Does new S.A.T. help with admissions decisions?

[flashl]

For the past three years, when high school students have hit the SAT prep books, that's included a tuneup for a writing section. For colleges trying to predict student performance, the new test has been:

(a) helpful,

(b) not helpful,

(c) both of the above, or

d) don't know.

So far, many colleges are answering "d."

The College Board, which administers the SAT, is offering another answer this summer in a much-anticipated study. The report shows the writing section to be more predictive of a student's first-year grades in college than the math or critical reading sections. The board also noted in its study that combining the entire SAT with high school grades was an even stronger predictor of performance.

The board also touts the broader educational benefits of the writing segment. "Since the SAT added writing, high schools in this nation are focusing more on teaching writing," says Laurence Bunin, senior vice president for the SAT. "That's really important for students – for their readiness for college and success in college."

Yahoo