Proven tips from an expert on preparing for the SAT
By Chris White
College planning counselor
Just a few weeks ago, I was working with a group of about 20 students in the class of 2010. I presented the group with a general question about their thoughts on standardized testing for college admission.
Cutting straight to the chase, one student immediately responded, “I’ve been taking the actual SAT every month since the beginning of the school year; what do you think about my approach to preparing for the test?” Needless to say, I found myself in that uncomfortable position of, “How do I tell him what I think without telling him what I really think?”
Clearly, this student was very anxious about these standardized tests and had received terrible advice. This combination will typically result in a student heading down the wrong road and wasting time and money. In this case, the student was taking the test way too often.
I want to reinforce that the results of the SAT and ACT, the mere letters bring about high levels of anxiety to high schoolers and their parents, are only one of several criteria that college admission offices look at when making a decision.
Chris White of Next Step College
In my 15 years in college admissions, academic records have always outweighed test scores, and personal data (revealed through essays, activities, and recommendations) are often “tip factors” that can persuade a committee one way or the other. This view is reinforced by the growing number of colleges (now more than 800) that are implementing SAT optional policies into their admissions practices. (For current list of schools, visit www.fairtest.org.)
Nonetheless, standardized tests are a part of the admissions process, and they do deserve serious thought. As the class of 2010 and other students approach these standardized tests I urge them to keep the following four points in mind:
I use the analogy of a fitness club. In any given fitness club there are people working out on equipment on their own, but there are also people who hire trainers to walk them through the use of the exact same equipment.
The same goes for test prep. There are plenty of free/inexpensive resources, including www.collegeboard.com and hundreds of books, which provide all the tools necessary for a student to improve his score. However, some students need a “trainer” to walk them through materials and keep them accountable.
Free online tutoring (www.number2.com), classroom settings (such as Princeton Review), and small groups (such as Tutoring Club) have all been successful in preparing students for the SATs/ACTs. In order for a student to maximize the results of any type of test prep, it is critical that she find the right setting that works best for her. Finding the “right fit” also applies when looking for the right college.
Like the student I mentioned earlier, some teens may feel the “score choice” option is a green light to take the tests as early and as often as possible. Of the thousands of applications I’ve read over the years I cannot recall a single instance when a student’s score significantly increased after the third time.
The most significant increases I’ve seen happen typically between the first and second time taking the test. I recommend taking the tests no less than twice and no more than three times, with the first test taken in April/May of the junior year. Furthermore, it is in the student’s favor to make sure all test scores are received by the admissions office. Often times, private colleges will “superscore” (taking the highest Critical Reading or Math scores from different sittings) a students overall SAT score which of course could only benefit a student.
The system has recently announced that the SAT Subjects will no longer be required for admissions. However, this policy will start applying for the class of 2012. Sorry juniors, you still have to take a minimum of two subject tests in two different disciplines.
While I’m sure most students have not taken the SAT every time it’s been available during their their junior year, many question if they are doing enough to prepare and stress about getting a “good enough” score. I say relax. Assess your family’s financial resources and select the type of preparation that works best for you. In the end, your scores will be good enough. If a student could look me in the eye and honestly tell me he’s done those things, then I could honestly look him in the eye and tell him there’s a wonderful college eagerly waiting to accept him.
About Chris White: Throughout his 15 years in college admissions, Chris White has worked on both sides of the desk, sitting on college admission committees and serving as a high school college counselor.
He has been the Director of College Counseling at High Tech High since 2002. Additionally, Mr. White continues to be a member of the external admissions committee for both UC San Diego and the University of San Diego.
He is a lead instructor for college counseling certificate programs offered through the University of California system since 2003. Mr. White also works with students as an independent college counselor through Next Step College Counseling. He can be reached through the Next Step College Counseling website nextstepcollege.org.
