Watch out, tweens! As if the PSAT, SAT I, and SAT II's weren't enough, the College Board is introducing ReadiStep, a two-hour multiple-choice exam for eighth graders. The test, which evaluates reading, writing and math skills, is only for "diagnostic" purposes, and the officials say it was developed in response to demand from schools. ReadiStep won't qualify students for scholarships or impact college admissions, but the test results could give teachers insight into students' readiness for college.

However, the National Center for Fair & Open Testing is calling the new test "a cynical marketing ploy designed to enhance test-maker revenues, not improve access to higher education". They're not the only critics! Though just announced, ReadiStep has already gotten a lot of heat from a lot of people, including The Los Angeles Times, which wrote that this exam will "[push] college admissions testing down to ever-younger students."

A marketing ploy or not, one thing's for sure: if 13-year-olds weren't nervous about college before, they definitely will be now.