The College Board vote on revamping the SAT exam

Do you remember taking the SAT test? If you are a parent and have not taken it in a few years, the last updates were implemented in March, 2005. Before that, changes were last made in 1994.

Students' performance on the SAT can determine their destiny in college admissions. Its original intent was to create a meritocracy, but it has often been criticized for cultural bias, lack of testing for effort, will power, study habits, and other behavioral "soft" skills that often determine ultimate success not only in college but in life.

The role of the SAT was reviewed in a National Public Radio report from Boston which detailed the impact of The College Board vote on revamping the SAT exam in 2002. The latest version included additions of a writing section and other changes. Writing, according to the Board now improves the ability of the test to predict college success. Math has also been tweaked to include Algebra II. Verbal has been re-named "Reading," and has been updated to remove analogies as part of the test.

Proponents say this new test better reflects high school curriculum and the writing sample will be a useful tool for college admissions offices.

Critics counter the changes will penalize students who don’t speak English as a first language and this test is no better at predicting college success than previous versionis.

Is the new test fair? Is the SAT outdated? Contact The College Trail experts to find out how to optimize your student's candidacy by selecting the right trail that fits your student's unique needs.