Taking the SAT is a high school right of passage that most teens dread. Getting a good score on the SATs is viewed as a ticket to a good college and a successful future. If you're planning on taking this grande dame of standardized tests, read on to learn how to take the SATs.
SAT Prep - To Guess or Not to Guess....
Getting an answer correct on the SAT raises adds points, getting a wrong answer removes points, and leaving a bubble blank doesn't change your score. This video suggests situations in which you should or should not guess if you don't know the answer. If you can eliminate some of the answers as obviously wrong, you can increase the odds that your guess will be correct.
Introduction
- The SAT is a standardized test used by some colleges and universities as part of the admissions process. SAT scores are also used by some scholarship programs when considering awards.
Step 1: Do You Need to Take the SAT?
- There are a number of schools and colleges who are moving to either not require the SAT as an admission requirement, or make the submission of scores optional. Some schools permit you to submit ACT scores instead. If you know for sure that all of the schools you're interested in do not require the SAT, you might consider not taking the test, and using your time and money elsewhere. However, students have been known to change their minds frequently about colleges, so not taking the exam might limit your options later on, if your preferred schools change. You could also be taking yourself out of the running for any scholarship awards that use SAT scores as one of the award criteria.
Step 2: Prepare for the SAT
- You can find free SAT prep materials on the College Board website, Taking review classes is a popular choice, as is purchasing self-study books or software. Some high schools include an SAT prep class as an elective.
Step 3: Take the SAT
- Although taking any test is bound to be stressful, there are tips you can use on test day to help you perform at your best.
- Don't cram the night before; get a good night's rest.
- You can use a calculator on the exam. Make sure yours meets the test requirements, and that you have extra batteries.
- Eat a good breakfast, and bring water and snacks for the break between sections.
- Don't guess, as points are deducted for incorrect answers.
- Pace yourself to make sure you have time to finish each section.
Conclusion
If you need to take the SAT, you'll want to prepare beforehand so that you are relaxed and confident on the day of the test. Show up well rested and well fed, and use the time wisely.
