For the SAT, a new name and identity

Scholastic Aptitude Tests have populated students' nightmares worldwide since 1926. To many high school seniors, SATs were the be-all and end-all of college admissions -- many an academic future was decided during the three-hour menacing monstrosities. Now they are dead, eliminated by the College Board and replaced by a new, supposedly less imposing creature -- Scholastic Assessment Tests. "I think the trustees of the College Board wanted to send a message -- there are many things a student can do to improve his or her score," said Kenneth Hartman, director of admissions and guidance services at the College Board. "It's not a test of intelligence." Hartman added that the new version of the SAT will not only have a different name, but will also differ in content. He said that the new SAT will "include increased emphasis on critical reading and the introduction of student-generated answers in math." Some math questions will no longer be multiple choice and antonyms will be removed from the verbal section. The open-ended math questions will not increase the amount of time it takes to grade the tests. He added that the new test was designed to evaluate a student's preparation rather than his or her intellect. "The best way to prepare for it will be to take many challenging courses," he said. "Those who have had quality schooling will be at an advantage." Hartman, a University graduate, said the resulting advantage will not be unfair, just realistic. "Those who suggest that all schools are equal are not living in the real world," he said. "I live in Cherry Hill, [N.J.,] and I pay lots of taxes because I want a better education." Former Harvard University President Derek Bok, who co-chaired the commission which recommended a new name for the SAT, said in a statement that "the accuracy of the new name will become even more evident as further changes are made down the road." Timothy Ryan, associate admissions director, said he is somewhat more skeptical about the motives behind the name change. "My feeling is that enough people complained that it became a political liability," he said. "They just needed another A-word." College sophomore Aimee Taxin said she is pleased with the decision. "I think it's a good idea," she said. "Too many people judge the SAT as being a test of intellectual level, but it's also an assessment of what you've been taught, so assessment is a better word."

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