What are the SATs for?
Why do we even need to take the SATs? They kinda suck. Taking such a big test that could help you get into college, or that might not matter at all, is incredibly stressful for us high schoolers.
The SATs help to measure a high schooler’s math, writing, and reading skills, as well as their readiness for college. If taken in our junior year of high school, it gives us the chance to retake the test later to try for a better score, which we then include in our college applications. The better the score, the more interest colleges will have in you.
Or is that really how it works?
How valuable are they?
Unless you’re planning on going to a top school like say Harvard, Yale, etc, who may not even care much either, lots of colleges these days don’t care as much about our SAT scores as we think they do.
“It really just depends on the school and possibly the degree you’re going for,” shared Mrs. Arko, a Timnath counselor. “Lots of state universities, like CSU, only really care about those scores every few years. It’s pretty on and off sometimes.”
One article I read said that 80% of four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. do not require applicants to have taken the SATs and ACTs through 2025 due to the Covid pandemic. Although this may change, most This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try your best, though. Although it can be incredibly stressful, you never know what colleges want to see your scores or not.
THE STRESS and things that can help
The SATs are stressful. I know. The past month, me and fellow juniors have been frantically trying to prepare for the test, and stressing about what scores we’re going to get. All that stress can throw your mind off and interfere with your studying.
Mrs. Arko suggested taking nice breaks between studying, and doing what calms you down. Whether it’s hanging out with your friends, taking a nap, listening to music, whatever it is, just try and relax.
Just know that whatever your score is, those numbers don’t define you. Plus, you can always retake it. Ask your friends and teachers for help, and just focus on your health while you study.
The days before the test, it’s suggested to make sure you’re eating three meals a day, getting enough sleep and enough sun, and keeping your mind as clear as you can. Try not to worry about the test, or about anything else.
Recommended Resources:
https://www.varsitytutors.com/login
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TEST
