Rite of Passage: Taking the SAT

The following blog post is written by CIA member Colby E. Sites. Colby took the SAT on March 8 for the first time. Juniors looking to go to college should take the exam for the first time this spring so that they have scores ready for their college applications. [If you need help registering, make an appointment with Miss Loh]. Below is Colby's reflection on the exam and ways to tackle it.

After studying (or not studying) for weeks preparing for the test, the day finally comes to go bright and early to take one of the most grueling tests of your life. Going to your testing center and waiting to start, students are alphabetized into classes to take the test, and then four hours later the test is over. Simple, right? Wrong! The hardest aspect of the test is having the perseverance to remain focused as you face 10 sections of mathematics, critical reading, and writing (not necessarily in that order) questions. Trust me, it is easy to daydream of the moment you close the test booklet and walk out the door mumbling how much you hate the test, but those moments of fantasy are critical during test time. For most sections, students only have 25 minutes to answer nearly 20 questions, and some sections may only give you 15 minutes, or even 10 minutes.   Here are a few mental tips to prevent a totally meltdown during the test:

- PACE YOURSELF: This is "your" SAT. The scores reflect the capabilities of your own thinking. Do not get discouraged when another student finishes the section with 10 minutes to spare. Read the questions carefully and move thoroughly.

- BE CONFIDENT: The student next to you is not Einstein or Stephen Hawking. They are a regular high school student just like yourself taking the same type of test, and the test in front of you is just a test; it will not make or break your future if you score in the lower percentile. Do not psych yourself out of believing that you cannot knock this test out of the park.

- REMAIN PLEASANT: Remember, this is almost a four hour test, and it is important to remain happy and laugh. If you dread going back after each testing break and starting over, then this will seem like a never ending test. Positive motivation will speed up the test in your mind.

- BRING FOOD AND WATER: At times your brain will need rejuvenation from overusage during the test. During break sessions, take time to ease your mind and eat something to give you energy. Whatever helps you stay alert and focused is up to you, so if a Hershey Bar will get you to a 2400 (the highest score you can earn) compared to an apple, by all means dig in.

The SAT is a "right of passage" for kids going into college because there is no way around them. In my opinion, take them once and see how you score, and if you are unhappy go give it one more shot, but do not waste your money trying improve your score. If a college wants you, they will accept you because there is more to the college process than a simple SAT score. The SATs are hard, and they will make you question life itself because you will despise them so much, because no one enjoys taking them. Go in, get it done, and cross it off your list of things accomplish before going to college.

--Colby E. Sites