Around this time of year, many juniors and seniors are signing up for the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), a standardized test many colleges use for considering an applicant’s admission. While the SAT can be helpful for getting into select colleges, it’s definitely not the end all be all and shouldn’t cause students unnecessary stress.
The SAT measures a student’s math, reading, and language skills. The test is split up of 4 sections; Reading, writing and language, math (without calculator), and math (with calculator). The math portion of the test includes algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, and algebra I. It doesn’t include pre-calculus, calculus, or statistics courses.
The SAT is also used to compare a student with his or her peers, along with matching students with potential academic programs via College Board. Today, colleges use an applicant’s SAT score to determine admission, scholarships, class placement, and more.
Starting in 2024, the test will exclusively be online. The last available paper test was on December 2nd, 2023. Students are allowed to bring their own laptop to the testing center. The test is on an app called “Bluebook”, the same app BASH juniors used to take the pre-SAT, back in October.
The motive for going digital is to make the test more efficient to take and grade. Holly Stepp, a spokesperson for College Board, said that it’s “A test that is easier to take, easier to give, more secure and more relevant”.
The app will also use AI to determine whether to give students a harder question, or an easier question, increasing efficiency. According to wbur.org, “That means the app will track how students perform on the first module of questions to determine if the test should give the student an easier or harder set of questions in the second module. Once fully digital, the test will also be an hour shorter in duration”.
Tips for preparing for the SAT include taking practice tests, getting enough sleep the night before, and answering questions as a swift pace. Since it’s timed it’s recommended you spend as little time as possible on each question. Points on the test will be given for correct answers but not subtracted for incorrect answers.
The SAT is not a test taken during school hours. You must book and pay for it outside school. To book a test, one must register, with College Board and pay 60 dollars to secure a seat. The upcoming dates for spring 2024 are March 9th, May 4th, and June 1st. Nearby testing centers include Pottstown High School, Owen J Roberts High School, and Reading Senior High School. When purchasing a spot, it’s highly recommended that you purchase a study book. The textbook includes all potential material covered, along with eight practice tests with answers with explanations.
When test day comes, bring an approved calculator, a charged laptop, a ID with a picture, and a bottle of water. Be punctual, they will not wait for students who are late.
Boyertown’s average score on the Pre-SAT as of October 2023 was 962. This is just below Pennsylvania average of 971.
To summarize, the SAT does have potential benefits if you decide to take it, however, if chosen not to it’s worth stressing over.
