The Texas-based SAT prep company that was recently sued by the College Board for copyright infringement filed a countersuit yesterday. It seems like someone has convinced Karen Dillard that her best defense is offense. I for one, however, am not convinced that the countersuit is anything more than posturing . . . but who knows. The only things I’m sure of are that (1) the attorneys on both sides will benefit the most and (2) all others involved will be worse off (in varying degrees).

To learn more about the countersuit click here for an article that appeared on dallasnews.com.

The College Board is alleging that a Texas-based SAT prep company vioated copyright law by obtaining and distributing a “pirated” version of the PSAT administered on October 17, 2007. (The adjective “pirated” is used by the College Board to refer to tests that have been unlawfully obtained and distributed.)

To learn more about this developing story click here for an article that appeared on DallasNews.com or click here for an article that appeared on Star-Telegram.com.

Because it is unclear whether some Texas teens got the pirated test before or after the October PSAT, it is impossible at this time to determine whether they had an unfair advantage in qualifying for National Merit Scholarships.

It is important to note that neither article indicates that any students from Texas knew they were being given a “live,” pirated version of the PSAT. Thus, is seems that the blame for any wrongdoing falls squarely on the shoulders of a handful of adults in Texas. (The adjective “live” is used by the College Board to refer to tests that have not yet been “retired” and made available to the public. Also, in case you didn’t know, the PSAT is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.)

I read an article from The Buffalo News this morning about the mixed messages that high school students are receiving about the SAT writing section:

Writing is important (my English teacher says so, and it is, after all, now part of the SAT), BUT

many colleges are not considering the SAT essay in the admissions process.

The very end of the article suggests that, despite the mixed messages, preparing for the SAT can be a positive experience, generally, and that preparing for the writing section, specifically, can help students improve their writing. I agree 100%. In fact, my own writing skills have improved since I began tutoring students for the “new” writing section a few years ago. (I admit my writing is not perfect, but it probably never will be!)

On a somewhat related point, I find it interesting that within the American school system, writing instructors stress clarity and brevity, yet most of what students are forced to read in their English classes is convoluted and difficult to understand. Talk about mixed messages.

A friend recently recommended that I check out a site at www.welcome2college.com. Well, I finally found the time to do some web-browsing, and this is what I think:

The site is actually very informative and helpful. While there are hundreds of websites related to college planning, this one is different in a very refreshing way. In addition to offering advice and guidance on traditional topics like financial aid, the site covers equally practical topics like health, fitness, campus safety, and (more…)