 |
| Should I take the test once just to get a feel for it? |
|
No. Before taking a driver's test, virtually all students enroll in a driver's education course - they would never consider taking their first driver's exam without adequate training. Nobody should take a test inadequately prepared, and early training for your first SAT exam allows for more time to further enhance your test-taking skills should you later decide to take the exam a second or third time. Once you have taken the PSAT, you have already experienced the virtual equivalent of the SAT, so you already have a feel for it. If you missed the opportunity to take the PSAT, you can take a free practice SAT with actual test questions either with a prep organization such as Higher Standards or through use of the free sample test booklet available at most colleges and high school guidance offices. |
| How many times should I take the SAT? |
|
I would recommend taking the test 2 or 3 times. If you prepare before each exam and devote the necessary attention to improving your scores, you can consistently improve your scores. |
| What about students with learning differences? |
| |
There are a number of special accommodations that students can receive depending upon their specific learning difference (LD). The most common accommodations allow students extended (50% extra) or "unlimited" (typically 100% extra) time in order to properly take the SAT exam and compensate for the LD. Unlike a few years ago, score reports now do not distinguish between standard and nonstandard testing, so the colleges will be unaware of the conditions students were under when they took the SAT exam. Note that having been diagnosed with a learning difference in the past does not automatically entitle you to special SAT accommodations. The testing must be recent, the psychometrician needs to recommend special accommodations, the high school needs to be informed (a person cannot have an LD for SAT purposes but be LD-free at school), an Eligibility Form must be submitted to the College Board, and a number of other hoops must be jumped through. This approval process can take months, so start the process early. For additional guidance, you can call ETS directly at 609-771-7137. |
| |
 |
| What is the ACT, and how does it differ from the SAT? |
| |
The ACT is an alternative to the SAT. Most colleges and universities will accept either exam.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT has a Science Reasoning section and incorporates some Trigonometry (e.g. SIN, COS, and TANGENT). On the other hand, the SAT includes Sentence Completion problems while the ACT does not.
The SAT contains 10 sections which alternate between Reading, Math, and Writing. The ACT contains 5 sections-English, Math, Reading, Science, and Essay. These sections do not alternate; in other words, you complete the entire section in one sitting as opposed to alternating between sections.
Some may do slightly better on one test than the other, but neither is inherently more difficult than the other. |
| |
 |
| Should I take the PSAT? |
| |
Yes. The PSAT is good practice for the SAT and affords you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the test and assess your current standing. It does not count toward college admissions so there is little pressure to perform. Also, the top scorers in the country will qualify for the National Merit Scholarship (NMS), a prestigious scholarship likely to impress any college admissions board. Only students who take the PSAT in October of their 11th grade year are eligible for the NMS. |
What is the difference between the SAT and PSAT? |
| |
The SAT includes an essay; the PSAT does not.
The SAT includes Algebra II questions; the PSAT does not.
The PSAT is a 2 hour, 10 minute test; the SAT is a 3 hour, 45 minute test.
|
|
