ACT, SAT, PSATT/NMSQT, ASVAB-so many tests assail the would-be college student. How about the SAT? Are SAT test results used by colleges? Does this test help or hinder a perspective student? Do colleges grant admission based on this test?
What Is the SAT?
First, let us define the SAT so as not to confuse it with so many other tests called by letters of the name. SAT is not pronounced as "sat" but rather by the three letters which stand for Scholastic Aptitude Tests. Notice the last word, "Tests" is plural. The set of test includes a reasoning test and also subject tests in, math, science, history, English grammar and languages.
The tests are administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). They are used to measure the ability of a student to understand and process mathematical and verbal reasoning.
Nearly every college in America accepts SAT as a part of the admission process, though many do not require it for admission. The thing that makes the SAT test results a desirable consideration for colleges is that the test measures learning abilities, thus determining the likelihood of a student being successful on a particular college campus.
Do I Need It?
More than 2,000,000 students take the SAT every year. Garnering a high score on the SAT significantly increases a student's chances of getting into the college he chooses. Colleges use entrance exams, high school records, writing ability, extracurricular activities (like standing in such groups as Boy Scouts, National Honor Society, etc.), which show leadership skills, plus recommendations and interviews to help them make their decisions on student acceptance.
Besides these factors though a school can learn much about the student from his scores on the SAT, making the tests a valuable tool for judging the learning abilities the student can bring to the school. If you plan to go to college, you will benefit from taking the SAT.
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Did you know that colleges receive your scores every time you take the SAT? You might want to take a practice SAT test to ensure you do your very best. |
A SAT Test score is an important result for any college-bound high school student, but understanding SAT scores and how to best use the score is a confusing issue. |
