Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT).

Full Answer Section

      In addition, test-preparation companies often target their advertising to students who are already performing well on the SAT. These students are more likely to see significant gains from taking a test-preparation class, as they are already close to reaching their full potential. As a result, the average gain of 100 points may not be representative of the gains that all students will see. Bias The average gain of 100 points may also be biased due to the way that test-preparation companies collect data. Test-preparation companies often rely on self-reported data from students. This means that students are responsible for reporting their own scores before and after taking a test-preparation class. Students who are happy with their results are more likely to report their scores, while students who are unhappy with their results are more likely to not report their scores. As a result, the average gain may be inflated. Conclusion While test-preparation classes can help students improve their SAT scores, it is important to be aware of the limitations of these classes. The average gain of 100 points is likely to be misleading, as it may not be representative of the gains that all students will see. Students should carefully consider the costs and benefits of taking a test-preparation class before making a decision. In addition to the above, it is important to note that the SAT is just one factor in college admissions. Colleges also consider a student's grades, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. As a result, improving one's SAT score is not a guarantee of admission to a particular college.  

Sample Answer

   

Test-preparation classes like Kaplan and Princeton Review often advertise their services by claiming that students gain an average of 100 or more points on the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT). However, it is important to be aware that these claims may be misleading.

The Average Gain

The average gain of 100 points is calculated by comparing the scores of students who took a test-preparation class to the scores of students who did not take a test-preparation class. However, this comparison is not necessarily fair. Students who are motivated enough to take a test-preparation class are likely to be more motivated to study for the SAT in general. As a result, they may be more likely to improve their scores, regardless of whether they take a test-preparation class.