Spring Break
The Daily OrangeAdmissions prepare for new SATs
By Julianne Pepitone
Posted: 3/2/05, 12:24 AM EST Section: News
"Timed evaluation is important," Stelzner said. "The college essay is an attempt to provide the student's writing ability, but with those you can write and rewrite; with a timed essay, you can't do that."
Since the high school class of 2006 will be the first to take the new test, it is impossible to predict how scores will change, Donovan said.
Corcoran High School guidance counselor Marilyn Kerwin said her students are concerned about the new SAT's length. Adding the new writing section also increases the test-taking time from three to four hours.
Stelzner's students are also apprehensive, he said.
"The students are almost catatonic about it; they are definitely concerned," he said.
Both guidance counselors cited the New York State Regents exam, a set of standardized tests required by the state, as a plus for New York students.
"Interestingly enough, the English Regents program does a test that follows a format similar to what they're requiring," Stelzner said. "It follows a similar grading process as well. I think there'll be more of a focus on writing across the board, which is very good."
New York students may be at a slight advantage over those in other states, Kerwin said.
"The state has really put an emphasis on the rigor of the exam, so this is a step above kids (whose states) don't require them to take it," she said.
Both counselors also emphasized the need for practice and preparation.
"There's a certain amount of confidence there because of the Regents," Stelzner said. "The teachers are thinking, 'Yeah, we're going to be ready.'"
The sample essays provided by the SAT board are also telling, Stelzner said.
Kerwin cited the College Board Web site as a valuable resource for practice tests.
"I tell students to really start preparing now. There are a lot of online tests and review books, offered both in the schools and out. They should also plan to take the SAT more than once," she said.
Since the high school class of 2006 will be the first to take the new test, it is impossible to predict how scores will change, Donovan said.
Corcoran High School guidance counselor Marilyn Kerwin said her students are concerned about the new SAT's length. Adding the new writing section also increases the test-taking time from three to four hours.
Stelzner's students are also apprehensive, he said.
"The students are almost catatonic about it; they are definitely concerned," he said.
Both guidance counselors cited the New York State Regents exam, a set of standardized tests required by the state, as a plus for New York students.
"Interestingly enough, the English Regents program does a test that follows a format similar to what they're requiring," Stelzner said. "It follows a similar grading process as well. I think there'll be more of a focus on writing across the board, which is very good."
New York students may be at a slight advantage over those in other states, Kerwin said.
"The state has really put an emphasis on the rigor of the exam, so this is a step above kids (whose states) don't require them to take it," she said.
Both counselors also emphasized the need for practice and preparation.
"There's a certain amount of confidence there because of the Regents," Stelzner said. "The teachers are thinking, 'Yeah, we're going to be ready.'"
The sample essays provided by the SAT board are also telling, Stelzner said.
Kerwin cited the College Board Web site as a valuable resource for practice tests.
"I tell students to really start preparing now. There are a lot of online tests and review books, offered both in the schools and out. They should also plan to take the SAT more than once," she said.
