Why Are SAT Writing Scores Declining?

Unfortunately, writing scores are the only scores on the decline. Math and reading scores have also declined. In fact, only 43% of the graduating class of 2011 scored high enough to indicate they have the basic skills to get them through college. (Basically, anyone who scores under a 1550 has less than a 65% chance of scoring a B- or higher in college classes. In other words, if you don’t score a 1550 or higher, you’re going to have a tough time making it through college.)

But why is this happening? And why are writing skills (in particular) dropping so much?

Teachers blame the following:

• Lack of discipline in class—if the class isn’t under control, the kids don’t learn
• Texting and email has popularized nonstandard methods of writing, usurping proper writing techniques and standards
• Cultural influence—it’s popular to write using incorrect English, especially slang, which undermines whatever writing skills kids may have picked up in class

So What if Our Generation Can’t Write? Does it Matter?

If you can communicate with your boss via casual emails and you don’t have to write flowery poetry to win over a date, is it important to know how to write well? Why emphasize writing skills in this day and age? Because writing skills do matter—especially in the business world.

Professional Communication Requires Excellent English

You might be able to get away with some slang here and there, but you’ll need to be able to speak and write professionally just to get your foot in the door and to maintain the respect of your colleagues. Even software engineers need to document processes and findings, and even chemists have to record findings and write up proposals. You’re going to need solid writing skills to succeed in most professions; you’ll find people will judge you by your writing skills, even if the job you’re gunning for doesn’t have the phrase “writing skills” in the description.

Today’s Young Professionals Are Competing on a Global Level

It may be cool to text your friends to determine where you’re meeting for happy hour, but you’ll need to use professional language to compete with the foreigners coming over with impeccable English and writing skills—those people who want your job. It’s time to get concerned when people who studied English as their second language write better cover letters, resumes, power point presentations, reports, and study summaries than you do.

Can Writing Practice Improve Critical Thinking Skills?

There’s yet another reason to work on your writing skills. In a study conducted by Ian Quitdamo and Martha Kurtz at Central Washington University, college students were enrolled in two programs: one that provided ongoing writing practice, and one that did not. At the end of the study, both sets of students took a critical thinking skill assessment test. The students who had participated in the writing practice program performed, on average, nine times better than the students that did not get the writing practice.

Writing Skills – Improve Them While You Can!

If you’re a college student, be sure to take core writing and English courses to improve your writing skills before you have to start interviewing. It’s important to understand the basics of business communication and to get those writing skills down pat. You’ll be glad you did when that hard work pays off!

Understanding the Differences Between AP, IB, and Early College Classes

Before you can make an educated choice, you have to understand the pros and cons of these three options:

AP Classes

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are rigorous high school courses that teach college-level material at your high school. At the end of the AP course, you can pay a fee and take exams (which are prepared by the College Board) and earn college credit, as if you’d taken the course at a college. You will be graded both on a scale of 1-5, and you must get at least a 3 to pass. Some colleges will only accept a score of 4 and above if you are to get college credit, while others will accept any score over a 3.

Advantages of AP Courses:

• You can save yourself time and money by testing out of college courses
• Colleges view AP classes favorably, increasing your chances of getting into the college of your choice
• Most colleges are familiar with AP courses, whereas some colleges are not well-informed about IB program courses, so there is a slight advantage to choosing the AP course route
• AP courses can elevate your GPA significantly if you do well, since most high schools allow you to get a 5 or 6 (instead of limiting you to a 4-point GPA scale), meaning you can graduate with higher than a 4.0 GPA.

Disadvantages of AP Classes:

• You will have to pay for the exam, which usually costs approximately $87 (although you can get a reduced fee of as low as $22 per exam if you qualify for financial aid)
• You’ll have to work harder than when taking a typical honors course or a mainstream course (although this is the case with all three of these options)

IB Program Classes

IB courses are challenging high school courses that teach college-level material following a curriculum overseen by the International Baccalaureate Organization. At the end of the IB course, you will be graded on a scale of 1-7 (you will need at least  4 to pass the course.)

When taking IB courses, you can either take individual IB courses or pursue an IB diploma, for which you will complete a specified number of IB courses along with a 4,000-word essay and log at least 150 hours of creative, active, and community service hours.

Advantages of IB Courses

• Most colleges will accept a score of 4 or above for college credit for specified college courses
• You will definitely develop strong reading, researching, writing, and study skills if you participate in this rigorous program
• Most colleges are impressed by participation in IB programs, especially of students who have earned an IB program diploma, which will increase your chances of getting into the college of your choice

Disadvantages of IB Courses

• You may end up investing more time and energy for the same number of college class credits than you would have if you’d chosen to take either AP classes or college classes since the IB program requires extra courses, the 4,000-word essay, and 150 hours of community service and pursuit of creative activity
• The IB program is not as well-known as the AP course program, so you may want to check to make sure the colleges of your choice recognize IB programs by researching on the IB program’s website

Early College Classes

If you live near a college that participates in the early college/high school initiative, you may be able to take college classes and receive both college and high school credit at the same time. In fact, your high school may be willing to pay for the college tuition—including your books and exam fees—making this a perfect way to get college credit while finishing your high school diploma.

