Does the SAT seem daunting? The results of this test can influence your college options and maybe even the rest of your life! Why? Scholarships are tied directly to your SATs since colleges receive their national rankings based on test scores. 85% of schools give admittance and money simply on the SAT so the higher the score-the more money you can get!
Unfortunately, even smart kids can do poorly on this test, but don’t let the anxiety and panic ensue. Calm those fears with facts. Many students fail the SAT because they believe misconceptions about the test itself. Thirteen myths of the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT can hurt a student’s score, and debunking these fictions can place a student on the path to success.
Myth #1 – The SAT assesses a student’s knowledge.
False: This test is all about reasoning and logic. It contains universal questions that anyone can answer regardless of their academic background (public, private, or homeschool). All that stuff about Abraham Lincoln and microeconomics, you can throw out the window. There are three sections: math, reading, writing and as well as an optional essay; and these sections test your critical thinking and basic skill level, not your knowledge.
A 4.0 at one school is not the same as another school so colleges need a fair way to compare all students equally so they use a standardized test that levels the playing field.
Myth #2 – Take the SAT in your senior year.
False: Don’t wait until the senior year! I repeat: this is not a knowledge-based test. You should be able to answer most of the questions by ninth grade. Universities generally take applications in the fall before you graduate, and most of these applications require SAT scores, so if you wait to take it, you may not be able to apply to the college of your choice. Also, you can take the SAT multiple times, so if you take it early, you can take it again if you’re not satisfied with your score. Most colleges will take high scores from different tests and there are no penalties for taking the SAT many times especially since they don’t average the scores. Give yourself some leeway room, and don’t add pressure to your final year of high school by waiting to take the SAT. Keep the senior year test-optional.
Myth #3 – The PSAT/NMSQT is a practice SAT so it's not important.
False: The letter “P” actually stands for Preliminary- not practice. The NMSQT stands for National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This test can actually earn you amazing scholarships and an open ticket to numerous colleges! If you do well, this one test can not only mean a full-ride, but also free room and board, honors dorms, grad school, etc. It is basically like the SAT so as you are studying for the PSAT, it will prepare you for the SAT. Take this test seriously. It only counts in your junior year for scholarships, but take it for practice in eighth, ninth and tenth grades.
Myth #4 – You only have one chance at the PSAT/NMSQT to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship contest.
False: Although the PSAT/NMSQT is only offered once every fall, if you miss it as a junior (and have a good reason), you can take the alternate entry testing method and still qualify for the contest. You will need to contact The National Merit Corporation before March 1 to start the process. Students would then take the regular SAT I and their score would be converted to the PSAT score. Students can still be eligible for scholarships by using the code: 0085. By doing this method, students have several opportunities to take the SAT in exchange for the PSAT and the National Merit Corporation will take the highest score.
Myth #5 –Students should guess on SAT answers if they don’t know them since there is now no penalty for wrong answers.
False: Students' first thought should not be to guess if they don’t know the answer since they have a 75% chance of getting it wrong. Each right answer can equate to as much as 40 points so the goal is to get as many correct as possible. Unknown questions should be skipped and attempted later since very often our subconscious is still working out the problem.
Myth #6 – You must get every answer right for a perfect score.
False: People who have received perfect scores on the SAT probably skipped several questions, and may have even gotten a few wrong. However, their raw score was significant enough (that means they got enough questions right) to garner them a perfect SAT score.
Myth #7 – SAT questions are in order of difficulty.
False: As a general rule, the questions start off easy and get harder, but truthfully, a lot of them are mixed together, especially in the reading and writing sections. You may find the third question the hardest and the last question the easiest on that section of the test. Difficulty on this exam is not determined by higher level skills, but rather hard SAT questions are the ones that students consistently get wrong. Treat each question the same by examining it logically with a very critical eye.
Myth #8 – A student only needs a good SAT score in order to get into college.
False: Even though the SAT score is the number one criteria, top-tier colleges especially are looking for well-rounded students. Since there is a high dropout rate, admissions counselors want to make sure students can handle the immense workload that is apparent in daily college life. They look for applicants who have juggled a schedule full of community service and leadership responsibilities along with maintaining a good GPA and stand-out test scores. Students who have a proven track record of involvement and dedication are the most sought-after individuals. Besides their SAT score, the most desirable students are ones who will be an asset at their prospective schools.
Myth #9 – All SAT prep books are the same.
False: There are good ones and there are many not-so-good ones. Most prep books have made-up problems that can be irrelevant to the actual SAT and PSAT/NMSQT. Students should only use practice materials from the College Board since they are the test-makers. These can be found online, at bookstores, in libraries and at most guidance counselor’s offices.
Myth #10 – The SAT essay is now optional so I lucked out and don’t have to take it.
False: Most students may feel like they dodged a bullet since they can now opt out of the essay. In truth, there are four reasons students should always write the essay: 1. It gives a complete profile which doesn’t hurt scholarship opportunities. 2. Some colleges will exempt them from writing classes. 3. If an admissions counselor is on the fence about an application, the essay can be the determining factor. 4. Students who opt-out and receive a great SAT score but later find that the college of their choice requires it, must now go back and retake the entire SAT before they can get to the essay. Since you are already there, go ahead and opt in. Receiving a perfect score is simply knowing exactly what the judges are looking for.
Myth #11 – The essay is graded by a computer.
False: All essays are graded by real people. For grading purposes, the essays will be scanned into a computer and sent to the respective judges electronically. Each essay will be graded by two judges and scored on a scale of 1-4 in three sections: reading, writing and analysis. A 24 is a perfect score.
Myth #12 – You have to spend a lot of money to do well on the SAT.
False: Many prep courses cost from $2k - $5k or more. Often these courses contain a lot of busy work that students have to drudge through in afterschool labs. Some of these programs only boast of a 200 point average raise in test scores which can equate to a lot of money per point. Learning a lot of content is not the key to doing well on the SAT since it is a logic-based test. Students do not need to spend time relearning high school over again. Memorizing thousands of vocabulary words and learning numerous math concepts can be fruitless. Each test has the same recurring, hidden patterns that can be decoded with test-taking strategies. There are proven programs that cut to the chase and actually teach how to understand and take the test and cost considerably less. Khan Academy may be a good resource for subject matter but don’t rely on its free test prep since it doesn’t teach shortcuts or strategies for quick answers.
Myth #13 – You should only take the SAT if you are planning to go to college.
False: Plans can change. Even if a student delays college a couple of years, his or her SAT scores are generally held for a year by the College Board and then archived indefinitely. Since most colleges will accept older scores, students should take the SAT while still in high school regardless of post graduation plans as a back-up plan.
Don’t be afraid – the SAT is a beatable test! Preparing the correct way is the key to doing well. Start early. Learn all about the test, and then PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Make this test a priority. This test could be the deciding factor in receiving a great scholarship or admission to the university of your choice. So don’t goof off. A good SAT score is something to be proud of, and that’s no myth.
