The SAT is Coming. Top 10 Tips

We have started a "Count Down of Top 10 Test Prep Tips" as an e mail series to our families. I thought it would be nice to post them here as well! My next 10 posts will be counting down those tips over the next several weeks. Remember, the SAT is a bit early this year (October 1), so prep classes need to start sooner than in years past.

There's been much debate regarding the validity of SAT and ACT scores as "fair" or "accurate" predictors of future college success. However, no debate exists regarding their impact on a student's ability to be accepted to the college of their choice.

Pretend you are a college admissions specialist. You've not met the student, all you have is the below information. Which student would you accept?

As you can see, it can become very subjective comparing students in most areas of their application, but the test scores speak loudly, clearly, and require no clarification or explanation.

Test scores are important...very important. Many factors such as GPA, admissions essay, extracurricular activities, etc) will be considered by college admission departments, but SAT and ACT scores factor in largely in part because they are objective and serve as an easy point of comparison for colleges viewing many applications.

Students should use the SAT and ACT tests as an opportunity to set themselves apart from other students. It's an opportunity! Take it!