A Change in the SAT: Measuring What Matters

Some big changes have been made to parts of the SAT test. Beginning June 5, the SAT will not only include writing, comprehension, and math sections; there will also be a new section called “Pop Culture News Comprehension.” This section requires extensive knowledge on celebrity propaganda, conspiracy theories, and the latest celebrity gossip. This part of the test is split into 2 parts: reading and identifying all types of celebrity scandals, and writing a deep and developed response on the latest gossip.

According to the SAT executive manager, these changes to the SAT have been made because he thought it was “essential for future college students to know about celebrity gossip beforehand as a preparation for a fairly gossipy life in college.” After changes were made, many seniors took the SAT and all of them have responded differently.  “The test is way harder with all the gossips because normally I look at political news more than celebrity news.” (Mark) Negative responses are not the only feedback the new SAT received though; many people were rather happy with this change, “I like this new Pop Culture News Comprehension part of the test because the only thing I’ve ever cared about was celebrities.” (Gabe)

Pop Culture News Comprehension takes up 2/3 of the new SAT test, which will be around 4 hours of the entire test time. To achieve a high score for the Pop Culture News Comprehension, review celebrity news from 2001 to the recently updated items, make sure you have expertise on at least one celebrity’s past, and when in doubt for multiple choice questions for this section of the test, always choose C.

The SAT program is still looking into changing other parts of the test to Sports News Comprehension, Movies Investigation, etc. Hopefully in the next 10 years, both math and English studies will be completely removed from the test.