opinion on student issues like underage drinking and school dress codes.
Since its first test in 1926, the SAT has experienced many changes. But SAT officials said none of the changes have held as much significance for higher education as this year’s.
After a 2003 report from the National Commission on Writing for America’s Families, Schools and Colleges, explaining the significance of writing in the current education system, the College Board decided to add the section to its standardized test.
The Board of Trustees at the College Board selected a panel of University Administrators, English professors, high school teachers, and college students from across the country to develop the new test.
“The new test is designed to be less coachable and to capture more accurately what students learn in school,” said Larry Summers, president of Harvard University. “It also promises to demonstrate more clearly the kinds of skills students need to succeed, such as writing.”
As a result of the new mandatory section, the SAT II writing subject test is no longer being administered.
The essays will be scored by trained high school and college teachers with at least three years classroom experience. Scores will range from a two to 12, with the graders’ comments included on the score report.
The ACT has also added a written component, but it will remain optional.
“By offering the ACT writing test as an option, we are providing a flexible solution rather than imposing a single approach on all students and institutions,” said Richard Ferguson, CEO of ACT.
The ACT was the first to administer the essay portion. On February 12, approximately one-third of students taking the ACT took the written portion. On its next testing date, more than half of the students wrote the essays.
For admission in the fall of 2006, only 18 percent of four-year colleges — including LSU — will require the essay portion of the ACT.
“I am very excited that we are requiring the essay,” said Andy Benoit, Director of Recruiting Services. “I think this will encourage a more well-rounded student.”
Jean Gilman, assistant director of Recruiting Services, said the University has been working very hard to make sure students are aware of the requirements.
The department is in constant contact with high schools, guidance counselors and parents. Officials say they have been aware of the testing changes for nearly a year and have made sure to get the word out.
In a March 2003 field trial, more than 45,000 students around the nation took the ACT with the writing section. Score reports from the trial show little alteration in students’ scores.
Recruiting Services officials said that these changes are expected to alter high school curriculums. Teachers will likely require more written assignments, and Algebra II enrollment will similarly increase.
The University will maintain its Fall 2005 standards in the fall of 2006 for the SAT as well as the ACT. The written components will not factor into admissions but will instead be analyzed by the scholarship department and will be used to decide scholarship awards.
“We have been impressed by the careful, thoughtful process that institutions have gone through to arrive at the policy that works best for them,” said Jon Erickson, ACT’s vice president of educational services.