What is the big deal about the SAT II-Writing test; is it really so difficult?
First, let me review what the SAT II encompasses. The SAT II is a subject area test that measures a student's knowledge in a particular subject and evaluates the ability to apply that knowledge.

There are five general academic areas from which a student can choose --English, social studies and history, math, science and languages. Within each category there are different tests. Each is a multiple choice that lasts for one hour. The writing test has a 40-minute multiple-choice section and a 20-minute exam of essay writing skills.

The SAT II Writing test is a big deal because college involves a tremendous amount of reading and writing. On the Sat II, the highest score a student can achieve is an 800. The very brightest students score between 300 and 400 on the pre-test they take before beginning a preparation class for SAT II-Writing at my center. Competitive colleges such as those in the Ivy League expect their incoming students to score a 700 or better. I see students from more than 60 schools, public and private, and it is a sad commentary on the system that the students have not been taught the rules of English grammar and the writing skills necessary to master the test.

Questions on grammar also are on the PSAT. That test, when taken in the eleventh grade, is the initial qualifier for National Merit Scholarships. Students are tested on math, verbal and grammar. Each section makes up one-third of the score and therefore each is equally important.

In my opinion, the SAT II-Writing is more difficult than the SAT I Reasoning test and students really should prepare for it.

My son is a senior and he has yet to meet with his CAP counselor. He is not alone. All of his friends from other schools are in the same situation. What is going on?
This is very common. Imagine one college counselor for a school of 3000 students. This ratio is absurd. It is the same problem that students have with their guidance counselor. Each guidance counselor is responsible for 600-900 students. To be effective, college counseling must begin in eighth grade and it should involve students and their parents.

Toby Rose is President of Toby Rose's College Prep and is an independent college counselor. She was a Miami-Dade County outstanding teacher, directed the High School in Israel Program and was chairperson of the Dade School Board's Academic Advisory Committee. Rose is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, the Southern Association of College Admissions Counselors, the Higher Education Consultants Association, the University of Miami Women's Guild and the American Association of University Women. For more information, please call305-238-7737 or contact Rose via the Internet at www.tobyrose.com.