College Bound? 6 Reasons to Take the SAT
SAT — Scholastic Assessment Test is a standardized examination conducted by The College Board. Its score is considered for admissions at several undergraduate colleges in the US. However, it is important to note that this score is not the final word on college admissions. This is to say that some colleges may not consider SAT scores at all or may have some other criteria along with SAT.
The main purpose of the SAT is to assess a student’s readiness for college. It provides colleges with a scale to assess the capabilities of the students and to decide who can get an opportunity to study at their prestigious institution. Now, this is reason enough to take an SAT but if you are looking for more reasons, read on.
1. SAT Improves your Chances of Getting into the Top Colleges that Consider SAT
Having an SAT score in your name gives you a chance to widen your horizon and try for admissions at multiple colleges at a time. Without an SAT score, you can only apply to colleges that do not need an SAT score. While some of the top colleges in the country do not require SAT scores, it is always good to have options in hand or you might lose a precious academic year.
2. You Can Try to get a Scholarship Through Student Search Service
The College Board can help you get a scholarship in your desired subject. To participate in the scholarship program, you must opt-in to the Student Search Service through your SAT answer sheet or your College Boards account. This service connects you with several colleges across the country that may be offering a scholarship in your preferred subject. The colleges are provided with student information and they generally reach out to students with their scholarship offer and admission information.
3. SAT Score may Get you a Exclusive Scholarship
Several colleges and universities offer scholarships according to SAT scores. The higher the score the better the scholarship offer. Therefore, you just need to focus on scoring high in your SATs. However, it is important to note that this is not a rule and all colleges do not offer scholarships based on the SAT scores. It will be best to do your homework and find your preferred college’s rules and regulations beforehand. But will it hurt to score well in the SAT test? No, having a great score in hand will always increase your chances and options.
4. It can be your Chance to Cover a Low GPA
A low GPA may make a negative impression on a college admission committee but you can always cover it up with an extraordinary SAT score. Your SAT score will make the admission officer think beyond regular GPAs and they may consider you an academically gifted student who can work hard and perform well in challenging situations.
5. SAT can help in Predicting Potential Success in AP Courses
PSAT and SAT scores come in handy when schools need to assess which students are likely to succeed in AP exams. This information can help them ascertain the ideal AP courses for each student and can also help the students in making a choice. Furthermore, the AP test scores can help students earn college credit and move ahead of their peers. So, it’s a win-win throughout; you get a good SAT score and also a chance at taking AP exams and earning college credits.
6. An SAT can Provide you with College Readiness Feedback
SAT and PSAT scores directly reflect on a student’s readiness for college. They are both designed to test student’s ability to handle college-level work, therefore, if a student does well in SAT, it is a clear indication that they are ready for college and arduous tasks that are a part and parcel of college life. If you want to prepare yourself for the college environment and also impress the admission committee, consider giving the SAT exam.
SAT consists of three compulsory sections and one optional section. To get a high score, you have to do well in each of the segments: English, Math, Science and SAT Essay. A composite score of 1083 or above is considered above average while a score above 1410 puts you in the 95th percentile.
So, are you ready for SAT test now? We hope the above listed points have convinced you that an SAT is important for your future. It will help you get into your favorite college while providing other benefits such as scholarship, AP credit and a fee waiver. Won’t it be just right to find out this year’s SAT dates and start preparing, now?
