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As you are probably well aware, the SAT/ACT are for most
students the single most important tests in their high school careers. With
the competition to top colleges even more fierce, these tests have become
a greater determinant of admissions and scholarship decisions than ever before.
We look at this as an opportunity for any student with an open mind and a
willingness to achieve. Despite the format change and "recentering",
the SAT
test remains coachable. So long as you have had a semester of
Geometry and a semester of Algebra I, you have the tools to take advantage
of our classes.
Why a Good SAT / ACT Score Is More Important Than Ever
Nicholas Lemann said in a PBS Frontline interview, "A good school puts
you in the way of more opportunity." Since getting to a good school now
involves standardized tests, the modern motto might just as well be "a
good SAT score puts you in the way of more opportunity."
Colleges value standardized tests more than ever. Every once in a while you
hear about a college announcing that it is placing less importance on the SAT.
(The few that dropped SAT altogether got big press.) But quietly, over the
last 15 years, more and more colleges have EMPHASIZED high test scores.
College admissions offices compete with one another for applicants. The most
prominent survey, US News, makes SAT score a huge
category in ranking the schools. Incoming GPA is not ranked in the US
News survey. This means that students with high GPAs often lose
in the admissions game to students with lower GPAs but higher SAT or ACT scores.
Admissions offices also compete by offering the strongest candidates money,
and the last 15 years have seen the flowering of MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS.
Prior to 1990, scholarship money was awarded only to athletic recruits and
to students with high financial need. Today, almost every competitive 4-year
college awards scholarships to entice academic talent, and the assessment thereof
is the SAT / ACT score.
Athletic recruiters use the SAT more than ever. NCAA requirements propel coaches
to leave promising recruits off their lists if they do not have strong scores.
Finally, the brave new world of employment screening has already infiltrated
high schools. Some employers are demanding SAT scores from job applicants.
Even seasoned professionals who took their SATs in the 1980s are being asked
for their SAT scores.
Conclusion: students with high aspirations should not overlook the importance
of a good SAT / ACT score. Schools should provide direct SAT coaching, because
a good course can help students to 200+ point improvements, which can significantly
open opportunities.
Scheduling the SAT test:
We have one piece of advice that far too many guidance counselors
don't follow, and on this one we know we're right: START EARLY. Colleges do
not penalize an applicant for taking the SAT two or three times. The SAT is
not a test that rewards skills acquired only in Senior year. The only academic
background needed to take advantage of the Accent Testing course is a semester
each of Algebra I and Geometry. Since most students have this by tenth grade,
there is nothing wrong with taking the SAT test at the end of 10th grade or
the beginning of 11th. We like to see kids sitting on solid SAT scores by winter
of Junior year. That frees them to concentrate on their academics in Junior
spring and Senior year. It also frees them to take the courses they really
want to. Strong scores earned early allow students more fervent participation
in the extra-curricular activities. The confidence a strong SAT score bring
just may allow the kids to have FUN, which we're in favor of too.
SAT IIs (soon to be called "SAT Subject Tests"
The SAT IIs are what many of us remember as "Achievement Tests".
These are one-hour tests that assess proficiency in history, advanced math,
the sciences, English, and most languages commonly offered in schools. Twenty
years ago the Achievement tests had little or no relevance on college admission
decisions - they were primarily used for advanced placement purposes. Now,
top tier colleges expect to see strong scores on at least two, and typically
three, SAT IIs.
The SAT IIs are given on the same dates as the SAT I. Students can choose to
take one, two or three SAT IIs on any of six dates during the year. We do not
recommend three tests at a time, mainly because concentration tends to fall
off in the third hour. Students who wish to take three or more SAT IIs can
spread these out.
Since the SAT IIs cannot be taken on the same test date as the SAT I, planning
ahead is key. On SAT II subjects that require lots of memorization, it is often
good to schedule them to coincide with the end of a semester, when the student
has to review for finals anyhow, or at the beginning of the following semester,
to have the benefit of the complete curriculum plus some review time. Thus
we like seeing students scheduling SAT IIs for June, December, and January.
Most kids have less academic work in the summer. For this reason, summer classes
tend to be the best time to concentrate on SAT test preparation. Since the
SAT is largely a test of skills, rather than memorization, there is little
diminution in abilities, even with a two month hiatus between the summer classes
and test day.
We don't want to replace your school guidance counselor, particularly if she
or he is a college admissions specialist. The scheduling suggestions above
should only be taken on with the individual's schedule in mind, and perhaps
with the school's as well.
A Sample Plan:
- Sophomore year, October: take PSAT to get used to the test
taking environment and to assess whether to take a prep course next summer.
- Sophomore year, June: take SAT IIs for one or two subjects
in which you have done well but will not be continuing with next year.
- Summer prior to Junior year: prepare for the SAT I and perhaps
the PSAT as well.
- Junior year, October: take PSAT for real.
- Junior year, October, November or December: take SAT I.
- Junior year, December, January or March: take SAT I again,
with the goal of adding on another 50+ points.
- Junior year, May or June: take two other SAT IIs in subjects
where you have done well.
- Summer prior to Senior year: travel if you have the opportunity.
Do some work though, even if you don't need the money.
- Late summer: visit college campuses that are back in session.
- Senior fall, if necessary: take the October SAT. That's
early enough to apply Early Decision to any college.
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