College Admissions: 700 is the New 670 on SAT
Monday, May 16, 2016
Last week, the Collegeboard released the first round of its newly designed SAT scores to students, along with head spinning concordance tables to counselors across the country. The concordance tables allow translation of new SAT scores to old SAT scores or to the present ACT. Student shrieks of delight soon turned to dismay as test-takers discovered that their 700 Math score was a 670 on the concordance table. And similarly:
-600 on Math in the new SAT translates to a 580 on the old SAT, and a 500 on Math to just 460
-600 on Evidence Based Reading in the new SAT, compares to just a 1080 on Critical Reading + Writing on the old SAT (a 540 when we divide the two 800 sections from the old SAT)
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST-1400 on the new SAT is now a 30 equivalent on the ACT, 1300=27 and 1200=25 (skewing downward from the old concordance tables)
-A 1560-1590 on the new SAT converts to a 35 on the ACT, regardless of whether a student has a 1560 or 1590.
Why Does It Matter?
Colleges across the country are required to publish their mid-50% range for SAT and ACT scores of accepted students each year. This range is published in college books and on college websites everywhere, and it is a common way for students to assess if the college will be a stretch, reasonable, backup…..or out of range. For the class of 2017 (and perhaps the class of 2018), this data point will only be valid if a student translates their SAT scores via the concordance table first and then uses the mid-50% range. Using a raw score will produce an unrealistic view of where the student stands.
Why Did Score Values Change?
The Collegeboard was losing market share to the ACT. Seeking expansion and succumbing to pressure that the test was too aptitude-based, the Collegeboard decided to completely redesign the SAT and market it to states as an achievement or Common Core test. Previously, the SAT was predominantly a test given to college-bound students, now it is given to all students, regardless of their higher education goals. This larger pool of test takers has driven score values down.
It’s undoubtedly a confusing time for the class of 2017, but there are tools to help you navigate the test score maze. If you want to translate your scores easily without trying to understand the concordance tables, download this new app. Next week’s column will discuss who should take the new SAT vs. the ACT.
Cristiana Quinn, M.Ed. is the founder of College Admission Advisors, LLC which provides strategic, college counseling and athletic recruiting services for students. www.collegeadvisorsonline.com.
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