> Also keep in mind that when the tests were redesigned a few years ago, the average score went up about 200 points from what I've heard. I don't know much about the statistics, but I daresay that when Bush took the SAT, 1220 was stastically a much better score than it is today.

The average 1220 on the original scale (there are many different ways of getting a combined 1220) is equivalent to 1290 on the recentered scale. I was a bit relieved to know my score was inflated only 10 points, instead of a whopping few hundred. The link below is useful for converting scores. Now I suppose I should rephrase my blanket statement: Anything above 1200, or 1120 if you graduated before 1990 and still care, is excellent. And it matters little either way.

That test is being redesigned again, though, to thoroughly confound any comparisons. They're adding a writing section, which they claim they can evaluate just as objectively as multiple choice bubbles.

Ga"The entire essay must be written with a No. 2 pencil"by