Math Bias in College Test

* Re “Testing on a Level Field,” editorial, Oct. 3:

Although I agree that too much emphasis is placed on standardized testing in the college admissions process, I must correct a major inaccuracy in your assumption. The selection index on the PSAT, which is used to determine National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, is derived by doubling the verbal score and adding it to the math score, thus giving twice as much weight to the verbal components of the test.

To state that male students outscore female students due to their supposed superiority in math is incorrect and an obvious oversimplification. This year, 20 students at North Hollywood High School have been named National Merit semifinalists, and 14 are girls.

Let’s stop telling girls that the test is biased, which gives them an excuse for not performing well. Instead, we need to encourage our female students to compete and succeed in a diversified academic environment.

In addition, the “A” in PSAT and SAT stands for assessment, not achievement or aptitude as reported in your editorial.

SUSAN BONOFF

College Counselor

North Hollywood High School

* Re “Firms Agree to Alter Scholarship Test,” Oct. 2:

The College Board and Educational Testing Service are just bowing to political pressure to assure equal outcome with their recent change in testing procedures. We’re to believe that a writing skills test will be improved and made “gender neutral” by including a multiple-choice section? Gee, I thought writing skills were best demonstrated by actually writing.

And then something astonishing: Math tests are judged to have a gender bias. How can anyone believe that numbers can be arranged to assume a gender bias? 5 (male or female) + 5 = 10? One either knows math or not. Improved teaching of these subjects should be the change advanced, not dumbing down the tests.

LINDSEY LEE GINTER

Marina del Rey