For a high school graduate looking to further his/her education, SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) matters and it’s a requirement for admission into a university or college.
Every year, millions of students take the SAT exam in hopes of getting into college or University. The test is designed to measure your knowledge of critical reading, writing, and math skills.
The problem is that many students don’t know what the Scholastic Aptitude Test really measures or what they should do with their scores. In this article, we’ll answer your questions about the SAT and help you decide if taking it is worth it for you.
Overview: What is SAT?
The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a standardized test that is used for admission to various universities and colleges. The SAT exam is conducted by the College Board and the results are used for college admissions in the United States.
The Scholastic Aptitude Test was first introduced in 1926, and its name and scoring have changed several times since then. SAT scores are considered in over 85 different countries, but the primary focus is on students in the US. The test covers 3 main areas i.e., Math, Critical Reading & Writing.
The Scholastic Aptitude Test is designed to assess a student’s knowledge of reading, writing, and mathematics. It is given on a scale from 200 to 800, with 200 being the lowest score and 800 being the highest.
The test consists of three sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Mathematics. It comes with multiple-choice questions and an essay section.
With section scores altogether, the total scores range from resulting in total scores that range from 400 to 1600. Therefore, 400 is the lowest total average score, and 1600 is the highest.
Who is SAT Exam Meant for?
The SAT is meant for students who have completed their junior year of high school and are planning to attend college or university after they graduate from high school.
This exam is also taken by adults who have never attended college before but wish to apply for admission at an institution offering undergraduate programs.
Students take up this exam because they want to get into a good college or university so that they can achieve success in their future careers.
While some schools may still accept just high school grade point averages and other factors like extra-curricular activities into consideration when making admissions decisions, many will require this standardized exam.
Why Do You Need Scholastic Aptitude Test?
As a student, do you wish to go to a college or university in the US?
Then you need to take the SAT exam since it plays an important role in determining your admission chances.
Even if you wish to go abroad for higher studies, you should also consider taking up the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Most universities outside the US consider Scholastic Aptitude Test scores as part of their admission process.
What Can You Do With SAT Scores?
The SAT is used by colleges and universities to assess your academic potential. If you perform well on the test, you’ll likely be accepted into your desired school of choice.
In addition, good grades in high school can help boost your chances of getting into a good college or university.
While most colleges and universities do not require students to submit Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, many are starting to consider this practice. At some schools, students who don’t submit SAT scores will not be considered for admission.
However, there are other factors besides your score that will determine if you’re accepted into college. This includes grades from high school and extracurricular activities.
How Much Does SAT Exam Cost?
The cost of the SAT varies depending on where (location/country) you would like to take the exam. In America, the cost of taking this exam ranges between $40 and $60 plus some additional fees like the test center fee and change center fee.
Do Schools Care About Your SAT Scores?
Yes, they do. Many colleges use SAT scores as one way of evaluating applicants. Most especially those who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) courses or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.
The reason that colleges care about these scores is that they’re designed to measure how well students will perform academically in college.
In general, the higher your Scholastic Aptitude Test score, the better prepared you are for college-level work, and the more likely it is that you’ll succeed in your classes after graduation.
What is the Difference Between SAT And ACT Scores?
There isn’t much difference between the two.
However, if we look at the test components, the SAT has a reading test that takes 65 minutes, 35-minute writing and language test, and an 80-minute math section.
The ACT on the other hand is comprised of a 35-minute reading test, a 45-minute English test, a 60-minute math section, and a 35-minute science test.
Does SAT Matter More than GPA?
Although GPA (grade point average) is often considered more important than SAT score when it comes to college admissions decisions. Many colleges do weigh Scholastic Aptitude Test results heavily when making their decisions on applicants’ acceptance.
It’s important for students to take both tests seriously. They can improve their chances of getting into the school of their choice by earning high marks on both exams.
Is SAT Important for International Students?
The SAT is not just important for US citizens but also for international students who want to study in the US.
The SAT is one of the most popular entrance exams accepted by colleges and universities in America.
It can also be used as an entrance exam for other educational institutions such as law schools or medical schools.
The essay section has become more important than ever before. Especially if you are writing about something that really matters to you or your future career plans.
Many international students find that their high school curriculum doesn’t fully prepare them for U.S.-style courses at American universities.
As a result, they may choose to take SAT prep courses before taking this exam in order to improve their scores on it.
Is the Essay on the Scholastic Aptitude Test Matter?
Yes, it does matter.
In fact, it matters more than ever before because some schools specifically require it. This means that even if you don’t want to write an essay on your test day, you still need to know how to write good essays.
So, when you do have to write one, you won’t have much problem finding your way around it.
FAQs
Is SAT exam free?
While the cost of taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test ranges from $40 to $60 per test, Students who are testing in school or who qualify for fee waivers can take the exam for free.
What is the Scholastic Aptitude Test score?
Ranging from 400 to 1600, SAT score is the overall score you get from the 2 sections of the Scholastic Aptitude Test with each section using a scale of 200 to 800.
Do SAT scores matter for college?
SAT scores do matter. With it, colleges can compare students from different high schools and pick those that can achieve academic excellence.
Can you take the Scholastic Aptitude Test multiple times?
There are no restrictions set by the College Board. You can take the SAT exam as many times as you want.
Conclusion: Is SAT Worth it?
SAT is definitely worth it especially if you’re a high school student. You will be able to get into great colleges and universities, which makes your future jobs obvious.
The SAT scores matter to high school kids because these scores are often considered when they apply for financial aid or scholarships, which lowers their tuition fees or even gives them a scholarship grant.
The content test covers material from all four years of high school, including English skills and vocabulary used in rigorous English courses.
Studying for this test will be time well spent. If you’re looking for a competitive edge, it would be a good idea to choose a prep course that also serves as practice for the exam (this will help you prepare in multiple ways).
I hope you found this article helpful. You should check out the degree pages of the website. There are helpful articles that will point you to what you can do with whatever degree you choose to pursue.
Thank you for reading.
