Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-442-6062

Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-925-2803

Every year, millions of college-bound students sit down on a Saturday with:

a. number-two pencils
b. anticipation
c. the  

SAT

 
d. all of the above

The answer is D.

Will you be one of these students? If so, it's time to get testy.

What's new?
As if you haven't been bombarded enough with multiple-choice questions in your SAT review class, here's another one to fancy...

In the SAT, you'll encounter:

a. Algebra II
b. analogies
c. a critical reading section
d. a 25-minute writing section
e. a, c, and d

The answer is E.

Lucky for you, those pesky analogies (the ones I had to suffer through when I took the SAT in 1997) aren't around anymore. However, you have to ace Algebra II, a critical reading section, and a 25-minute writing section. After all, what does knowing "thermometer is to temperature as odometer is to mileage" have to do with how well you'll do in college?

Out with the old, in with the new!
For old time's sake, let's do an analogy, shall we?

1600 : old SAT ::

a. 2400 : new SAT
b. 100 : new SAT
c. 0 : new SAT
d. none of the above

The answer is A.

The highest you can get on the new SAT is 2400, which accounts for the additions of third-year math and the essay portion. And instead of two sections (verbal and math), there are now three -- writing, critical reading, and math.

Here's the lowdown on the three sections from bonafide SAT expert Lisa Jacobson.

Reading
According to Jacobson, founder of Inspirica, a tutoring, test-preparation, and admissions support company, you should expect the reading passages to be somewhat boring and hard to concentrate on. "If they were too interesting, everyone would get the questions right," she asserts.

"Quickly scan the answers before you read the paragraphs," Jacobson says. "This way, you know what you're looking for."

Writing
The essay is formulaic," explains Jacobson. "Poor writers can even do better than strong writers. It's actually important not to be too creative."

Jacobson, who's been interviewed about the SAT by the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, says it's important to follow a formula -- the introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. "And by all means, make sure graders can read your handwriting," she points out.

And Arithmetic
Jacobson says to study basic arithmetic like algebra and geometry. "Make sure you're also comfortable with the old concepts you [learned] years ago, like percentages and fractions," she adds.

"There are basically about 50 types of math questions. Practice them over and over so that when you're [taking the test], you're not half-baked. Instead, [you'll be] on automatic pilot," she summarizes. "Over time, you'll recognize [the type of question] right away, which will save you precious time."

Last question, promise (within this article, that is).

Now how do you feel about taking the SAT?

a. Fantabulous... I'm going to kick butt!
b. A little bit better.
c. Eh, we'll see.
d. I'm doomed no matter what!

If you answered A: Awesome! CollegeBound.net is glad to have eased your SAT anxiety.

If you answered B: Good. Just do a few more practice tests, and you'll be as confident as those who answered A in no time.

If you answered C: Don't fret. If you don't do well this time, you can take the test again. Review your weaknesses and study accordingly.

If you answered D: Have a little faith in yourself. Although there's no surefire way to study to ace the exam, practice tests, review courses, and study sessions may make a difference in your score.

For all of the above: Good luck!


http://www.collegesurfing.com/content
Ysolt Usigan is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments