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POSTED: 10:49 am EDT September 23,
2005
UPDATED: 11:00 am EDT September 23,
2005
- The SAT is a test of skills and knowledge. The test isn't a predictor of success after college, but competitive four-year schools use it as a major factor in admissions decisions and merit scholarships.
- Schools put a lot of weight on the SAT because it is hard to measure other factors like GPA, moral character and school competitiveness.
- The SAT Math section asks familiar concepts in unfamiliar ways.
- The SAT Verbal section asks for vocabulary that is often unfamiliar and demands reading skills many students have never used.
- The SAT is a great opportunity for high school students who don't have a strong academic record and those who do not go to a competitive school to stand out.
- In turn this also means that students with good grades and high-regarded schools have to protect them with a solid SAT score.
- The SAT is NOT a measure of fixed knowledge, skills or "intelligence".
- The SAT is generally considered coachable. Many students improve by studying and training beforehand.
- The best time to study for the SAT is when students have the most free time, often in the summer.
- Many student choose to take the SAT early, often in their junior year. Holding a great SAT score before senior year makes college decision-making easier.
- Plan to take the SAT at least twice. All colleges take the better score, and most cherry pick and combine the best Math on one sitting and the best Verbal, on perhaps a different sitting.
- Highly-ranked colleges are not right for most students. Your guidance counselor should be able to help you find a school that gives you the best chance of success in school and life.
