If you could change one thing about the SAT/ACT...

[Anonymous]

Make it harder to get a high score. When I was in HS 1400s and 1500s were very rare. Now all of my kid’s friends are in that range.

[Anonymous]

To make the test a better approximation of actual college work, I would allow test takers to cheat off each other, so the cheaters would do very well & the honest kids would get screwed.

[Anonymous]

Get rid of them entirely. College Board is a scam, multiple choice is no way to evaluate aptitude in a meaningful way and there is inherent bias in the tests. Think of all the kids whose parents can’t afford weekly tutoring, multiple practice tests etc. it’s ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Make colleges interviews 80% on academic and content materials. Like in Asia and UK and EU. Use the black board to outline the answer or math proof or science concept.

None of this How will you save the world BS or Why Georgetown BS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get rid of the so-called "traps" in the math section. Either measure math aptitude or not. Don't make kids have to do prep to see how College Board tries to trick you into the wrong answer.

What are the traps on the math section? It's been so long since I took it and my kids are younger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get rid of them entirely. College Board is a scam, multiple choice is no way to evaluate aptitude in a meaningful way and there is inherent bias in the tests. Think of all the kids whose parents can’t afford weekly tutoring, multiple practice tests etc. it’s ridiculous.

This. I am an SAT/ACT and mutiple AP tutor. College Board is a scam.

[Anonymous]

I don't think any standardized tests should be timed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Require the written section and eliminate other essays for college applications - that way, colleges know how kids write on their own without editing help.

This times 1000. It would be eye opening.

[Anonymous]

I think they should be required for admission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get rid of them entirely. College Board is a scam, multiple choice is no way to evaluate aptitude in a meaningful way and there is inherent bias in the tests. Think of all the kids whose parents can’t afford weekly tutoring, multiple practice tests etc. it’s ridiculous.

Can you name any rigorously validated aptitude tests that aren't multiple choice?

[Anonymous]

Raise the ceiling - perhaps by splitting the second half into three or four levels, rather than just two, and/or putting a third stage with more adjustment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:...what would you change?

I would shorten the math and reading sections and replace them with science and history sections. There are 4 core subjects of equal importance, not 2, and there are many students who excel in these areas but do not get a chance to showcase them.

Take the ACT which has an English, Reading Math, Science and Writing sections.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Require the written section and eliminate other essays for college applications - that way, colleges know how kids write on their own without editing help.

+1

[Anonymous]

Extra time available to all kids that want to make use of it not only certain diagnoses.

[Anonymous]

I would limit the number of times students could take it to two and require all scores be submitted for the Common App.

This is the best answer. Everything else mentioned (shorten this, add that) is fluffing around the margins.

If 100% of people taking the test had to submit 100% of their scores -- ie, no exceptions for "disability" "accommodations" -- then the test as an instrument would be much more predictive of ability and aptitude for college. Even if it was an imperfect instrument because the math was too easy or it didn't require essays or or or or.