Standardized Testing: Updates and Clarifications
Dear Parents:
Winter is here! The snow is falling, and our students are having a snow day! I have had the opportunity to review lots of articles for our February newsletter due to the weather. I have found two articles that are great information for both parents of sophomores and juniors, as well as information for parents with students in the Class of 2025 and beyond.
The first article is about the New SAT format. It will be introduced officially to the class of 2025, with the PSAT in fall, 2023 using the new digital format. It will be shorter and no longer use No. 2 lead pencils. Fortunately, standardized testing will continue to be a tool for students to use as they plan for their college applications. Submitting test scores when they are good scores, are a great thing to do. Studies are repeatedly showing since March 2020, that students who submit good test scores, have a greater chance of being accepted to colleges that are test-optional, than students who do not submit test scores.
The second article is also from Compass, a national test prep organization. I am fond of their Blog but have found the quality of their test prep operation locally is not always consistent. When working with large, national companies, the quality of service is sometimes compromised. The Compass Blog is excellent and always a great resource for parents and students.
Enjoy February and the long Presidents’ Day weekend. When I was in high school, we did not have Presidents’ Day weekend, rather, we celebrated President Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th and President Washington’s birthday on February 22nd. I hope our juniors are using the long weekend to visit colleges, since college visits are a great way to demonstrate interest to schools, and to better know if a college is one that would be a good school to attend.
Sincerely,
Catherine L. Marrs, CEP
The New Digital SAT
The days of the #2 pencil may be numbered, as College Board is on its way to a fully-digital replacement of the SAT. This post shares what is currently known about the new exam and also offers discussion of the unknowns that will become clear over the next 18 months.
The College Board is revealing the most important facts about the digital SAT while still leaving room for necessary follow-up on the details.
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PSAT National Merit FAQ
The NMSP is a program administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in cooperation with the College Board to recognize high achieving high school seniors. Some recognition levels are based purely on junior PSAT/NMSQT scores, while other levels have additional qualifications.
The NMSC gives out approximately $50 million in scholarships each year, and some colleges provide lowered—or even free—tuition...