The SAT's

The SAT's

Yes, the dreaded test. First of all, relax. This is a test that there is a way to do well, if you are willing to put in some work. Like many tests, practice is a good thing so you get used to the type of questions asked, and the manner in which they are asked.

The very first thing that must be understood is that this is not a test that can be studied for the week of the test. You are being tested upon knowledge accumulated over the course of your school career. This is not a test that you can begin studying for the month of the test either.

You will be taking a practice SAT in 10th grade. That is called a PSAT and it is often a very good indication of the grade you will receive on the actual test. As the vast majority of schools ask for SAT scores during the college application process, you don't want to wait until senior year to take your SAT's. Ideally, you should plan to take your SAT at the earliest possible time in 11th grade. Why so early? Well, if you do poorly, or not as well as you'd like, you have time for study and practice to retake the test later in the year. You can take this test as many times as you like. Be aware that there are fees associated with the SAT as well as with the SAT subject tests.

Subscribe to the SAT question of the day. Buy an SAT practice test. Ask friends who have already taken the test if they have older copies. Go to the library and take out one of their SAT books. Take practice tests online. Set timers so you know your speed and work to increase that speed. What are you problem areas? Focus upon those areas. Scour the internet for vocabulary lists and learn those words. Get 1100 Words You Need To Know by Barron's, and work the exercises in the book. Having a good vocabulary is one of the keys to doing well on the test.

Soon, the essay writing part of the test will no longer be required. Those of you who fall under the new rules are lucky. But, that won't make the test any easier to get through. Start this process in 8th grade to be as prepared as possible. Don't think you've got nothing but time. Your PSAT will come around a lot sooner than you think.

When looking at colleges, see what sort of SAT scores they require for you to get into their school. For instance, Brooklyn College requires a minimum of 1550. Some schools require much higher grades. See if they have a base line for math for instance. Some schools won't even consider your application if you get under a 600 in one of the subjects. Scoring as it stands now is 800 points for three sections. The highest score is 2400. The national average score is 1500. If, when you take your PSAT's you are below that number, you have some work that must be done. Spend 10 minutes a day on SAT work during school. Spend 30 minutes to one hour during breaks and vacation. If you do this, the pressure your teachers will be putting on you will lessen dramatically.

If you want and are feeling confident, take your actual SAT's in 9th or 10th grade. It's a win-win for you. You will understand the nerve wracking process of test day, and it will allow you to know what areas you must focus upon. he test is given in High Schools across NYC and chances are good that you won't know anyone in your testing room. You certainly won't know the proctors. Parents are not allowed in the school, so you are on your own. If you tank the test, those grades never need to be reported.

Should you need more tips, please ask in the comment section, and we will be happy to answer all your questions.

Remember, this is NOT about putting pressure on you. The better prepared you are, the more confident you will be, and the better you will do on the test!