If you are headed for an Ivy League college, SAT prep is a priority. High SAT scores are required for admission, but it is important to remember that this is not the only factor taken into account. Your personal statement, extracurricular activities, GPA, and community activities are also considered. However, through adequate preparation you can make sure that your SAT scores make your application stand out.
Learn About the SAT Test
The SAT is usually taken by high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The College Board feels that a student's SAT scores and GPA are the best indication of whether a person will be a successful student in college. The test measures literacy, writing skills, and numeracy, which are required for academic success in college. It consists of a number of timed sections that measure each skill level.
Set a Test Score Goal
Before you get started, check what SAT scores are required for the colleges you would like to attend. This information is available from each college and required test scores are often similar for each. The required score is usually within the top 90 percentile, which means a score of 2150 or higher out of a possible 2400.
Get a Practice SAT Test Booklet
Once you have set your score goal, buy one or more practice test booklets. These will get you used to the test format and the way the questions are structured, to help you identify your weak points. An online version is available on the College Board website.
Identify Your Weak Points
Once you have completed a practice test, identify the areas that need work. This is not necessarily knowledge based. If you find you made a lot of mistakes, focus on your test taking and answering skills.
Find a Tutor or Attend SAT Classes
If you find that you need to work on your numeracy and literacy skills, consider attending SAT classes or enrolling the aid of a tutor. Classes are available online from the College Board and local listings often contain advertisements for tutors. Alternatively, ask your guidance teacher for recommendations.
Register and Pay for the SAT Test
SAT tests are held a number of times a year. Ensure that you register in time to complete the test and get your results before applying for college. If you cannot afford the fees, inquire about discounts. An additional fee for late registration applies.
Complete a Timed Practice SAT Test
Once your preparation is complete it is time to put what you have learned into action. Take a timed mock SAT test. Remember that you may use a calculator for the numeracy section.
Evaluate Your Mock SAT Scores
Evaluate the scores for each section. Although the overall score is taken into account, most Ivy League colleges consider each section (math, writing, and reading comprehension) separately. This means that each section has a minimum score, so ensure that you achieve high scores in each. This will give you a clear indication of your readiness for the test and allow you to practice under more stressful conditions.
Re-register and Redo the SAT Test if Needed
Once you have written the real test, evaluate your scores. If required, register again and repeat the test; it can be taken multiple times. In fact, most people take the test for the first time in the spring of their junior year and during the fall of their senior year.
Send Your Best SAT Scores
You can choose which SAT scores are sent to colleges. Score Choice allows you to choose which SAT and SAT Subject Test scores to send. If you decide not to use this option, all of your scores are sent to each of your college choices. If you choose to send all your scores, the college will probably consider the best ones.
Taking SAT tests can be nerve wracking, but adequate preparation makes the process a little less daunting. SAT prep for custom writing service should focus on test skills and knowing what to expect in addition to building on academic knowledge. Classes and tutors are available for assistance and completing a few practice tests will give you the confidence you need to showcase your talents. Do not be discouraged if you are disappointed in the scores achieved in your first attempt. You can always retake the test and send only your highest scores.
