College Admissions: Will The New SAT Be Easier? Not Likely...
Cristiana Quinn, GoLocalProv College Admissions Expert
College Admissions: Will The New SAT Be Easier? Not Likely...
• Thematic changes focus on asking students to analyze things more, whether it is reading passages to ascertain the meaning of a vocabulary, interpreting historical speeches or understanding a scattergram.
• The Math section will focus heavily on Algebra, linear functions, data analysis, reading charts and problem solving. What time the “train left the station and when it will arrive” has been replaced by translating rupees into dollars and analyzing the percentage of fees incurred for pre-paid charge cards. Note that parts of the Math section will not permit the use of calculators.
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• Assuming that most competitive colleges will require the Writing section (based on precedent from the ACT), students will go from writing for 25 minutes and taking a personal stance on an issue, to writing for 50 minutes and analyzing text.
What’s the Good News?
• Students won’t lose points for wrong answers
• A computerized version of the test will be offered
• The Collegeboard is partnering with Khan Academy to provide free online prep courses
• Fee waivers for college applications will be more accessible for low income students
How to Prepare
• Put away the vocabulary flash cards and read, read, read. Exposure to a variety of texts, the ability to interpret passages, and the recognition of words in a variety of contexts will be key.
• Study U.S. History and Government diligently before 11th grade. It is clear that documents from the founding fathers to recent congressional hearings will play a big role in the new SAT.
• Become an Algebra Aficionado (without your calculator). The new SAT will focus more on Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, and reduce Geometry questions to a mere 10%. Linear equations, scattergrams, statistics and data interpretation will also play an increased role in the new math section.
Remember, if you are presently a sophomore or junior these changes won’t affect you. The new test will roll out in 2016 and will affect the class of 2017 forward. To keep current on new announcements and to try practice questions for the new test, go to: https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat/redesign.
College Board Reports - New England States by the Data
Students enrolling
Percentage of all youths entering postsecondary education
Connecticut: 56%
New Hampshire: 53%
Rhode Island 52%
Massachusetts: 51%
Maine: 45%
Vermont: 43%
US average 48%
In-State Tuitions
Average 2013-14 in-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions
New Hampshire: $14,665
Vermont: $13,958
Rhode Island: $10,992
Massachusetts: $10,792
Connecticut: $10,206
Maine: $3,391
US Average: $8,893
Out-of-State Tuitions
Average 2013-14 out-of-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions
Vermont: $34,055
Rhode Island: $26,646
Connecticut: $26,365
New Hamprshire: $24,987
Massachusetts: $23,516
Maine: $23,007
US average: $22,203
State Appropriations
State Appropriations for Higher Education per Full-Time Equivalent Student
Connecticut: $10,475
Maine: $7,183
Massachusetts: $6,410
Rhode Island $5,162
Vermont: $4,131
New Hampshire: $2,482
US Average: $6,646
Increase in Enrollment
Percentage increases in total full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment in public degree-granting institutions between 2001 and 2011
Vermont: 35%
US average: 27%
Student Grant Aid
In 2011-12, state grant aid per full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate student ranged from under $200 (in 2012 dollars) in 12 states to over $1,000 in 10 states.
Vermont: $580
Connecticut: $380
Maine $320
Massachusetts: $280
Rhode Island $200
New Hampshire: 0
US average $670
