As a U.S. college graduate, I know all about the extra pressure of the dreaded SAT. There are several myths circulating about the SAT and I hope to dispel these myths and emphasize the importance of preparing for this important exam.
Myth # 1: The SAT is a test of intelligence. If I am a smart kid, I will do just fine on the SAT.
Fact: While it is understandable that one might come to the above conclusion, the truth is- the SAT is a test of how good you are at taking the SAT and a reflection of how much time you spent preparing. It is very different than a Provincial exam, where you know exactly what content you will be assessed on. There are several specific strategies that you can learn and specific areas that you can study to achieve a good score on the SAT. This is one of the reasons why SAT prep is so important. As a smart kid, your best decision is to learn the correct test taking strategies and to utilize the resources around you to prepare for the test.
Myth #2: By reading an SAT prep book, I will be completely prepared to take the SAT.
Fact: An SAT prep book is a fantastic way to supplement your SAT studying. It will introduce you to the test, the types of questions that are on the test, and it will provide you with solid advice and tips to study. However, the best way to achieve your potential is to take a full SAT prep course. Taking the test in true exam-like conditions with other students is important to give you an accurate read of your baseline. To improve your baseline score, it is important to determine the problem- you can miss questions for a variety of reasons including running out of time, not reading the question carefully, or just not knowing the content necessary to answer the question. Whatever the problem is, taking a prep course is the best option to identify and tackle these problems. Just taking practice tests from a prep book (especially ones without full answer explanations) could potentially solidify bad habits and prevent a student from making curriculum growth.
Myth #3: It is unlikely that you can improve your test score by very much.
Fact: Your baseline score is very much a starting off point! You can see huge improvements if you are dedicated to studying and preparing for the exam. If you can improve your score by even 100 points, you can significantly improve your chances of admission to many schools. From personal experience, I was able to improve my score by over 200 points through a test preparation program allowing me to open my college search to Ivy League schools. One of the best ways to improve your Critical Reading score and your Writing Score is to expand your vocabulary. SAT prep courses can provide you with great vocabulary-building tools. And the best way to do well on the Math section is to understand the way concepts are tested- the math itself is not extremely complex. Remember, there are significant curriculum differences between British Columbia’s curriculum and traditional US curriculum. Our prep course will help you fill in the blanks.
Myth #4: I have straight A’s and an excellent list of extra-curricular activities so if I don’t have a really SAT score it doesn’t matter.
Fact: It is true that U.S. colleges look at several factors in the admissions process; however, the SAT continues to be the biggest objective predictor of admissions consideration. Unless you are a heavily recruited Division I athlete or from a family with extraordinary circumstances, chances are that if you do not have a top 25% SAT score in a school’s SAT range, your chances are risky to be admitted to the college of your choice.
Myth #5: I will take the exam for the first time in October because I am too busy in May and June.
Fact: Grade 12 students are busier in the fall of their grade 12 year than in any other time during their high school career. The US admission process is an arduous and time consuming process. Students must complete essays and supplemental questions, on top of, concentrating on first term marks and keeping up with their activities profile. While we understand that the May and June exams co-exist with a student’s final exam schedule, it is imperative to get a working score in the spring of grade 11. This is especially true for students who are applying to places that will require the SAT II Subject tests.
Here at Options Solutions, we offer SAT test preparation courses with a tried-and-true test record. Please see our online calendar for a list of class times and availability and contact our office at 604-922-8456 to sign up! We look forward to seeing you soon.
