In 2016, the College Board announced a major overhaul to the SAT, the standardized test taken by millions of high school students each year. One of the most significant changes was the elimination of the essay section. This move was met with mixed reactions from educators and students alike. Some argued that the essay was an important measure of critical thinking and writing skills, while others maintained that it was an outdated and unnecessary requirement.
The Current State of the Digital SAT
The current digital SAT is a three-hour test that consists of two sections: Reading and Writing and Language, and Math. The Reading and Writing and Language section includes multiple-choice questions on reading comprehension, grammar, and usage. The Math section includes multiple-choice questions on algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
There is no essay section on the current digital SAT. However, there is an optional essay that students can take for an additional fee. The essay is not scored and is not used in the admissions process.
Arguments for and Against an Essay on the Digital SAT
There are a number of arguments in favor of bringing back the essay to the digital SAT. First, proponents argue that the essay is an important measure of critical thinking and writing skills. They contend that students who are able to write a clear and concise essay are better prepared for college and careers.
Second, proponents argue that the essay helps to level the playing field for students from different backgrounds. They point out that students from wealthy families often have access to better educational resources, which can give them an advantage on standardized tests. The essay, they argue, is a more equitable measure of student achievement.
Third, proponents argue that the essay is a valuable tool for college admissions officers. They contend that the essay provides admissions officers with a more holistic view of the applicant. The essay, they say, can help admissions officers to identify students who are not only academically qualified but also have the critical thinking and writing skills necessary to succeed in college.
There are also a number of arguments against bringing back the essay to the digital SAT. First, opponents argue that the essay is not a good measure of critical thinking and writing skills. They contend that the essay is too short and too focused on a specific topic to be a reliable measure of a student’s overall abilities.
Second, opponents argue that the essay is not necessary for college admissions. They point out that many colleges and universities have already made the SAT essay optional. They argue that the essay is an unnecessary burden for students and that it does not provide any additional information that is not already available from the other sections of the test.
Third, opponents argue that the essay is unfair to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. They point out that students from wealthy families often have access to better educational resources, which can give them an advantage on the essay. The essay, they argue, is a biased measure of student achievement.
Conclusion
The debate over whether or not to bring back the essay to the digital SAT is likely to continue for some time. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include an essay on the digital SAT will be up to the College Board.
