Interesting findings in 2008 US News Rankings???

Parents Forum
1

<p>Can anyone explain the SAT percentile data in 2008 US News Rankings?</p>

<p>I have noticed the following changes in SAT percentile:</p>

<li> For most top universities, except Harvard, Princeton and Yale, the SAT 75th percentile has shifted 10-20 points lower than 2007</li>
<li> Even for HPY the SAT 25th percentile has shifted 10 points lower.</li>
<li> For all top LAS, the 25th percentile and 75th percentile have shifted 10-20 points lower than 2007</li>
</ol>

<p>I don’t believe the average sat scores drop 10-20 points in general student population. Anyone with statistics background has any explanations?</p>

2

<p>Bear in mind that the stats used in the rankings are 2 years old.</p>

<p>And a 20 point drop is not significant. Any given student's scores vary, on average, 50 points in either direction in each seating of the SAT I.</p>

3

<p>The lower percentile probably reflects the introduction of the new SAT whose format was unfamiliar to test-takers.</p>

4

<p>Students are dumber.</p>