Quit crying, already. It’s the SAT test, not a foot amputation.
I know that when you actually registered to take the infamous SAT test, you almost had a nervous breakdown, but come on. Get over it! You’re snotting on the computer keys, and puffy is definitely not the look for your eyes.
So try to breathe normally and digest what I’m about to explain. Let’s start with the basic SAT test information, shall we?
What Is the SAT Test?
The SAT, also known as the SAT Reasoning Test, is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test used as a college entrance exam. It is typically taken during the spring of your junior year, which leaves time for retakes if your score doesn’t reflect your incredible intellect. It is administered seven times a year, so you have ample time to take it if you miss a registration deadline – not that you would.
Why Is the SAT Test So Darn Important?
- It’s universally accepted. All major universities in the United States accept the SAT as a college entrance exam. Most take the ACT, but all take the SAT.
- Your scores follow you around. I’m not kidding. When you apply for your first entry-level job, your SAT scores are going to be on your resume, because truthfully, your pizza delivery gig can’t showcase your reasoning ability like a 2010 on the SAT can.
- It can balance a low GPA. So maybe you hated World History, flunked it on purpose, and ruined that 4.0. That doesn’t mean you aren’t smart. Scoring high on the SAT can show off your brains when your GPA doesn’t.
What Is on This Monstrous Test?
Relax. You don’t have to remember the date President Lincoln issued War Order Number One. The SAT, although long, (3 hours and 45 minutes), is really a test of logic and reasoning.
It is subdivided into three scored sections, and one unscored experimental section. You will not know which one is experimental, however, so you’ll have to try your best on them all.
How Do SAT Scores Work?
Since each section is worth between 200 and 800 points, the lowest possible score you can get is a 600 and the highest possible score is a 2400.
The average overall score (50th percentile) in the United States for 2007 was a 1511:
- Critical Reading: 502
- Math: 515
- Writing: 494
If you want to get into one of the top-ranking schools in the U.S., you’ll need to score around the 90th percentile, which would mean a score of 2100 or above. That sounds high, but since all universities look at things like your extracurricular activities, GPA, and school involvement in addition to your scores, getting into college isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
Plus, starting in 2010, students who take the test multiple times can actually choose which scores are reported to the universities, so they’ll have the option of knocking out the scores that didn’t make the cut.
How Can You Prepare For This SAT Test?
Don’t sweat it. You have a lot of options to prep for the SAT, some of which require cash, but others that are completely free. You don’t have to be a Trump to gear up for the big day!
- Tutors: Believe it or not, there are people who specialize in test-prep, and they advertise all over the place. Some are affiliated with companies like Kaplan, but others you can find on your local Craig’s List, or in your guidance counselor’s office. Go with the person who has actually taken the test and can show you their scores. If they didn’t score well, keep looking!
- Classes: You can find them all over the Web. The best come from reputable sources with proven track records: Kaplan, The Princeton Review, The College Board (the SAT writers) and Sylvan are a few places to get you started.
- Books: Most of the test prep books in your local Barnes and Noble are sufficient to give you a feel for completing the tests. For an even cheaper approach, jump on eBay and score yourself a good deal. Just be sure to get the latest version!
- Internet: If you don’t want to shell out the cash for a book, try an online source like Barronstestprep.com. It’s considerably less expensive overall, and you get immediate feedback and instantaneous scoring, so it’s easy to tell where you need the most help. Or, try pages like mine where the tips and practice questions are completely free!
What are the SAT Subject Tests?
These are also standardized tests, but are not part of the SAT Reasoning Test described above. Some colleges use the Subject Tests for the following:
- Admission. Spare yourself the agony of testing and check with your school of choice to see if a subject test is even required.
- Course placement. Do you have to take English 101 or can you breeze through to 102, the one with the hot professor?
- Course selection. You failed miserably on the German Subject Test, so it might be better to forego that trip to Munich, and sign up for Spanish instead.
You can take one of several tests under the headings of English, Science, Math, History or Languages – anything from Literature to Chemistry to Japanese with Listening.
