It’s no secret that students worldwide use AI chatbots to do their homework and avoid learning things. On the flip side, students can also use AI as a tool to beef up their knowledge and plan for the future with flashcards or study guides. Google hopes its latest Gemini feature will help with the latter. The company has announced that Gemini can now create free SAT practice tests and coach students to help them get higher scores.
As a standardized test, the content of the SAT follows a predictable pattern. So there’s no need to use a lengthy, personalized prompt to get Gemini going. Just say something like, “I want to take a practice SAT test,” and the chatbot will generate one complete with clickable buttons, graphs, and score analysis.
Of course, generative AI can go off the rails and provide incorrect information, which is a problem when you’re trying to learn things. However, Google says it has worked with education firms like The Princeton Review to ensure the AI-generated tests resemble what students will see in the real deal.
The interface for Gemini’s practice tests includes scoring and the ability to review previous answers. If you are unclear on why a particular answer is right or wrong, the questions have an “Explain answer” button right at the bottom. After you finish the practice exam, the custom interface (which looks a bit like Gemini’s Canvas coding tool) can help you follow up on areas that need improvement.
While the SAT is the most widely used test in US college admissions, it’s not the only one. Google is starting with the SAT but says it plans to support other tests in the future. It does not specify if future tests will be US-centric or if they could branch out to other regions.
Currently, SAT prep courses and tutoring are a big business. Practice tests and books can cost several hundred dollars, and a one-on-one tutor can run into the thousands. Overall, Americans spend billions of dollars every year on these products and services in hopes of giving their kids a leg up in college admissions.
AI is already making a dent in the industry—even without a dedicated test prep mode, students regularly use chatbots for tutoring, hallucinations be damned. The addition of this feature to Gemini for all users will likely accelerate declines in test prep and tutoring services.
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