Errors in SAT Math Workbook Could Cost Students Their Scores

November 19th, 2009

Let’s play a new game called “Are You Smarter Than an SAT Workbook?”

Okay, so it’s not really a game, but it is a real scenario for students who bought Mastering the SAT Math. According to Jeffrey Newman, a math tutor, there are around 36 errors in the book that is published by Wiley—a company that normally enjoys a legacy of producing excellent educational resources. Newman’s concern for students—and their SAT scores– prompted him to inform FOX News in New York and help spread the word to those who are using this book.

This is not the first time in publishing history that a book has ever had mistakes in it, but we’re not talking about one or two glitches here: 36 mistakes means getting an entire section wrong on the SAT! Errors were also found in the SAT Math Workbook by Barron’s (yet another publishing titan), as well as in The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd Edition by the College Board. Yes, the College Board—you know, the people who CREATED the SAT. Hmm.

Of course, there WOULD have to be problems with math. If you are anything like me, a gal who was waiting to declare English as her college major since the day she was born, trust me—we need all the help we can get when it comes to numbers.

Without a doubt, more test prep errors will pop up, which shows that to err is certainly human, although that is not much help to college-bound students. Barron’s is offering a free replacement for the book, Wiley says you can return theirs, and College Board will probably do something similar. But all that does is leave you unsure of which book to pick up next—and as you know, studying for the SAT must go on.

Remember the student who sued her college when she couldn’t get a job? Time will only tell if students will begin to sue publishing companies when they don’t get into college.

–Barbara Bellesi

Entry Filed under: College Admissions, News, Test Prep