Testing: 1, 2, 3 Don't let the acronyms get you down. Ace those tests with some preparation and a few strategic tips
You know the scene: a no. 2 pencil, two or three if you're nervous; desks lined up neatly; the boy next to you anxiously shaking his leg; the tick, tick, tick of the clock. But unlike your math final, these tests you'll be taking — namely the SATs or the ACT — play a big role in determining where you'll go to college.
Just how big a role? Each school has its own admissions policy, but generally, the larger the school, the more important your test scores. While these standardized tests don't measure creativity or motivation, admissions officers need a uniform measurement of students' abilities so that they can make more objective decisions. Of course, your background and special talents are taken into consideration, especially at smaller schools. (Indeed, some colleges, such as Bates and Bowdoin, both in Maine, have made the tests optional.)
The better prepared you are for these tests, the better your chances of high scores — and the better your odds of getting into the college of your choice. Don't let the acronyms get you down. Here's our quick guide to savvy testing:
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The PSAT
Designed as a practice test for the SAT I, the PSAT is taken by most students in October of their junior year (although it can be taken sophomore year). The test is divided into verbal, math and writing sections, scored on a scale of 20 to 80. Multiply your scores by 10, and that's approximately what you should score on the SATs. Unlike the SATs, though, these scores are not forwarded to any college.
If you're tempted to skip the PSAT, think again. The PSAT can help determine your eligibility for a National Merit Scholarship, an award of up to $10,000 toward your college tuition granted to some 7,900 high scorers each year.
The SAT I
The sat i is the real deal — the scores are sent out to colleges. This three-hour test is given seven times a year and is composed of three math sections, three verbal sections and one unscored experimental section. Some colleges put more weight on your verbal score, while others weigh both the math and verbal sections equally. Ideally, both scores, which can range from 200 to 800, should be 500 or above — and reasonably consistent.
Most students take the sat for the first time at the end of their junior year and some take it a second time, if needed, at the beginning of their senior year. Although you can take the sat as many times as you choose, it's best to try to ace it once — with a date in mind for a second test if your score is disappointing.
SAT II Subject Tests
Increasingly important in college admissions, the SAT IIs reflect more advanced work in particular subject areas. SAT II tests can be taken in a range of subjects such as writing, history, biology, chemistry, physics, French, German and Spanish. Many schools require that you take one or more of these one-hour tests in addition to the SAT. The entire University of California system and almost all the more selective colleges require three SAT IIs (Writing, Math IC or IIC and a test of your choice). The tests also are scored on a scale of 200 to 800, and you can take up to three tests in one day. The best time to take the SAT IIs is right after you've finished a course in the subject matter, certainly no later than the beginning of your senior year.
Unlike the SAT, which is noted on your record, the SAT IIs include a Score Choice option, allowing you to place scores on hold until you view them and choose which ones you want sent to schools. However, using the Score Choice delays the reporting of your scores to colleges, so you should not use this option your senior year.
The ACT
The ACT, which was traditionally preferred in most Midwestern schools, is now accepted by virtually every college in lieu of the SAT. Some schools, including Yale and Duke, will even let you substitute your ACT score for your SAT I and IIs, so that you can take one test instead of four. The ACT contains four sections: English, reading, math and science. Each of these sections is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with the composite score the average of these four.
Choosing whether you should take the SAT or the ACT depends on in which test you think you can get a better score. The ACT is more subject based and focuses on material you learned in class. The SAT, on the other hand, is more of an aptitude test and assesses your skills.
Special Needs
A diagnosed disability can entitle a student to extra time, extra breaks or food, a cassette recording or Braille version of the test, depending on the need. To apply for special accommodations, send in a request form along with letters from a doctor and your school.
Test Tips
Take your time and don't rush. You get no points for finishing in record time.
Read each question carefully. Except for the comprehensive reading section, the SAT is structured with the easiest questions at the beginning and the harder ones at the end. Answer the easier problems first. On the SAT, it's better to answer fewer problems correctly than to answer a lot wrong.
If you're stumped, using the process of elimination can often produce the correct answer. Many times the best answer choice isn't very good, but the remaining selections are worse.
Random guessing won't help you on the SAT, since points are deducted for wrong answers. If you don't have time to read a question, don't guess. On the ACT, however, completely random guessing will probably boost your score, because points are not deducted for errors.
The math section of the SAT tests only basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry — no trigonometry or calculus. What makes the math section difficult is not so much the actual equations but the tricky way basic math is tested. Don't let the wording of a problem throw you — almost all the problems are solvable with the math skills you have.
The act math section, on the other hand, contains a few problems involving basic trigonometric concepts, so you'll need to brush up on your trig equations.
The SAT verbal section is little more than a test of vocabulary and how well you can read short passages for facts. To improve your verbal score, learn new words. Read as much as you can at a level that's a bit above your norm. Look up every word you don't know.
The act reading section consists of just reading passages, so it is less vocabulary intensive than the SAT verbal. The ACT English section tests the rules of English grammar, so review the rules and rhetoric.
The ACT science section consists of a set of reading passages that contain almost all the information you will need to answer the questions. Minimal outside scientific knowledge is required.
Practice helps. The College Board publishes Real SATs, a collection of previous test questions. Books, tutors, computer programs and prep classes can also enhance scores.
Get a good rest the night before, don't drink a lot of coffee — and remember, it's only a test.
