A normal distribution.
Looks like the SAT has done it again – scores overall are about what they were last year: Math 516, Ciritical Reading 491, Writing 502. This yields a composite of 1509. The 2009 average composite was also 1509, but broken down slightly differently.
This shouldn’t be surprising. The College Board has a team of stats and measurement specialists who work day and night in little cubicles to ensure that the score distributions remain normal and the average doesn’t wiggle around too much. This makes the SAT a great way to measure performance over time. Of course, what precisely the SAT measures is always a hot debate. Some say it simply measures the ability to succeed on the SAT. The College Board wants it to be a powerful predictor of college success. A recent press release by the College Board reads:
“The SAT is a proven indicator of college readiness and a valuable tool in connecting students to college success and opportunity,” said Laurence Bunin, senior vice president of the College Board’s College Connection & Success System.
You can also read about their statistical correlation between scores and first year retention rates in the same press release.
Interestingly, the typical numbers out of an International/American school are much higher than even the high end American public school district. Check the Int’l School Rankings page to see what I’m talking about. The “worldwide” numbers fall far down the list, and the Fairfax, VA numbers, which supposedly represent some elevated US numbers, are at best in the middle of the pack.
If you are interested in helping in updating the rankings page with 2010 data, send me an email at editor (at) wanderingacademic.com.
I am a college admissions consultant and a test prep coach. I am also a firm believer in preparing for the SAT and ACT tests. I think that these scores remain flat because too many students do not have a clue about taking the SAT and ACT. Tests of this kind are no different than an athletic or musical competition. They require students to know what to expect and how to approach each part of the test. They also require practice. Too many parents buy into the idea that test prep is always expensive and time consuming. I agree. However, there are classes, tutoring, and online courses that are affordable and effective. I know because College Direction offers them. Most colleges consider the SAT and ACT an important factor for college admissions. Too many students are turned down by their first choice schools because of low test scores. Even the College Board admits that test prep matters and sells books to prove it.