This one, like all of them, has its critics. It may increase the fees paid to the College Board, since it can lead to students choosing to take the same test more than once. High schools make the test available free of charge only once.

However, the change (called Score Choice) actually constitutes a reversion to what was standard practice from 1993 to 2002. The practice was in place when StudyBuddy began in 1997, and our students experienced its benefits consistently. Score Choice means the students test more than once and tell the College Board which score to send on to their colleges of choice. The lower of two scores is simply disregarded

When we advised parents to pay for the test early and use it as practice, our students always improved their scores the second time around. They knew what to expect. They had already had a chance to clarify their own weaknesses and strengths as assessed by this one (however flawed) instrument. When we reviewed the initial score together, we were able to hone a strategy to do better at the time of the second test. It worked.

We found this process particularly helpful for those students who have a history of testing below their level because of poor stress-management. The repetition, discussion, and strategizing actually de-sensitized them enough so they were able to stay aware of the big picture.

In addition, teenagers rarely put in place ordinary practical things like getting a good night’s sleep before the test, eating breakfast, dressing comfortably, or carrying water. We involved the family, and routinely included these things in our preparation time; if they were not in place the first time, they were there at the second.

The College Board website does remind us that experienced Admissions Officers use test scores in whatever way fits best with their campus culture. Rarely is a SAT score as important as the admission essay or an interview or an outstanding talent in some area.

Here’s how they put it:

Colleges will continue to set their own score-use practices, which may vary from college to college. Different colleges use test scores in different ways and a "one size fits all" approach to college admissions does not reflect the diverse needs of colleges and universities. The College Board is enabling participating colleges to display their SAT score-use practices directly to students on collegeboard.com. This information will be presented at the time that students are asked to send scores. The College Board will also post a comprehensive list of these colleges and universities' score-use practices on collegeboard.com for counselors, students, teachers and parents once Score Choice launches.

Students will be encouraged to follow the score-reporting requirements of each college to which they apply, but their scores will not be released for admission purposes without their specific consent. Colleges and universities will only receive the scores that students send them.

For more information, see: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-reasoning/scores/policy