Overview
The SAT is a standardized test that is primarily used for college admissions testing. It is a part of life for many high-school juniors and seniors, and an important part of the package that prospective college students provide to admissions officers. The test has a long history in the United States, and is especially required by colleges in the northeastern and western states.
History of the SAT
The SAT was first known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The original SAT was developed for students applying to colleges on the East Coast. It has gone through many redesign changes, in order to make the test reflect skills that are needed in college. The number of students taking the SAT has grown from 8000 in the mid-1920’s, to over 1.5 million students every year currently. It is also given worldwide to English-speaking students.
Structure of the SAT
The current SAT is divided into three sections: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. There are a number of subtests in each section. Most of the SAT is multiple-choice, except for the written essay section, and part of a mathematics subtest. Each subtest has timed sections of 20 to 25 minutes, so the entire test is designed to take about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Most of the test is scored by machine, except for the essay portion. Tests are scored by the company that administers the tests rather than in any of the individual school districts.
How the SAT Predicts College Success
Many studies have been done correlating student GPA in high school and scores on the SAT with freshman GPA. The SAT measures student abilities in mathematics, critical reading, and writing; all essential for college success. Students are expected to enter college with basic skills, so they can master the volume of textbook reading, writing papers and essay tests, and mathematical reasoning required. The most successful students are able to apply what they have learned in secondary school.
Strategies for the SAT
Taking any standardized test, including the SAT, requires students to apply what they know, so that they can choose from alternative answers. Practice answering questions similar to those that might be on the SAT, develop strategies to narrow down choices, and work with a tutor to enhance the skills needed for school and test success.
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