The SATs are getting a makeover.
The new test will feature a persuasive-writing section and additional math content and will begin in March 2005. Because Athens City Schools' curriculum already focuses on these skills, the changes will pose few problems for Athens High School students, said Kathleen Stotts, an Athens High School guidance counselor.
Athens' curriculum includes a lot of writing, Stotts said. Beginning their freshman year, students have required term papers.
These students are prepared to write
she said.
According to The College Board (http://www.collegeboard.com/), multiple-choice questions on grammar and usage and a written essay will compose the new writing section. Analogies will be replaced by short reading passages in the verbal section.
Third-year college preparatory math will be added to the math section while quantitative comparisons will be removed, according to the College Board Web site.
Grading of the SAT will remain the same, with verbal and math being graded on a scale of 200-800 points, and the writing section will be an additional 200-800 points.
However, students will have to pay $10-$12 more to take the test, according to the College Board Web site.
Because of the similarities between the SAT writing section and the SAT II: Writing Test, the SAT II: Writing Test will be eliminated after January 22, 2005.
Students at Athens High School said changes in the test will benefit students at their school.
Writing-wise we have a great program said Sharon Boyd, an Athens High School senior.
AHS senior Greg Dikis said he felt it is a good idea to expand the amount of material on the SATs.
Math and verbal are too narrow
he said.
AHS senior Clay Flaherty said that because a lot of colleges require the SAT II: Writing Test, replacing it with the SAT writing section will make test-taking easier for students.
It will save money and time
and students won't have to take two tests
he said.
The College Board reported the new SAT will aid colleges with admissions decisions because it better matches the curriculum of high schools and colleges.
Because the class of 2006 will be the first to take the new SAT, Ohio University has not yet determined how the test will affect admissions, said Jean Lewis, interim admissions director.
Really
no decisions have been made
she said.
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