The Effect of Outdated SAT Practice Tests: Why the College Board no Longer Recommends Tests 2 and 4

With the College Board's recent decision to no longer recommend SAT practice tests 2 and 4, there has been a lot of curiosity and confusion about the reasons behind this change. This article aims to delve into the nuances of why these specific tests were deemed unfit for recommendation and the broader implications of this decision on SAT preparation.

Why College Board Stopped Recommending SAT Practice Tests 2 and 4

The College Board, in its pursuit to ensure that SAT preparation resources accurately and effectively prepare students for the actual test, has decided to discontinue recommending SAT practice tests 2 and 4. The primary concerns revolve around the accuracy and alignment of these tests with the current SAT format.

Specifically, these tests were found to have discrepancies in terms of difficulty levels and question types, which do not accurately represent the current SAT. The College Board's commitment to integrity and the usefulness of their resources means removing materials that could potentially mislead test-takers. By ensuring that all practice materials align closely with the actual test, the College Board aims to maintain the reliability and efficacy of their preparation resources.

Why Eventually SAT Practice Tests Become Outdated

It is worth noting that any SAT practice test will eventually become outdated due to various factors such as formatting changes or changes in test material and question style. This is particularly evident after significant changes in the SAT format, such as the 2016 format change. Even though older tests might still teach useful concepts, students will not be adequately prepared for the actual questions that will be asked.

Understanding the Impact on Test-Takers

For students preparing for the SAT, it is crucial to use practice materials that mimic the real test experience as closely as possible. This ensures that they are not only familiar with the types of questions they will encounter but also experience a similar format and difficulty level. Using outdated tests can lead to an incomplete preparation and may result in suboptimal performance on the actual test day.

Showcasing the Problems with Tests 2 and 4

Firstly, it is necessary to correct the sequence of naming the tests. Tests 2 and 4 are indeed the ones being phased out. Secondly, the College Board, while its primary role is not developing the SAT, has faced criticism for its handling of the test scores. In the past year, they have been scaling down SAT scores in a proactive manner, often without clear justification.

One of the most notable criticisms has been the proclivity to lower scores for students who performed better in previous months. For instance, in October 2018, students who performed better than in previous months received lower scores. This scenario is akin to a situation where runners who achieve better times are penalized for a harder scale - a form of fairness that many find unsettling.

Evidence of Score Adjustment

The discrepancy in SAT scales from 2016 to 2018 versus today's SAT scale is clear. Every scale from those years is much higher and more forgiving compared to today's SAT scale. This indicates a gradual adjustment to correct what the College Board views as past mistakes. The scales from 2016 to 2018 were significantly more lenient, which meant that students could score higher on them even if they didn't perform as well.

Reasoning Behind the Decision

College Board has a strategic reason for slowly phasing out these tests rather than removing them all at once. If they were to simply discard all exams from 2016 to 2018, it would appear to acknowledge their past mistakes, which they are looking to avoid. This strategic withholding also serves as a key reason why many students use the free Khan Academy SAT course, which incorporates these outdated tests.

Retailer's Perspective: The Specific Problems with Tests 2 and 4

Tests 2 and 4 were particularly problematic because they had the best representations of what the current SAT isn't like and had poor scales. For example, Test 2 claimed that missing five Math questions still led to a 750 score. This is not reflective of today's SAT standards and can mislead test-takers about their preparation.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to no longer recommend SAT practice tests 2 and 4 is a clear indication of the College Board's dedication to providing accurate, reliable, and effective preparation resources. Students should use practice materials that closely match the current SAT format to ensure they are fully prepared for the test day. By understanding the rationale behind this decision, students can make more informed choices in their preparation strategies.