On April 8th of this year, the juniors of Belleville High School will all gather into the gymnasium to take the Scholastic Assessment Test, otherwise known as the SAT. Many dread this day, as it includes around a two-hour duration of math as well as evidence-based reading multiple-choice questions. However, considering everything, is the SAT truly necessary to students, or is it just another test given to us to tell us how smart we are?
Your SAT Score is Being Put to Good Use
According to CollegeBoard, the organization that administers the test, they note “Students who take the SAT demonstrate knowledge and skills in areas that current research tells us are most critical for college readiness and success.” Additionally, recent studies point out that “students with the highest possible test score (i.e., SAT score of 1600 or ACT score of 36 achieve a first-year college GPA that is 0.43 points higher than students with an SAT score of 1200 or ACT score of 25.”
Taking this into consideration, the SAT actually does give a respectably accurate prediction regarding a student’s future performance in college. Essentially, we can see why top Ivy League colleges typically require submission of SAT scores and accept those with above average scores.
Further predicting student success, the SAT also awards hardworking students with academically qualified scores with scholarships who may benefit from scholarships. Deciding which student is granted a scholarship is assisted through what that student’s SAT score tells those allocating scholarships.
Moreover, a SAT score will tell colleges if one needs academic support in specific areas, or excels at that particular subject. For example, college is extremely math and English heavy. If a student ends up scoring lower in the English module, this will let colleges know this student needs work in their English studies.
In addition to that, SAT scores can also be used to increase diversity and student learning in specific fields, like STEM. Institutions will feel more assured in their placement of students who are most dedicated and interested in their classes, goals, and career management.
Life Preparation
As previously stated, the SAT score a student receives is telling to how well they are going to do whilst they are in college. To expand on that idea, doing well on the SAT also shows that you are well prepared for the tests you may have to take later in life, depending on your career path. For example, law students have to take the bar exam to become a lawyer. Taking the SAT can act as a primer for such a difficult exam. Taking it seriously will help set you up for success in showing what you know while giving you a look into what later cumulative tests will look like.
Essentially, being able to show what you know will tell those looking over your scores how capable you are. Careers like lawyers, teachers, and nurses all have to show what they know to become what they are and pass their test. The SAT is just the beginning of what many careers will require you to do to become certified.
Not Just a Number
Many say that the SAT is another way to tell students that they are either smart or not. Or, some believe that it’s just a number that CollegeBoard likes to slap onto us as people.
Of course, the SAT does not determine how intelligent you are. There are endless factors in defining someone’s intelligence. In this case, the SAT is just a way to determine if your proficiency in math and English (the entirety of college) is adequate enough to succeed throughout college.
Even so, the SAT score that you get is not the sole thing determining your success and acceptance into college. Many colleges engage in a holistic review of applications, which means they look at everything from your application and make their decision. Additionally, some colleges are becoming test-optional, meaning that it’s not required that you submit your SAT score in your application. As of right now, top universities like Princeton and Duke are test-optional.
So what?
Whilst the SAT is very crucial, it all does depend on your career path. If you’re planning on going to a two or four year college, you should definitely be well prepared for the SAT. You will have to complete tests just like it in college and for whichever career you decide to pursue.
All in all, the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is one of the most important tests one will ever take. It’s necessary to take it seriously, as it demonstrates a student’s ability to prepare to show what they know and how ready they are for college’s rigor alongside its cumulative test.
