The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

SAT

What is ‘Test Optional’?

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By Alan Sheptin

As the coronavirus reared its ugly head, we all retreated. My rising juniors, who were working hard to get ready for exams, saw their efforts evaporate. During this time, many American colleges and universities told rising seniors that testing was optional. Some of these colleges are among the most competitive nationally. The new ‘Test Optional’ means that a student can choose not to submit scores. If a score is submitted, it will be considered as part of the application, regardless of result but scores are de-emphasized. It differs from Test Blind, which means that scores will not be viewed, even if a student submits a 1600 SAT and a 36 ACT. Conversely, in some state universities, test optional means that as long as a student has a threshold GPA, an SAT or ACT is not required. Even though a university may go test optional, certain programs at those schools may still require testing. Very selective programs, such as BA/MD or Engineering may require some form of testing.

Why do schools decide to go test optional?

In this current day, many students may not have access to testing. Shuttered schools will not open on a Saturday morning for a three-hour test. Historically though, schools have gone test optional to encourage lower socioeconomic and first-generation students to apply.

What happens when a school goes test optional?

Studies have shown there to be a sizable increase in applications, sometimes as much as 20-25%! The number of offers a school can make will not change, so the selectivity increases. Often, if a school does not see a score, all the other parameters must be that much stronger, namely grades, recommendations and personal statements.  Finally, if your student has a score that is at least at the 50th percentile for that school, submit it. Any other testing that is available (AP scores, Subject Tests), should be submitted. The more data available, the better. The pressure is on to get a test done imminently. However, please do not criss-cross the northeast in search of a test center. Do the best you can.  However, if you get a test site, we urge students to get back in the saddle and prep. My team and I are happy to help both the rising juniors and seniors with diagnostics and to devise a fall testing plan.

Visit sheptin.com or call (914)232-3743 to learn more about Sheptin Tutoring Group.

‘Ready, Willing and Able’ and Branching Out at the Sheptin Tutoring Group

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Many of you know me and my company as academic support and test prep experts. I can say that my team is the best in Northern Westchester, bar none. From the Regents to SATs to ACTs to APs, we are ready, willing and able. And, as I write this article, I am planning an SAT program for students in the United Kingdom and opening registration for our well-received finals program for Greeley students.

In my practice, I wear two hats. Yes, Math is my superpower: Mrs. Goldberg, my 7th grade math teacher who recognized this talent, would be proud. But did you know that I have visited over 120 universities and colleges both in the United States and abroad? I am a professional member of the IECA, the premier qualifying organization whose members ethically guide students through all aspects of college planning. Our expertise is peerless. I am proud to be a card-carrying member. Mid-May will bring me to Chicago, where I will visit three schools and attend an annual IECA conference. After the frenetic first three weeks of June, I intend to visit five colleges in the Boston area.

After a tutoring session, the conversation often turns to college. Kids tell me schools they’ve recently visited and I try to offer some other interesting ideas. Too many of our students only consider a handful of schools that just do not have the bandwidth to accept everyone from our local schools. In my travels, I have encountered gems that are academically just as engaging and will provide unparalleled opportunities. Do a little digging or hire someone like me to do the legwork and you will be rewarded.

Since I have seen universities abroad (ask me about Uppsala University or the University of Bristol!) I’ve been asking my students and their families to put European universities on their list. Most European degrees programs are three years in duration –and some are free of charge–even to Americans! And classes are conducted entirely in English!

To wit: a three-year Bachelors Degree at the University of Amsterdam will set you back 30,000 Euros (for all three years!). You can’t even get that inexpensive an education at a SUNY.

While a full international education may not be an option for everyone, think about the advantages of an it, cost aside. Immersing your student in an entirely different culture, especially in our intertwined global economy, shows employers that a student can be independent, open and willing to take calculated risks. In most countries, international students with a student visa can work during the academic year and into the summer. It would make your child unique!

Perhaps the rah-rah of the Saturday football game is not available abroad, and Greek life is not a “thing.” However, every university I have ever visited has robust Student Unions, replete with societies (clubs) for everything imaginable under the sun. From Harry Potter Societies, to Jewish Societies, to Rowing Societies, you can find them all abroad.

So, if you see me, let’s talk about college. Whether you want to explore programs here in the US or abroad, to quote Frances McDormand, “I have something to say.”

Sheptin Tutoring Group, LLC

914-232-3743

alan@sheptin.com

Chappaqua: 175 King St., Chappaqua, NY

Manhattan: 157 E. 86 street, New York, NY

SAT Tutor Alan Sheptin Turns Test Taker!

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DSC01954By Alan Sheptin

“Why?” was the most common question. College Board made headlines with the news that it was revamping the SAT. No guessing penalties! No Choice E! No vocabulary lists! As a test practitioner, I had to try this test. Here’s my journey:

Ready,

I looked at some test prep books, but was not confident of their trustworthiness. So I used the exams that the College Board published.

Set,

Registration on collegeboard.com was easy: I uploaded my photo, filled out info, paid, and chose a test site where I would not see any of my students. All set!

Go!

I woke up at 6:30 that dreary Saturday morning, and did what I told my students to do: eat a healthy breakfast, and have all your materials in order. Off I went.

Carded!

