By Katelyn Robbins
The SAT is a time-consuming test of a student’s academic skill used for admission to colleges.
This four hour test – used to estimate our reading and math skill level – tends to make or break college decisions for many students.
Since the COVID pandemic started, a lot of colleges stopped required the SAT. Before the pandemic, the SAT would sometimes be the deciding factor on your application. However, this doesn’t mean the SAT still isn’t extremely important to some colleges, even though it might now be optional.
Students across the country are finding themselves asking the same question: “Should I take the SAT or not?” There’s not an easy answer.
To help prepare students for the test, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Branford High School is offering a six-week SAT preparation course starting Feb. 10. The class will meet Thursdays from 6 to 8;30 p.m. Anyone interesting in registering can find out more information here.
Since many colleges weigh the SAT very heavily, this test can save many students who might have a weaker application overall. For example, a poor essay or not enough extracurricular activities can be made up for with a good SAT score.
From personal experience, I know how nerve racking the Common Application process is. Partaking in this process over the past few months opened the door to many constant thoughts that would trickle through my mind, “Did I really list all my activities and achievements I achieved throughout high school?” “Did I talk enough about myself, and really sell myself to the college in my personal essay?” As 17 year olds, we are expected to undergo these rigorous acts, making it an extremely stressful time for many.
Since I submitted all my college applications without my SAT score attached, I really had to focus on remembering every award and recognition received, as well as perfecting my personal essay. Although this may have been difficult, it was a crucial step that’s leading me one step closer to those college doors. On the other hand, with the SAT being a part of an application, it definitely alleviates some stress from the other parts, especially if you score very well on the SAT and rank above average for those said schools.
During the test, I felt that a lot of the questions on the SAT seemed like things we have never learned before. But luckily, the SAT is a learnable test, thanks to many SAT prep websites, one being KHAN Academy. This acts as a great advantage to the students who may feel like their lack of focus, and easy distraction last year during COVID will hinder their ability to score well on the SAT. There have been thousands of SAT tests administered for years on end, so numerous teachers know what to expect. Even though last year’s learning style was greatly altered due to the pandemic, my math teacher was still able to provide us with SAT problem sets that we were expected to complete. This was especially helpful for those who couldn’t afford going to get SAT prep classes outside of the classroom, or those who just couldn’t find the time.
Additionally, the SAT could be considered as good preparation for tests that will need to be taken in college. The transition from high school to college learning will definitely be challenging, but I know in order to obtain a career it’s important to take up these challenges.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “The SAT is not designed as an indicator of student achievement, but rather as an aid for predicting how well students will do in college.” Not only is the SAT a great addition to the common application, but also continues to allow students to visualize how they will do in the college setting with the rigorous academics.
Although all of these ideas convey the significance of the SAT on and off of the application, It’s been argued that the SAT is not a strong representation of students ability. Since this standardized test does not test us in every subject, only math and reading/English, it’s bound to be an inaccurate depiction of our work ethic and abilities. There are many students who prosper in science, unfortunately their knowledge cannot be displayed on this test, which is an unfair disadvantage to those who excel in classes like history and science.
Furthermore, this assessment is an unfair estimate of a student’s ability, especially those who suffer when sitting for a long period of time. Individuals with ADHD or different anxiety disorders have a tougher time focusing during our 83 minute class periods, the harm that a four hour test can put on these individuals is truthfully unfair. Especially after the COVID pandemic I feel as if our learning was extremely altered, putting a great disadvantage when it came to the amount of SAT prep given and material learned.
With prices for college constantly increasing, there are a lot of people struggling financially. Some parents may give voice to the fact that paying for their child to take a test is the least of their worries. Not only can this create a financial burden for families, but many people aren’t able to find the time to schedule a test, or even schedule some prep classes.
Although a test like the SAT should not be the deciding factor of our future college acceptances, and isn’t a true reflection of our performance, this test could help some realize their capabilities which could allow for a strong foundation for future endeavors.
Ultimately it’s a personal decision whether you should take it or not.
The next SAT testing date is scheduled to be March 12th, and late registration closes on March 1st. Additionally, the College Board announced new changes to the SAT, information to which can be found here. The SAT will also be administered in Branford High School for all juniors during the last week in March. This year’s exam will be all digital, said assistant principal Joseph Briganti.
Editor's Note: Katelyn Robbins is planning to attend college, but has not made a final decision yet.
