Preparing+for+the+SAT

Preparing for the SAT

Here's a brief history of the SAT. In 1926, the SAT stood for Scholastic Aptitude Test. At the time of it's "initial creation" it was said that the test predited innate intelligence. Fast forward to 1994...the SAT became known as the Standardized Assessment Test. Then, in 1995 it changed to standing for "nothing." That's right the letters of the SAT know stand for "nothing". But that doesn't stop the actual test from being a tool used by colleges and universities for admittance to their school. Admittedly, the importance of the SAT is less crucial than in the '70's and '80's. Most colleges use this test as ONE TOOL for painting the WHOLE PICTURE of a successful student. Surprisingly, there are many colleges/univeristies that are "SAT OPTIONAL", because they don't think it's a good indicator for succes in college.

Although the importance of the SAT may be less significant for some college acceptance, ONE MILLION high school students take this test every year in the U.S. The average score is 1540 out of a perfect score of 2400. It is recommended that students take the test up to THREE times, with a "buffer" of six months between each test. Here are some tips to help you perform your best on the SAT:

1. Visit the COLLEGE BOARD WEBSITE... [|www.collegeboard.com]. a. answer the FREE QUESTION OF THE DAY. b. complete the FREE PRACTICE QUESTIONS and TESTS- critical reading questions that contain 19 completion question, 40 reading questions, 44 multi choice math questions, and a section of multi choice questions in writing that measure grammar skills. There is also a section for the 25 minute essay question. c. take the OFFICIAL SAT ONLINE COURSE for $69.95 d. purchase the OFFICIAL STUDY GUIDE for $21.99


 * Be careful. If you purchase a study guide other than the COLLEGE BOARD OFFICIAL STUDY GUIDE, you run the risk of it not being "up to date."

2. Learn about how the test is set up. a. the first 1/3 of each section of the test consists of the easiest questions. You can probably count on your "obvious" answer as being the correct answer. b. the seond 1/3 of each section of the test consists of a medium degree of difficulty. So you should focus on the first 2/3 of each section and be determined to answer all of these questions correctly. c. the last 1/3 of each section of the test consists of a high degree of difficulty. Your most "obvious" answer is usually NOT the correct answer to the questions in this part of the test. You will need to exclude the "most obvious answer" and then work on a "process of elimination" with these questions.

3. Suggestions for studying for the test: a. study in a "less than quiet" area...you will be taking the test in a large room, with many other students, with papers being moved around etc. b. practice studying for 3 hours and 45 minutes at a time, without moving around...that's the allotted time for the test. c. take at least EIGHT practice tests - use the test results as a guide of what you need to work on. d. take the SAT up to THREE times. If you study between each test, you should imporve your test score by 200 to 300 points each time. e. practice your pacing...if you are unable to complete the SAT, then you need to focus on pacing.

Finally, the SAT is here to stay...for now. I applaud colleges and universities that use this test as ONE TOOL of many for student acceptance to their school. We must remember that we need to look at the whole child...academic grades, progress from year to year, extra-curriular activiities and general personality as a student who yearns to learn.