You’ll need to coordinate with your high school to make sure the college classes you take also meet the high school curriculum requirements and to find out if you qualify for the program. Qualification requirements vary significantly from high school to high school, and not all schools are hooked up with colleges for this kind of opportunity.

In some areas, specific high schools are designed to offer the college classes inside the high school itself, but most high schools partner up with a local community college or state university, requiring you to travel to the college itself and take classes with other college students.

Advantages of Early College Classes

• You’ll get both college credit and college experience
• It’s more likely that colleges will accept those college credits (as transfer credits) than if you are asking them to accept credits earned through AP or IB courses
• You may be able to continue on and finish your college degree at the same college, which can be a smoother transition and set you up for an easier time when you do enter college as a full time student
• It’s possible that you could get an Associate’s degree and graduate both from college and high school at the same – which would be an entirely free college degree!

Disadvantages of Early College Classes

• You may have to get help with transportation to and from college classes
• You may have to take classes at odd times, since the college class schedule may conflict with your high school class schedule
• Some of the courses you may be required to take to satisfy your high school’s requirements (P.E. or health courses, for example) may not help you towards your chosen college degree, and yet you’ll still be working much harder in those classes than you would have if you’d taken the high school equivalent
• You will be in class with people who are anywhere from 2 to 6 years older than you, which can be intimidating

How to Choose?

You’ll need to determine which of the three options will best meet your needs. Are you looking to improve your academic skills as much as possible and get into a very competitive college? Then the IB program may be exactly what you need. Are you looking to get as much free college as possible or cut down the length of time between now and getting your Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree? Then the AP or early college classes may be a better option for you. Ask your high school counselor to help you choose, but keep in mind all three options—AP, IB, and early college—will put you ahead of the class, no matter which you choose.

1. Positive Mindset

The power of positive thinking can and will get you far in life and in college. Before you enter your first lecture, make sure that you have it set in your mind that you are going to give your education your all. Sure, college life is full of new experiences, parties, meeting new people and living on your own for the first time. The primary focus you should have, however, is on your schoolwork and performance. When you make this commitment in your own mind, then you are more likely to accomplish getting your work done and getting good grades.

2. Speak Positively

It is not only how you think that will propel you toward success, it is also how you speak. When you keep a positive attitude in your head and with the words that come out of your mouth, it helps to attract the success you are looking to achieve. You will also find that when you surround yourself with positive thinkers and talkers, it helps you to remain positive too. You end up feeding off of each other’s positivity, which can be mutually beneficial for everyone.

3. Set a Schedule

Create a schedule. Primarily, you want to make sure that you schedule enough time to study, do your homework and prepare for your daily lectures in various classes. This does not mean that you have to give up having fun, but it does mean that you should organize your schedule to make sure that you have everything prepared for school prior to heading out to the neighborhood party or the college football game.

4. Be Present

When you are in class, focus your attention and your thoughts on the professor, the class discussion and what is going on in the class. It is easy to allow your mind to wander off to the plans you have tonight or the pretty girl or handsome guy sitting across the room. These thoughts, however, will not help you to gather the information you need to complete you class assignments and pass your tests.

5. Ask for Help When You Need it

You may find that a particular subject or professor is causing you to struggle with the class. It is normal to have a class or two that may be more challenging to you than your other classes. If you are having a hard time keeping up in class, completing your assignments or passing your exams, schedule an appointment to meet with your professor. He or she may be able to offer some advice to help you, or they can refer you to a study group or tutor that can help you get up to speed. Don’t wait until the end of the class when you realize you have a failing grade. Go to the professor as soon as you realize there is a problem.

6. Never Give Up

You should never give up on passing a class or grasping a concept that you are studying in a class. Try to keep an open mind and try to understand what is going on. Even if you are failing a class and have reached out for help, do not give up. Go back to the professor and let them know everything that you have done—joined a study group, hired a tutor and visited the professor during office hours. Find out if there is extra credit you can do or something you can do to pass the class still.

7. Take Care of You

It’s easy to get caught up in the social aspect of being away at college. A healthy body, however, feeds a healthy mind. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Eat as healthy as you can. Most major colleges and universities have a gym, so take advantage of this benefit to get some exercise at least two to three days a week.

Attending your first year of college is a lot of change all at one time. You can proactively take steps to make the transition as simple and easy as possible, so your first year is a successful one.