College admission tests have attained an almost mythical reputation. Even young students know that these tests are waiting for them and that they will have to do well if they have any hope of admission to a very good college or position in industry. Many students actually regard these tests and the expectations of their parents and teachers with trepidation and anxiety. Large numbers of students firmly believe that SAT test prep courses will help them to succeed.
It is not true that these tests are compulsory, nor that all colleges and universities require new applicants to submit their results. Many excellent institutions of higher learning use other admission criteria. The fact remains, however, that all the top university do require applicants to sit for the tests and to perform well. Many potential employers also see good scores as a positive sign, so most students sit for the tests.
Good scores most certainly provide an edge, but students need to know that their scores are not the only thing that will count when their applications are considered by college authorities. Institutes of higher learning seek students that will make a contribution. They therefore look at things such as the involvement of an applicant in his local community, his record of participating in sport and the leadership roles he held whilst at school.
Another common misconception is that it is only those with a very high intelligence that have any hope of obtaining excellent scores. Nothing can be further from the truth because the tests do not test aptitude, general knowledge or intelligence. They rather focus on mathematics, critical reading and writing abilities. These are the areas that are considered very important for success at an institute of higher learning.
The examinations are not administered, managed or even owned by the government. It belongs to a private non profit organization called the College Board, a body that is concerned with various matters related to education. The College Board also offer many other tests that evaluate the competency of a student in a specific subject. Many students opt for these additional tests too in the hopes of further strengthen 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.
Numerous people and companies offer a course, tutoring sessions or a variety of materials that promise to help prepare the student for the tests. Some students spend a lot of money on such extra help. It is important to purchase only materials or help that is designed and underwritten by an education professional or that is underwritten by a reputable educational institution.
College admission tests are still deemed as very important. However, they should not be deemed as the alpha and omega of a successful college career. They are, in fact, just one of many other factors that can play an important role in lifelong success.
It is not true that these tests are compulsory, nor that all colleges and universities require new applicants to submit their results. Many excellent institutions of higher learning use other admission criteria. The fact remains, however, that all the top university do require applicants to sit for the tests and to perform well. Many potential employers also see good scores as a positive sign, so most students sit for the tests.
Good scores most certainly provide an edge, but students need to know that their scores are not the only thing that will count when their applications are considered by college authorities. Institutes of higher learning seek students that will make a contribution. They therefore look at things such as the involvement of an applicant in his local community, his record of participating in sport and the leadership roles he held whilst at school.
Another common misconception is that it is only those with a very high intelligence that have any hope of obtaining excellent scores. Nothing can be further from the truth because the tests do not test aptitude, general knowledge or intelligence. They rather focus on mathematics, critical reading and writing abilities. These are the areas that are considered very important for success at an institute of higher learning.
The examinations are not administered, managed or even owned by the government. It belongs to a private non profit organization called the College Board, a body that is concerned with various matters related to education. The College Board also offer many other tests that evaluate the competency of a student in a specific subject. Many students opt for these additional tests too in the hopes of further strengthen 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.
Numerous people and companies offer a course, tutoring sessions or a variety of materials that promise to help prepare the student for the tests. Some students spend a lot of money on such extra help. It is important to purchase only materials or help that is designed and underwritten by an education professional or that is underwritten by a reputable educational institution.
College admission tests are still deemed as very important. However, they should not be deemed as the alpha and omega of a successful college career. They are, in fact, just one of many other factors that can play an important role in lifelong success.
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