Standardized+Testing

Standardized Testing General information: ===Yes, the SAT changed! This concordance table, if you can wade through it, is helpful in seeing how new scores compare with old. Also check out this comparison of new and old SAT, a more detailed comparison from College Board, and sample questions from new SAT. ===

A Close Look At the New SAT - Good news: more emphasis on longer passages, rhetorical strategies, and vocabulary in context (all familiar territory for our students) and less on vocabulary in the abstract and grammar. Reading comprehension is very important - even the math problems require reading. For kids for whom reading is a struggle, the ACT might be a better choice (all colleges will accept either), but overall the new SAT should be a better fit for our curriculum than the old. Also, processing speed is less important on the new SAT, which could help balance the emphasis on reading. In math, there's less emphasis on geometry and single-concept questions and more on algebra and data analysis. Finally, the long-mocked essay has turned into a version of a document-based question (DBQ, for our history friends).

Practice test overview.

Standardized Testing FAQs

List of test prep tutors who have worked with WFS students

[|Perfect Score Project], a blog (and book) with lots of free or low-cost SAT strategies, including this January 2014 post on the best free SAT resources. Also, here's an interview with the author with more free tips and some sample SAT advice.

How Early Is TOO Early To Start Test Prep? - As an English teacher, I (Jessica Smith) LOVE the suggestion here about reading.

Good News for Poor Test-Takers: a helpful article for anyone who wants to know more about the test optional option at many colleges, which includes reporting on a study showing that students who apply test optional do just as well in college as those who submit test scores.

At Test-Optional Colleges, Students Surpass the Scores They Don't Submit - from The Chronicle of Higher Education, another article talking about the abilities of students who apply test-optional. Scoring high on standardized tests is NOT the only accurate predictor of student success! (Challenging courses and strong grades are, however - which shouldn't surprise you.)

Is the ACT Harder? - According to this article, yes, compared to previous years. Here's why.

The Big Problem With the New SAT - a helpful reminder that the SAT does not measure intelligence or learning, so you can place your score in context.

Deliveringopportunity.org - the College Board site explaining the upcoming changes to the SAT.

Juniors and Seniors:
2016-2017 test dates

Information on Kaplan free online test prep.

Link to Khan Academy free online SAT prep.

A list of test optional colleges, organized by region, for your reference. NOTE: This information is subject to change! Please check the testing policies at each college that interests you, and let us know if there's a change from this list.

A list of colleges that require SAT II subject tests for admission. Please double check with your colleges' websites, and let us know if you see something different from this list.

How Do Colleges Use SAT II and IB scores?

[|Perfect Score Project], a blog and book with lots of free or low-cost SAT strategies, including this post on the best free SAT resources.