After I signed in at the designated location, the site supervisor called me over:“Why are you taking this test?” “Because I want to try it.” And off I went!

In!

I was relieved to see that I was in a classroom with regular sized desks and a clock. The proctor seemed kind and competent: an auspicious beginning.

Reading: Section 1

I was glad to get it done with first. I convinced myself that each of the five passages was interesting. My mindset helped. The questions were straightforward, and the vocabulary reasonable. The 65 minutes flew by and I was exhausted. A ten-minute break was surely needed.

Writing: Section 2

I used the skills my materials recommend, and used my ear to hear any cacophony in the sentences. This strategy really helped.

Section 3: Math, no calculator

This is unsettling to many students, as they rely heavily on the calculator. I answered every question confidently. When I checked all the answers, I noticed a careless error. Yikes!

Section 4: Math, calculator

There were a few very wordy questions that made me think. One Geometry question was a brain-teaser. There were no trigonometry questions or complex Algebra II-style problems. Not terrible.

Section 5: Surprise!

I was ready to leave when we were told that there was still another section (not in the published tests!).

I was happy to have another Math section to try. There was one interesting radical question, but nothing too complicated.

Verdict

I liked the test and will recommend it once the College Board releases additional materials. And, I liked the test site. Contact me and I’ll divulge that (and my scores!)…

Alan Sheptin is the owner of Sheptin Tutoring Group in Chappaqua. Visit sheptin.com to learn more about his tutoring group.

The Lowdown on the “New SAT 2.0” and Advice for Getting Ready!

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SheptinBy Alan Sheptin

I feel for the Class of 2017. When its senior prom occurs in the not too distant future, perhaps the theme should be “Changes” (that David Bowie song). This is the first class that endured the new Common Core Algebra I curriculum, a revamped English program, and redesigned AP courses. And, it will be the first to experience SAT Reboot.

This new SAT, the dream of the President of the College Board (and Common Core visionary) David Coleman, is a radical departure from the current exam. Gone is the guessing penalty for incorrect answers! Gone are the vocabulary fill-ins! Gone are those brainteaser Math questions! Gone is choice E! And gone is the required, formulaic essay where To Kill a Mockingbird can help any student respond effectively to virtually any essay prompt. Returning is the 1600-point scale. This redesign has led many a Guidance Counselor and test prep expert to call it ACT 2.0.

But is it…really?

Before the reinvigorated test samples came out earlier this year, I, too, was convinced that this was to be the College Board’s version of the ACT; after all, the College Board has seen a consistent loss in market share, while the ACT has been gaining in popularity. However, a more thorough read of the practice tests has led me to conclude differently:

Reading: Evidence-Based reading and longer passages. In addition to finding the correct answer, the follow-up question will require demonstration that a student can show where the answer was located. Some passages will be excerpted from the classics (think Bronte and Tolstoy). There will also be primary source passages, from the important documents of our civilization. There will also be a trend to more relevant passages, with charts and graphs.

Writing and Language: Understand the rules of written English. This section of the SAT mimics the look and feel of the ACT English test. Questions require students to revise and strengthen paragraphs. The reading and writing sections will be combined to create a single score.

Math: Emphasis on Algebra and Data Analysis; reduced focus on Geometry. This exam will require students to have impeccable Algebra skills, including the ability to manipulate variables, solve linear, system, and quadratic equations, explain relationships between variables, create mathematical equations, and analyze data in charts and graphs. More interestingly, this new exam will have a “no calculator” section, requiring students to manipulate algebraic expressions, have a greater sense of numbers and analysis thereof, and an increased fluency in arithmetic.

Optional Essay: Analyze the structure and rhetoric of an article. A student will have to be far more knowledgeable about rhetorical strategies in analyzing an issue. The new essay will require 50 minutes of time, instead of 25.

So, what should rising juniors (and sophomores) be doing right now to prepare for this test? Here are some of my key suggestions:

Read a variety of works. If your child has read the Harry Potter series twelve times over, or thinks that The Fault in Our Stars is high-end literature, help them raise the bar. The SAT will be testing excerpts from “rich” literature. Some passages will look like newspaper articles. Encourage your child to read the New York Times Weekly Review section, as well as the Science Times.

Take the most challenging Math courses. All too many students find Math to be a chore. Yes, learning Math is painful: just like perfecting your lacrosse moves or mastering that really tough classical piece, it takes time and patience. I usually tell my students that the few homework problems a teacher recommends constitutes the minimum amount of work you need to do to master a skill. So, keep at it. Dare to be challenged and don’t drop down a level just to get the easy A. It will hurt in the long run.

Bottom line: the jury’s still out on this new test. However, over time, I think that the College Board has finally hit the nail on the head. It created a test that is challenging, relevant, and resembles the skills required to successfully manage college.

The current SAT will continue to be offered until January 2016, and “SAT 2.0” will make its debut in March. Time will tell how students, educators, and admission officers receive the test. We will continue to analyze these new exams and their impact on the college admissions process.

Alan J. Sheptin is the founder of Sheptin Tutoring Group, LLC, a full-service test prep company in Chappaqua. He has worked with hundreds of students, successfully preparing them for the SATs, ACTs, and all academic subjects. He and his team pride themselves on providing a nurturing and motivating environment, which is vital to success. Call 844-743-7846 Email: alan@sheptin.com