University of California Might Eliminate SAT II Requirement

Test Preparation
1

<p>Interesting article from The</a> Harvard Crimson regarding the UC System considering doing away with the SAT II requirements. Harvard and the UCs have different views on the utility of the SAT IIs. </p>

<p>The Harvard Dean of Admissions indicated that,
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Harvard’s own internal studies have proven the efficacy of SAT II scores in predicting academic success at Harvard.

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<p>On the other hand,
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the University of California panel’s proposal stated that the SAT II “contributes very little to UC’s ability to predict which applicants will perform well initially at UC." The panel also claimed that black and Hispanic applicants, as well as poorer applicants, were less likely to receive proper preparation that would enable them to perform well on the SAT II exams."

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</p>

<p>I wonder why there are such differing positions on the SAT II?</p>

2

<p>SAT 2 actually to some degree measures information and what you know. The SAT 1 is just like a general knowledge thingy. To me SAT 2 seems more legit.</p>

3

<p>To me SAT I seems more legit. It's an actual test of knowledge and logic rather than memorizing facts from a book (yes, I know some SAT IIs aren't like this)</p>

<p>But I am biased because I am an aptitude over achievement guy. 760 SAT I math, but I'm in Alg II so I have to cram precalc for Math II in order to get into the colleges I want to go.</p>

4

<p>Hmm....at least for top colleges, I think SAT IIs are important to differentiate between widely disparate hs curriculums...</p>

<p>I took a "basic state course" in NY and studied a bit and got a 670 on bio...</p>

<p>my friend in OH took "AP Bio" and got under 400 on biology...</p>