College Corner » The SAT

The SAT

**** The UC & CSU will take a test-blind approach and will not use the SAT or ACT as a factor in admissions for high school students applying.
 
This year, SAT School Day is on March 20th, 2024.
 
SAT School Day:  All students in the graduating class of 2025 will be taking the SAT. The exam will be free, students do not need to register. Students interested in opting-out can pick up an opt-out form from the College Office or print one below. 
 
Juniors, SAT School Day is just a few weeks away! To take the exam, you will need a school issued Chromebook. If you do not have a school issued Chromebook, you NEED to check one out by March 4th, 2024, in B207. All Juniors will need a school issued chromebook to conduct a readiness check during Advisory on Tuesday, March 5th. If you have any questions regarding SAT School Day stop by the College Office. 
 
What is the SAT?
The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and some colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions.
 
What does the SAT test?
The SAT doesn’t test logic or abstract reasoning. It tests the skills you’re learning in school: reading, writing, and math. Your knowledge and skills in these subjects are important for success in college and throughout your life.
  • The critical reading section includes reading passages and sentence completions.
  • The writing section includes a short essay and multiple-choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar and usage.
  • The mathematics section includes questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability.

How can I do my best on the SAT?
The best way to get ready for the SAT is to take challenging courses, study hard, and read and write in and outside of the classroom.

Studies suggest that cramming and short-term prep can’t substitute for hard work in school, but it’s certainly a good idea for you to become familiar and comfortable with the test format and question types. That’s why the best SAT practice is the PSAT/NMSQT, which covers the same subjects under timed conditions.

Remember, a little practice goes a long way.

Is the SAT the most important factor in college Admission?
For schools that require the SAT it is just one factor among many that colleges use to get to know you better. It’s best to keep the test in perspective and understand that it’s only part of a comprehensive admission process that also recognizes other factors, like extracurricular activities and personal recommendations.

Every college and university uses a different combination of criteria for admission. Feel free to reach out to the schools you’re interested in to understand their unique admission policies.

Which SAT questions make it onto the exam?
Every SAT question goes through a very careful review process before making it into your exam booklet. Each question that you see has been:
  • Reviewed by a team of experts, including math and English teachers, to make sure that it reflects what most college-bound students are learning in school.
  • Thoroughly tested to make sure that it is fair for students of all backgrounds and ethnicities.
  • Questions that don’t make it through these steps will never show up on an actual exam.

Information provided by College Board - SAT