What is a SAT?

The SAT stands for Scholastic Aptitude Test. The test is used to determine decisions by the admissions office of most colleges and universities. It is a multiple choice pencil and paper test; which is believed to have been created in 1926. The test takes 3 hours to complete without the essay and 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete with the essay. There are two sections on the SAT: reading/writing and math.

When is the SAT/PSAT? What do you need to bring?

Several seniors will be taking the SAT on October 13, 2021. Students in 10th and 11th grade will also have the opportunity to take the PSAT on the same day as the seniors SATs. The SAT will take place at the start of a normal school day (8am) till the end of the testing session. For the test students must come prepared with two number 2 pencils and their own approved calculator.

Test taking tips:

Reading

• Read the questions before reading the story
• As you read ask yourself what the point of the story is
• Don’t spend all your time taking notes
• Identify the subject and verb to better understand the sentence

Math

• Memorize common formulas
• Underline key variables
• Solve for the correct value
• Show your work- to work through the problem if you feel like you have made a mistake
• Use your tools- your calculator is there to help you
• Plug in answers (for some questions)

Overall Test

• Underline parts that are important to not forget on a question
• All the questions are the same amount of points. There is not one question that would be worth your time more than another one.
• If you don’t know how to answer, skip it, don’t stress on any one question
• Cross out/ignore answers that you believe are incorrect to help narrow down which option is the correct answer.
• Before looking at the answers, try answering on your own
• Pace yourself while only spending up to 1.5 minutes per question
• If you have extra time then go over your answers
• Make sure you fill in the correct answer for the corresponding question