The prospect of sitting for college admission tests dominates the lives of many ambitious high school students. They know from an early age that they will need to get really good scores if they have ambitions to gain admission to a top college or university. Unfortunately, many students feel as if they cannot handle the pressure their parents and teachers exert in this respect. Perhaps that is why so many students spend money on SAT test prep courses.
Few students realize that these tests are not actually compulsory, probably because they have been placed under pressure from an early age. There are many good universities and colleges that do not take scores obtained in these tests into consideration when looking at new applicants. However, many top universities will not even consider an application is the scores are not submitted or even if they are not very good.
It is true that high scores provide applicants to top colleges with an edge, but it is also important to remember that these results are by no means the only factor taken into consideration for admission purposes. Universities want applicants that they are well rounded. They should partake in sport, be active in the community, serve on committees and volunteer their services. Students should therefore start to work on their overall records from early on in school.
Many students make the mistake of assuming that only super bright students can attain excellent scores. This is not the case. The purpose of these tests is not to test intelligence or aptitude. It does not test general knowledge either. It tests those main areas of competency that is deemed vital for a successful college career. These areas are critical reading, mathematics and writing skills.
The tests are no designed or administers by elected authorities. They are owned by the College Board, which is a non profit organization that involves itself in many different educational issues. This board also offer many other tests, many of which evaluate the proficiency levels of students in very specific fields such as natural sciences or history. Students sit for these test as well, believing it will enhance their college applications.
In the past, students underwent the tests during their senior year. This is still the case, but numerous students opt to undergo them in their junior years already. They see this as a first try, a test run. There is no limit to the number of times one may sit for the tests, so those that did not obtain good results in their junior years simply repeat them the following year.
Students and parents often spend huge amounts on materials, private tutoring, on line assistance and lessons to help them perform better. The College Board is adamant that there is no need for this. They say that their guidelines to students are more than adequate. However, anyone feeling that additional material is necessary should make sure that they buy from a reputable source and that the course is underwritten by an educational expert.
Getting excellent results in the college admission tests is certainly an achievement but anyone obtaining poor results should not despair. It is always possible to sit for the tests again, even when not in school any longer. It is also important to remember that excellent scores are by no means a guarantee for future success.
Few students realize that these tests are not actually compulsory, probably because they have been placed under pressure from an early age. There are many good universities and colleges that do not take scores obtained in these tests into consideration when looking at new applicants. However, many top universities will not even consider an application is the scores are not submitted or even if they are not very good.
It is true that high scores provide applicants to top colleges with an edge, but it is also important to remember that these results are by no means the only factor taken into consideration for admission purposes. Universities want applicants that they are well rounded. They should partake in sport, be active in the community, serve on committees and volunteer their services. Students should therefore start to work on their overall records from early on in school.
Many students make the mistake of assuming that only super bright students can attain excellent scores. This is not the case. The purpose of these tests is not to test intelligence or aptitude. It does not test general knowledge either. It tests those main areas of competency that is deemed vital for a successful college career. These areas are critical reading, mathematics and writing skills.
The tests are no designed or administers by elected authorities. They are owned by the College Board, which is a non profit organization that involves itself in many different educational issues. This board also offer many other tests, many of which evaluate the proficiency levels of students in very specific fields such as natural sciences or history. Students sit for these test as well, believing it will enhance their college applications.
In the past, students underwent the tests during their senior year. This is still the case, but numerous students opt to undergo them in their junior years already. They see this as a first try, a test run. There is no limit to the number of times one may sit for the tests, so those that did not obtain good results in their junior years simply repeat them the following year.
Students and parents often spend huge amounts on materials, private tutoring, on line assistance and lessons to help them perform better. The College Board is adamant that there is no need for this. They say that their guidelines to students are more than adequate. However, anyone feeling that additional material is necessary should make sure that they buy from a reputable source and that the course is underwritten by an educational expert.
Getting excellent results in the college admission tests is certainly an achievement but anyone obtaining poor results should not despair. It is always possible to sit for the tests again, even when not in school any longer. It is also important to remember that excellent scores are by no means a guarantee for future success.
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