The 2018 SAT Curves: Were They Intentionally Tightly Curved to Create a Monopoly?
The questions surrounding the SAT have always been a topic of debate, but the intensity of scrutiny increased in 2018 when the scoring curves appeared to be unfavorably high. Students reported that even a single incorrect answer in their math section could reduce their score dramatically, such as seeing a 770 score with just one wrong answer. This raised concerns among many, questioning whether the College Board intentionally designed the scoring system to create a monopoly.
Understanding the SAT Scoring System
Firstly, it's important to understand the intricacies of the SAT scoring system. The SAT is a standardized test that assesses students' knowledge in Math, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Essay sections. Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, and the total score is the sum of these sections. The test aims to evaluate a student's preparedness for higher education, and the College Board, the organization behind the SAT, is responsible for setting the scoring curves and parameters.
Is the College Board Being Monopolistic?
College Boardrsquo;s control over the SAT is significant. It manages all aspects of the test, including the administration, scoring, and curriculum development. With its monopolistic status, the College Board generates a substantial amount of revenue from the sale of the SAT, AP (Advanced Placement) courses, and other educational services. It has been reported that the revenue generated from these services is extremely high, leading some to question whether the College Board is using these resources to maintain a monopoly and restrict competition.
The 2018 SAT Scoring Controversy
During the 2018 SAT administration, students and educators noted that a modest number of wrong answers seemed to impact their scores significantly. For example, achieving a very high score such as 770 in Math was possible with just one incorrect answer. This is problematic for students who are aiming for near-perfect scores, as even a minor mistake could result in a substantial score drop. This tight curve raises several questions about the fairness and transparency of the scoring process.
Questions and Concerns
Students, teachers, and test prep professionals have raised several concerns regarding the 2018 SAT scoring curves. One of the major questions is whether the College Board intentionally designed the scoring to be more stringent to create a competitive advantage. Critics argue that a tight curve dampens the performance of students who might have otherwise achieved higher scores. This could discourage students from taking the test multiple times or investing heavily in test preparation.
Expert Opinions and Analysis
College Board officials have not publicly confirmed any purposeful strategy behind the tight scoring curves. However, Gary W. Glazer, CEO of College Board, explained that the complexity of the test necessitates stringent scoring to ensure accuracy and consistency. The tight curve is designed to reward accuracy and penalize guessing, which is a standard practice in many standardized tests. Contrarians argue that the College Board's actions might encourage a deeper focus on test prep rather than genuine academic preparation.
Impact on College Admission
The impact of these tight curves on college admission processes is another area of concern. Many top-tier universities heavily rely on SAT scores for admission, and significant fluctuations in scores can influence the admissions decisions. If students find themselves in a situation where a minor mistake drastically affects their admission chances, the College Board faces a severe backlash for creating an unfair and unnecessarily strict system.
Future of the SAT
The future of the SAT is uncertain, with ongoing debates about its relevance and the need for alternative standardized tests. Recent events have sparked discussions about whether the College Board can maintain its monopoly while facing increasing criticism. Some suggest that the introduction of new standardized tests like the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) and the Accuplacer could erode the College Board's monopoly.
Final Thoughts
The 2018 SAT curves raised valid concerns regarding the fairness and transparency of the testing process. Whether the College Board intentionally created a stricter curve to maintain its monopoly remains a topic of speculation. As educational stakeholders continue to scrutinize the test, it is essential for the College Board to address these concerns and ensure that the SAT remains a reliable and fair measure of student abilities.