Are You SAT Ready??
By Kate, age 17, New Hampshire
Attention, Juniors and Seniors: This is the most important time for you as high schoolers. You should be starting to think about college, and deciding where you want to go. Though there's no rush to decide your major, time is ticking, and you will need to be turning in applications.
Most colleges look at SAT scores when considering admissions. They can play an important role, but they could also mean very little, depending on the colleges you apply to. Either way, they are essential to take, whether you're a junior or senior. So what's the deal with SATs?
Your school should have some information for you concerning the SATs. You should be provided with dates, locations, and the basics. You can also talk to your guidance counselor for more information and suggestions. Some schools go through a site called CollegeBoard. There you can find all the information you need, and even sign up dates. So check to see if your school has anything to do with this site and check it out.
When it does come time to take your SATs, it can be very stressful. The SATs aren't designed to test what you know, but what you have been taught. There might be questions to things you've never heard of or seen, and that's okay - don't panic! If you don't know a question, skip it! Don't try to answer anything you don't know. It will count against you. Any questions you skip will not. For example, if the SAT is 100 questions and you skip five, then you will only be graded for 95 of the questions. If you get 10 wrong, that would give you an 85 out of 95. But SATs aren't scored like your tests in school.
Generally, they are scored with higher numbers, the scale ranging from 200-800. You will be scored on reading, math, and writing. Writing is scored on a 20-80 scale, and essays are usually 2-12.
2007 College-Bound Seniors' Average Scores
(taken from www.collegeboard.com)Critical Reading: 502
Mathematics: 515
Writing: 494
Above is the average SAT scores for 2007. Hopefully, this will give you an idea of what the scores are like.
If you are disappointed in your scores, or for whatever reason you want to take the SATs again, go for it! The great thing about the SATs is that you can take them as many times as you want. So don't think because you got a bad score you're stuck with it.
Your school may also offer a prep guide with a practice SAT quiz. I definitely suggest buying it. It does cost money, but if you have a friend or an older sibling who had one, feel free to use that. It will give you an idea of what you should expect on the SAT.
If you have any other questions or want to know more, talk to your guidance counselor, and feel free to check out www.collegeboard.com. This site is a great tool for SATs.
Good luck to all of you!
