SAT Fatigue?

A small decline in the SAT scores this year has people wondering if it is student fatigue. The SAT says that evidence is not conclusive based on research.

Colleges are saying that, overall, the scores are down. But, the high school grades are not down, the grade point averages are not down, and the overall quality of students applying is not down. Some colleges are seeing a 4-5 point drop and other institutions are seeing a 15 point drop.

Justin Pope from boston.com writes that The College Board, SAT, did research on what adding 45 minutes for the newly added writing portion would do to student fatigue. Snacks were to be allowed to make up for any fatigue. The College Board's conclusion was that there would be no fatigue. However, others looking at the same data drew different conclusions.

Since the cost went from $28.50 to $41.50, fewer students may be taking the test for the second or third time. If the test is taken by mostly first-timers, this could account for the drop also. And, a survey shows that as many as half of the students were not given breaks to have snacks.

The College Board is going to study the data again to see what they can find the second time around. After the scoring errors this spring, The College Board can not afford to lose credibility again. Colleges expect the scores to be accurate and base acceptance and financial aid on the scores. Again, the question has to be asked, "Are we placing way too much emphasis on one test?"

Read more on SAT Scores Drop and ACT Scores Falling, More on The SAT and Admissions by Lynn Byrne. Related article: He'll Cheat For You on the SAT

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