SAT

SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test. It’s an entrance test used by many colleges and universities. It lasts 3 hours. There are 2 sections: 1) Math and 2) Reading & writing tests. It costs $55 and the highest score is 1600 (800+800). The average score is 1060. The exam is multiple choice format. It’s used to measure the readiness of students for college.

Most students take SAT and/or ACT in the Spring of their Junior Year. You can re-take the exam, so it’s important to take them earlier so you can choose a higher score to submit to college.
SAT is offered 7 time nationally throughout the year:
Summer = June, August,
Winter = October (Great time for student), November, December,
Spring = March, May.

SAT 2 Subject Tests can be taken the same times as SAT, except for March

SAT registration is via College Board. The register deadline is here and it is approximately 5 weeks before each test.

Besides the SAT, you should take the PSATs when they are offered at your high school. The status as a “National Merit semifinalist” or “National Merit Finalist” will be determined by your PSAT score, not your SAT score!

Freshman Year: PSAT 8/9, offered by the school, registration done by school
Sophomore Year: PSAT 10/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). Registration done by school.
SAT 2 Subject test (National test day)
AP or IB Tests (school day)
Junior Year: PSAT 10/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
SAT or ACT (Most school will require one of these 2. If you are recruited athletes, you will need this for the NCAA clearing house)
SAT 2 subject tests (History, Chemistry, etc)
AP or IB Tests
Senior Year: Retake SAT or ACT
SAT 2 Subject Test
AP or IB Tests

In order to prepare the SAT, you need to :
1) Take Tough School Classes
2) Read Lots of Books (Magazines, Newspaper, Classic Books, Opinion/Idea reading)
3) Take Prep Tests (Daily Practicing): Test Prep, Test Prep and more Test Prep!
4) Review Results, Diagnose and Study as needed and take more practice test (avoid careless mistakes). You should take at least 3 Prep Test before taking the real SAT Tests. School can see all of your multiple attempts and their scores. They normally want 1 or 2, but more than 3 may not be a good sign.
5) Tutor if needed
6) Know the SAT covers:

For Math: The three areas of focus for math in the SAT are:

a. Heart of Algebra
It focuses on linear equations, systems of linear equations, and functions that are found in many fields of study. These questions ask you to create equations that represent a situation and solve equations and systems of equations as well as to make connections between different representations of linear relationships.

b. Problem Solving and Data Analysis
 It includes using ratios, percentages, and proportional reasoning to solve problems in real world situations, including science, social science, and other contexts. It also includes describing relationships shown graphically and analyzing statistical data. This group of skills is really about being quantitatively literate and demonstrating a command of the math that resonates throughout college courses, career training programs, and everyday life.

c. Passport to Advanced Math
It is the third area of focus in the SAT Math Test. The problems in this area focus on the math you will need to pursue further study in a discipline such as science or economics and for career opportunities in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. The Passport to Advanced Math area requires familiarity with more-complex equations or functions, which will prepare you for calculus and advanced courses in statistics.

The SAT Math Test also contains questions in Additional Topics in Math. Some of these problems focus on key concepts from geometry, including applications of volume, area, surface area, and coordinate geometry; similarity, which is another instance of proportional reasoning; and properties of lines, angles, triangles and
other polygons, and circles. There are also problems that focus on the fundamental ideas of trigonometry and radian measure, which are essential for study in STEM fields. Finally, there are problems involving the arithmetic of complex numbers, another concept needed for more-advanced study in math and the STEM fields. (study guide from College Board)

The Math Test includes the reference information shown below. You may find these facts and formulas helpful as you answer some of the test questions, but make sure you have plenty of practice with this information beforehand. To do well, you’ll need to be comfortable working with these facts and formulas.

For Writing: Know when to use subjects, verbs, pronouns, punctuation, etc.

For Reading: Know how to identify words in contexts and cite evidence.

Go to Khan Academy for the official Digital SAT Prep

There are a few items schools look at:

  • SAT Scores
  • High School’s GPA
  • Classes you took in High School
  • EC (Extracurricular) activities
  • Letters of Recommendations
  • Admission Interviews
  • Personal Essays