The SAT matters, colleges sometimes require it, and it is a standardized test. Whether or not you’re going to college, it is still good to have it, as some scholarships, schools, and opportunities require it.
Now, it does take money to take or retake the SAT. But there can also be waivers depending on your status. The testing locations and dates for the SAT are on the College Board website, linked here. As for Chesterton High School, we offer for the juniors to take the SAT once in March paid for by the school.
Now, what is on this test? I’ll break it down for you. The SAT is a standardized test that people often take in their junior and senior years, but can be taken earlier if wanted, there is no age limit! It’s very similar to the PSAT, which is taken from middle school up until junior year. Our school takes the SAT for juniors every March. You have to register online through the College Board website to take it on your own through a center, or the school signs you up for their one in March. However, you can take the SAT before the one you take at school. It’s not uncommon for students to retake the SAT for a better score. There are ways to study and prepare beforehand, though. The SAT has two sections: two modules of English and one module of math. The SAT is totally digital and offers a calculator on the test. The scoring is from 400-1600.
Some good websites for studying for the SAT are linked below:
A free and cost option is available. Good for focusing on subjects.
Free, you can learn through lessons, really good for reminders.
Free, print off practice tests and answers, or get some questions.
- Bluebook
The Bluebook app on the school laptops offers a practice test.
This is free, but they do offer services that charge.
This site helps with studying and preparing for the test, it offers everything. Some important information is that they offer free services, but also have charging services for those who want more individualized help. They have live video calls to focus on and help with topics, linked here. I do mention that for the videos, they do vary, and some events are repeated, and others are not. I have done a few of them, and they are really knowledgeable and easy to communicate with after the webinars.
- Googling “SAT free prep”
Fast, easy, and so many sites pop up, there are way more than I have stated. The sites mentioned are just the ones I have personally used.
- Asking teachers for help
Often, they have amazing advice.
- Buying books for studying
Good for people who like hardcovers and paper to study
- Use the Collegeboard’s site
It is super useful!!
- A private tutor
If you have the money, this is a great option for improving what you are weak on
*Note: Some of these sites require you to set up a free account to get the free study material. Don’t worry, there are plenty of sites that also don’t make you sign up for stuff; it just takes a little looking around. All of the sites listed, I have personally used, so I am familiar with them. I can only give good feedback on what I have used. There are PLENTY of other options out there!
Hopefully you’ll be able to study for the test, or if you’re retaking, be able to score higher! This score doesn’t determine everything, and a lot of colleges are turning away from it and becoming test-optional. Do your best and you’ll go far!
