The SAT, which stands for Scholastic Aptitude Test is a very important test which most
Juniors and Seniors need to take inorder to get addmitted into a college. Very Often students
are puzzled and confused about how the test is evaluated by colleges. If you are the type
of student who is "book smart", and will only know things for tests then you better gear
up, because the SAT tests you on logic, how fast you can grasp, and translate information
inorder to solve problems. Colleges want to know that you don't only know how to keep
up a great GPA, but that you can also think and do well on a fast pace with a certain
amount of time allotted. Although the SAT's are very important they are not quite the
determining factor of getting accepted to college (but they may be a determinig factor
for scholarships). Very often schools make you take assessement tests if you scored lower
than the average for that particular school.
IV Leagues have certain standards with GPA and SAT scores,
but there are always a few exceptional individuals who manage to get accepted despite
their "not so great" SAT score. This is where your personal essays, the letters
of reccomendation, GPA, and extra curricular activities play a great role.
Colleges want great rounded students. The college application process is not the time
for you guys to be humble. You want to make sure to enumerate(list) all of your great
achievements, and do not hesitate to emphasize on them. If you did an internship, or had
a job try to get a letter of recommendation from your employer. Colleges want to know
that you have a life outside of school! When going to an interview BE CONFIDENT!!
College Administrators do not want someone who is unsure of themself. Make them believe
that you are worthy of going to their school.
Now that you know that SATS's are not "everything" and that the college administrators
are looking for individuals with an amalgamation of a great GPA, letters of recommendation,
personal essays and interview you may now be a little more calm about taking the SAT's, but
not too calm where you then don't end up studying for this test.
Now that summer is just around the corner I would suggest you guys start studying for the SAT's
If you will be a senior in the fall your last chance to prove yourself to colleges may
very well be in December (If you are applying for regular decision), and October if you
are applying for (early Decision)If you took the SAT's in your Junior year and you are
not satisfied, Summer should not be the time when you squander your precious weeks
on trivial matters.
Prospected Sophmores, and Juniors in the fall, even though you have more time you should nonetheless
try to at least look at an SAT book, and try to do some examples. I would suggest for you guys
to start studying vocabulary words, and Math concepts. Having a great vocabulary is not only
beneficial for SAT's but also for your college acceptance essays.
P.S. Best wishes to you all, and remember you CAN do this. Have faith and believe in Yourself! :)
