Certain calculating devices are allowed during the administration of the standardized college admissions examination. These tools facilitate mathematical computations and data analysis required to answer specific questions on the mathematics section. For instance, a student might use one to solve a complex algebraic equation or to determine statistical measures from a given data set.
The allowance of these devices aims to assess mathematical reasoning skills rather than rote calculation abilities. Students can efficiently process numerical data, enabling them to focus on the underlying concepts and problem-solving strategies. Historically, the policy reflects a shift towards evaluating higher-order thinking skills relevant to college-level coursework.
