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The Daily OrangeSU ignores SAT change
Admissions waits to use writing section
By Kevin Sajdak
Posted: 5/11/05, 7:54 PM EST Section: News
Students applying to Syracuse University who feel apprehensive about taking the new essay portion of the SAT can breathe a sigh of relief.
SU administrators said they would wait until more information is known about the section before using it to partially determine students' admission decision.
Susan Donovan, dean of admissions at SU, said the university is waiting to make sure all the kinks are worked out before the section is accepted as a part of a student's application.
"We will want to see the distribution of scores nationally, understand the various positions that are being taken on the use of the test and then make an informed judgment," Donovan said.
While SU will not look at writing section results for students applying for the fall term of 2006, a Boston University representative said the new portion gives his school another reference point in regards to the admission process.
"We found the SAT verbal did not provide enough information in looking at a student's writing ability," said Colin Riley, spokesman for BU.
The new section is broken down into both a multiple-choice part as well as a student-written essay. It specifically looks to test students' grammar and word usage.
"Kids were going into college not knowing how to write. The College Board is taking a stand," said Terry Powell, associate director of the College Board.
The College Board is a non-profit membership association that administers the SAT.
Vice President of Enrollment Management David Smith echoed Donovan's sentiments.
"For now, it isn't at all clear what to think about this section. I suspect one year's experience will help a lot in determining whether this is a useful instrument," Smith said.
Riley, however, feels the time is right for BU to include the writing section.
"Even though it's the first year, we're able to assess their value," Riley said.
SU professor and Chair of the Higher Education Department Vincent Tinto cited an increasing controversy about the SAT's supposed cultural and socioeconomic bias as reasons to re-look at the belief that the test measures a student's ability to perform in college.
SU administrators said they would wait until more information is known about the section before using it to partially determine students' admission decision.
Susan Donovan, dean of admissions at SU, said the university is waiting to make sure all the kinks are worked out before the section is accepted as a part of a student's application.
"We will want to see the distribution of scores nationally, understand the various positions that are being taken on the use of the test and then make an informed judgment," Donovan said.
While SU will not look at writing section results for students applying for the fall term of 2006, a Boston University representative said the new portion gives his school another reference point in regards to the admission process.
"We found the SAT verbal did not provide enough information in looking at a student's writing ability," said Colin Riley, spokesman for BU.
The new section is broken down into both a multiple-choice part as well as a student-written essay. It specifically looks to test students' grammar and word usage.
"Kids were going into college not knowing how to write. The College Board is taking a stand," said Terry Powell, associate director of the College Board.
The College Board is a non-profit membership association that administers the SAT.
Vice President of Enrollment Management David Smith echoed Donovan's sentiments.
"For now, it isn't at all clear what to think about this section. I suspect one year's experience will help a lot in determining whether this is a useful instrument," Smith said.
Riley, however, feels the time is right for BU to include the writing section.
"Even though it's the first year, we're able to assess their value," Riley said.
SU professor and Chair of the Higher Education Department Vincent Tinto cited an increasing controversy about the SAT's supposed cultural and socioeconomic bias as reasons to re-look at the belief that the test measures a student's ability to perform in college.
