College & University Information

Prepping for the new SAT I


On March 12, 2005, high school juniors across the country were the first to take the new SAT I test, the standardized testing used in the college admission process. The test is 3 hours and 45 minutes, instead of just 3 hours, and contains a third writing section. So, the new test has three sections: Math, Critical Reading, and Writing, each scored out of 800 points, for a total of 2400 possible points.

To prepare for this test, students must realize that the test has not changed that dramatically and in some ways it is easier with the insidious and ambiguous analogies eliminated from the reading section. The math section is a bit more challenging, but more congruent with 10th and 11th grade math. Students should brush up on math formulas and know how to break down word problems. To be successful in the writing section, know how to write a good thesis that is logical, clear and concise. The thesis does not have to be overly analytic or compelling, but every paragraph has to relate to the thesis. Focus on grammar, which is a big component of the new SAT I test. Know the difference between an adverb and a preposition. Since the essay is handwritten, use print instead of script so that the essay is legible. Be aware that SAT vocabulary words are very important, so know the root words, prefixes and suffixes.

Overall, learn the basic skills in writing, math and vocabulary before taking practice tests. Tutoring is sometimes helpful to provide structure and motivate a student to prepare for the test. The SAT tests do not measure intelligence, they merely measure how well students do on the test and rank them in comparison to other SAT test takers. If the SAT I test is extremely challenging, consider taking the ACT test instead. Most schools will accept the ACT test, but it is a good idea to check with the universities that you are applying to and find out which tests are required for admission. Students should take practice tests in the SAT and ACT to determine which test yields the better result.

For parents, know that students are very anxious about the test and help them in dealing with the pressure. If your child has a learning issue and will benefit from more time, then lobby the school for extended or untimed test taking. Play the SAT vocabulary test with your child at the dinner table or in the car.

Finally, put the test into perspective. While it is certainly a factor for college admissions, it counts about half as much as the rigorousness of a student's high school curriculum and grades. So, for students who are lackluster test-takers, they should prove themselves academically by taking a challenging course load and working on grades. Colleges are much more interested to know how students perform in the classroom over 4 years, than how they did for 4 hours on a Saturday morning.

Katherie Cohen, Ph.D. is the founder and CEO of IvyWise, a comprehensive educational consulting company. http://www.ivywise.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Area college, university officials bracing for cuts
Joplin Globe, MO - 3 hours ago
By Melissa Dunson Area colleges are tightening their belts to brace for projected state budget cuts over the next two years. Bruce Speck, Missouri Southern ...


Canisius routs Howard 70-46
The Associated Press - 3 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Greg Logins had 22 points and 14 rebounds to lead Canisius College to a 70-46 victory over Howard University on Monday night. ...


Florida AG McCollum to keynote Stetson law commencement
Bizjournals.com, NC - 14 hours ago
The Florida attorney general will deliver the commencement address to 87 graduates address the Stetson University College of Law this month. ...


Hamline University Newsroom

Piper men fall to Eagles on the road
Hamline University Newsroom, MN - 1 hour ago
Despite a trio of Pipers in double-digit scoring, the Hamline University men's basketball team fell to the host Northwestern College Eagles in ...


Exploring the evil in our midst
guardian.co.uk, UK - 6 hours ago
Some men and women love to study the men (and the women) who see women as evil. Many of these misogyny scholars will gather in Budapest, Hungary, ...


Tennessee's heir apparent deserves fair shake
Memphis Commercial Appeal, TN - Nov 30, 2008
By Geoff Calkins (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal Head football coach at the University of Tennessee at the age of 33? Is that some kind of joke or what ...


Gas drilling hearing Tuesday at SUCO
Oneonta Daily Star, NY - 9 hours ago
One of the two remaining public hearings on environmental issues associated with natural gas drilling will be at 5:15 pm Tuesday at the State University ...


Free Webinar Dec. 3rd for College/University Administrators Will ...
MarketWatch - Nov 20, 2008
NEEDHAM, Mass., Nov 20, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- NEEDHAM, Mass., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- A free webinar, aimed at assisting college and university ...


Republic or democracy – who rules?
Abilene Reporter-News, TX - 19 minutes ago
By Doug "Ask Doug" Williamson (Contact) I checked with Dr. Paul Fabrizio over at McMurry University to get the right answer. He told me in the simplest ...


Lawyer sells condo on School
Blockshopper, IL - 7 minutes ago
by David Lister Kathleen E. Surowiec sold her condo at 1601 W. School St. in Lake View for $286000 to Kathleen E. Gwost on Nov. 12. Surowiec is an associate ...

College-University - Google News

home | site map
© 2006