By: Rhiannon Cook

     Some students already have a 4-year plan at their dream college ready to go following high school, while others are still undecided on a major or career path. If you plan on going to college, getting in is the first step. Different colleges have different criteria for student consideration, and will evaluate you on several things before deciding whether to admit you. The things they pay attention to are largely based on what you submit yourself, and one of the most easily accessible and useful things to submit is your SAT score. SATs are offered multiple times during the year, one such time being the spring, which is fast approaching.

     The Squire decided to provide information on and tips for taking the SATs as students are most likely preparing to take them for the first time. We also asked Eisenhower’s high school guidance counselor, Mr. Morrison, to share some pointers on getting ready for the tests, and to elaborate on why they are important.

     Maybe you’re signed up to take the SAT, or are thinking about taking it, but you’re not sure why you should. Like we mentioned before, SAT scores can be used to get into college. For a long time, SAT and similar test scores were what colleges paid the most attention to, and they can still benefit your chances of being accepted. “The benefits of taking the SAT are that a good SAT score can help you get accepted over students with similar acceptance criteria and can also help you qualify for scholarships that colleges offer,” explains Morrison. “…a good score will help you more than a bad score will hurt you. Schools are more interested now in a student’s grades, classes taken, and extra-curricular activities than the SATs,” he adds. So, it’s not like an SAT is the only thing you have to consider when trying to get colleges to notice you, but they are still an entirely valid and valuable tool for increasing your chances of getting into your dream school.

          There is even the option to retake the SAT, if you’re not satisfied with your score. “I typically recommend that interested students take the SAT by spring of their junior year,” starts Morrison. “This allows them to take it again the following fall if they aren’t happy with their score. It is very easy to tell if your score is ‘good enough’ for the college you are interested in – colleges that require an SAT score will almost always list a target score for you on their website.” So, if you have a college you’re interested in, make sure to check its official website, or a college site like Niche, for information regarding SAT score ranges for admission.

     Just like any other test, it is a very good idea to study and make sure you know the material you are going to be tested on. In the case of the SATs, it can be easy to feel a little lost when trying to figure out how you are going to prepare. Luckily, there are many resources made available through school and online that are easy to access and quite useful. “The best way to start preparing for the SAT is to take the practice tests that are available on the College Board website,” says Morrison. “Once you have completed a couple of those, you will know what areas you need to work on before the actual test.”

     College Board is a website that provides all sorts of resources and assistance when it comes to preparing and signing up for the SATs. There are plenty of other sites online for review and practice, but don’t just use the internet. There are also books and guides that contain practice material that you can surely find at the school or public library. Morrison also mentions, “…if you need assistance on a specific area, I recommend asking one of the teachers in the building for some help.” Teachers are one of the best assets you can have, as they are there to help answer your specific questions and guide you through the material. If you have questions or concerns about the test or the content, ask a teacher or the guidance counselor.

    Another problem that comes with any test is the studying itself – how do you retain all that information and knowledge for your test? Well, there are many ways to go about learning, and the most effective way can be different from person to person. Morrison has a great method to try: “One tip that I learned just recently is ‘You haven’t really mastered a subject unless you can teach it to someone else.’ Once you’ve studied an area for a while, find a friend or sibling and try to teach them a lesson in that area. Doing this will show you what you really know and also what you still need to learn,” he shares. Other methods include things like the classic flash cards, containing concepts that may show up on the test. And make sure you are taking proper time to actually put your mind into studying – practicing over an extended period of time will always prove to be more effective than cramming in a bunch of frantic studying the week or night before the test. You already know how you learn best, so try to utilize all your methods and resources in the ways that you know will help you the best and make you feel the most prepared.

     Last but not least, don’t spend time stressing about it and instead focus on being prepared. That may seem easier said than done, but with all the resources, time, and opportunities that are open to you, there are plenty of ways to get ready in the way that will make you feel the most confident. Morrison agrees, encouragingly sharing, “Go into your test with confidence – everything you need to know for the SAT is taught to you here at Eisenhower.” He also says, “Don’t panic if you don’t hit your target score the first time as the vast majority of students will score better on the second try if they decide to try again. If you have specific questions about the test, ask me or your teachers; everyone here is on your team and will help you out.” If you are worried about the test, make sure you do tell someone, so they can comfort or help you.

     With these pointers and words of encouragement, The Squire hopes you can feel more comfortable with the thought of taking the SATs. Look into the mentioned resources, and take plenty of time to research, practice, and reassure yourself. The Squire will be cheering you on!