Can I game the SAT?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>I am interested in how equating and standard deviations (which they don't publish for each test date) impact scores. Let's say I think I am in the top 2%-3% of test takers or two standard deviations from the mean. What if I were to go abroad and take the international SAT version so that I stand out as one of the best in CR and Writing and then next time take the SAT in the Midwest, where I might get a very high scaled score in Math. Could my super-score SAT be better than if I were to take the test twice in the same location?</p>

2

<p>The international SAT is the same as the "native" one.</p>

3

<p>and curves are predetermined for both national and international versions, which ensures exactly the same level of achievement whenever, wherever you take it. It is a common misconception that curves are determined by "how well everyone else does" on the same day. Rather, the curves are predetermined based on analyzing equating-section scores from previous administrations.</p>

4

<p>Not exactly, andykom. the international SAT is usually a different version, with the 4th essay prompt. I also do not think that it is possible to predetermine the curve. Equating has to be done on the actual test. Otherwise determining whether a test is easier or harder than another one would be impossible.</p>

5

<p>rb9109 is right. This might help you understand how SAT equating works.
<a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/research/pdf/rn14_11427.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.collegeboard.com/research/pdf/rn14_11427.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

6

<p>The way I read this report and what is written on the College Board website, the equating section is the section that doesn't count on each SAT. Therefore, each test taker is compared to the universe of test takers taking that particular test.</p>

7

<p>Hmmm, I don't read it that way. You're right, the experimental section doesn't count toward test takers scores. But is used to design future comparable tests (see page 2 on anchor tests). As the conclusion points out the purpose is to create scores will be meaningful regardless of "variation in ability."</p>