Education Resource

vivienne asked:


I was taking the SAT test and the proctor had told ETS that I was reading or working on other sections of the test, but that is completely false and does anyone know how I can fight this?

Maureen

Daniel R asked:


my iq is 74 but never took a sat test. is there something in common?

Norma

liangxuma asked:


Should you take both or just one to get into a good college. Does the ACT test mean that you don’t have to take the SAT subjects tests??? Thanks

Theodore

Terence B asked:


I passed my AT-SAT test with a 98% back in January. I was wondering how long normally does it take in order for the FAA to contact you with the pre-screening or whatever it is they do? Detailed answers would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Joan

LB asked:


I have a student at the sophomore high school level and college prep choices are looming. There is the PSAT (which I assume is the pre-SAT test). But I don’t understand the difference between the SAT test and the ACT test, and which colleges want which one.

Terry

Sunny asked:


1. In general, it’s better not to guess on a question

Actually, this is partially true. If you are totally stumped on a question and cannot even eliminate a single answer choice, then yes, you should omit the question. However, if you can eliminate even one choice, it is statistically to your advantage to guess among the four choices on that question. The College Board applies a “guessing penalty” of one-quarter of a question per missed question and does not penalize for omitted questions, so guess accordingly.

2. The length of the essay is irrelevant

Even though the College Board will tell you that the length of an essay is not related to its score, studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between essay length and higher scores. Therefore, it is always better to write an essay that is lengthier and incorporates more details, examples, and experiences. However, you should not fill an essay with “fluff” - such mundane, wasted words only annoy the graders.

3. The best time to take the SAT is on (so-and-so) testing date

We’ve heard this one time and time again. Many students feel that the curve is easier on the June and September testing dates because more students who performed poorly on the first test are retaking, or because fewer students overall are taking the test. Neither of these claims is necessarily true, and there is virtually no link between difficulty of the curve and testing date. Test after you have studied, and base your decision only on your own abilities.

4. You can guess which section is the “experimental” one

Simply put, there is really no way to determine the “experimental” section. It could be writing, math, or reading. It could feature easier or tougher questions. You should not work “less hard” on a section because you think it is the experimental section

5. Since the Writing section is new, it doesn’t matter/It’s harder

The Writing section has a lower mean score because it is newer, but most prepared students actually find the Writing section easier than the Reading section. In fact, students who have taken test preparation courses experience the highest score increase in Writing. Along those same lines, even though the section is new, you cannot dismiss it. Colleges may claim not to look at it, but it’s right there next to your other two scores on the score report. Don’t take your chances - do well!

6. Re-Testing “looks bad”

Total nonsense. Almost all colleges do not consider a student who re-tests any worse than the student who does not, and most students re-test. Why? Re-testing usually marks a very medicore increase in score because the SAT is designed to test intelligence, not knowledge. Students do not typically become “more intelligent” between testing periods. However, some students experience great success after preparing for the exam. In general, if you are not happy with your score, re-testing is a great option.

7. You should use your calculator to solve most math problems

The students who receive 800’s on the math section are typically not the ones who are calculator whizzes - they are simply better-prepared for the exam. Using a graphing calculator to solve simple math problems may seem like a great solution to your math issues, but in the end you will only be shorting yourself. Calculators require time and effort and are prone to input errors. While practicing for the math section, do as much as you can without a calculator.

8. The SAT doesn’t really matter anyway/doesn’t test intelligence

We can debate the merits of the SAT all day, but at the end of the day, it is the standard for college entrance. Just as you should not become infatuated with SAT preparation, you should not blow off the SAT. Your personal opinion is not that of the college you will be applying to.

9. A bad score may be due to a bad day

Unless you were sleep-deprived during a particular day, it is unlikely that re-testing alone will boost your score. Many people attribute low scores to “having a bad day,” but research shows that this is generally not the source of the low score. If you get a bad score, take it as such - don’t blame your mood or the way you felt - and find out how you can improve.

Esther

J J asked:


I’m really confused about the SAT rules and regulations. Is there really a rule about taking the SAT test by age 16? What happens if I take it when I’m 17?

Lawrence

soy_soy700 asked:


While looking for an AP exam review book for AP US History, I picked up one for a US history SAT subject test review book instead! I didn’t realize until I got home and I’m wondering it its okay to study for the AP Exam with a SAT subject test review book or not.

I’ve heard that SAT subject tests are easier so it might not to so good to use that to study for AP exam…

Jamie

Fred asked:


In the contemporary world people become more and more interested in the continuing of their education and earning of the university degree, as people with university degree occupy usually better positions, often achieve success and have higher level of salary. Besides, investments into education are the best contribution into the future. Those students who have a desire to enter the higher educational institution have to pass one of the following exams to show the level of skills and knowledge and to prove the committee that he must be admitted: Sat and Act. Below the main description of such two exams and examination process is given.

The SAT exam is itself Scholastic Assessment Test and Scholastic Aptitude Test, but majority of people know user interpretation of this test: SAT Reasoning Test. This test was created by the Educational Testing Service. This test was developed by the US specialists, but there are many other countries where this test is very popular. The test consists of the following parts: writing, critical reading and math. Besides, there are some subjects for special majors, such as science, languages, literature, history, English, etc. To pass the test the students have to pay the fee. To prepare for exam the students have to use the special materials for preparation. There are many sources of such materials. First of all, check such sources as internet, local and university library and school guidance counselor.

The second exam is the ACT, which is also known as ACT Assessment. It was developed in 1959 and is competing with the SAT test, as in spite of some differences, they are very similar. Majority of the educational institutions accept both tests.

The main differences between two exams are:

1. Objectives. The objective of the ACT is to check the general educational development. In the same time the main objective of the SAT is to check the skills of critical thinking.

2. Content. Besides other subjects the ACT tests includes the vocabulary testing.

3. Grading system. Those students, who pass the ACT test, can guess the answer. In the case of SAT exam, there are penalties for guessing.

Lillie

Vin B asked:


If you have taken the SAT test recently please share your experience by telling us what you would have done differently. Were there any surprises? Were the questions harder than the ones administered by the College Board test book? Were they easier than the ones provided by Barron’s prep book?

Amy