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 the 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! :)