The very idea of looming college admission tests seems like a mountain for numerous student each year. They feel nervous and often even scared, because they believe that their entire futures may depend upon how well they do. Students hoping for a place at top universities spend a lot of time, money and efforts in preparation. With online SAT and ACT prep websites many students can access additional help without paying a small fortune.
There is no rule that forces everyone to sit for the tests. In fact, many universities and colleges do not even take the scores into consideration during the application evaluation process. Yet most serious students still undergo the tests because they know that all the best regarded and most prestigious institutions place a very high value on the scores new applicants achieved.
While excellent scores can certainly play an important role in getting a place at a good university, they are not the only factor that plays a role in the selection process. Universities want students that lead balanced lives. They therefore also take into account things like whether the applicant actively plays sport, is involved in community affairs, support cultural and social events and whether they consistently did well during their school years.
Many people mistakenly think that one needs to be highly intelligent to score well in the tests. This is not so. The tests do not aim to measure aptitude in any area, to determine the IQ of a student or even to test the scope of their general knowledge. The tests focus on writing, critical reading and mathematics, areas that are considered to be vital for a successful college career.
The two tests are not owned and administrated by the same organization. In fact, The ACT was first introduced in 1959 by a non profit organization of the same name and it was specifically meant to serve as competition for the SAT test, which is owned and managed by the College Board, also an American non profit organization. Both tests are highly regarded but many students opt to sit for both.
The majority of students undergo the test in their senior year in high school. Many prefer to do it in their junior year, however. Their reasoning is that it is a good thing to gain experience and if they are not happy with the results they can sit for the tests once more during their senior year. Students can sit for both the tests as many times as they wish.
There are numerous books offering help in preparing for the tests. Many people offer personal tutoring. Students and their parents are often willing to pay small fortunes in the belief that it is worth it if it will provide an extra edge. There are also many websites offering on line advice, tips and exercises. These are often free of charge. However, the College Board says that their guidelines are more than sufficient to effectively complete preparations.
Nobody will deny the fact that a qualification from a prestigious university is deemed as a definite advantage. Places at those universities are scarce and difficult to obtain. That is why it is important to do everything possible to gain good scores to support an otherwise balanced application.
There is no rule that forces everyone to sit for the tests. In fact, many universities and colleges do not even take the scores into consideration during the application evaluation process. Yet most serious students still undergo the tests because they know that all the best regarded and most prestigious institutions place a very high value on the scores new applicants achieved.
While excellent scores can certainly play an important role in getting a place at a good university, they are not the only factor that plays a role in the selection process. Universities want students that lead balanced lives. They therefore also take into account things like whether the applicant actively plays sport, is involved in community affairs, support cultural and social events and whether they consistently did well during their school years.
Many people mistakenly think that one needs to be highly intelligent to score well in the tests. This is not so. The tests do not aim to measure aptitude in any area, to determine the IQ of a student or even to test the scope of their general knowledge. The tests focus on writing, critical reading and mathematics, areas that are considered to be vital for a successful college career.
The two tests are not owned and administrated by the same organization. In fact, The ACT was first introduced in 1959 by a non profit organization of the same name and it was specifically meant to serve as competition for the SAT test, which is owned and managed by the College Board, also an American non profit organization. Both tests are highly regarded but many students opt to sit for both.
The majority of students undergo the test in their senior year in high school. Many prefer to do it in their junior year, however. Their reasoning is that it is a good thing to gain experience and if they are not happy with the results they can sit for the tests once more during their senior year. Students can sit for both the tests as many times as they wish.
There are numerous books offering help in preparing for the tests. Many people offer personal tutoring. Students and their parents are often willing to pay small fortunes in the belief that it is worth it if it will provide an extra edge. There are also many websites offering on line advice, tips and exercises. These are often free of charge. However, the College Board says that their guidelines are more than sufficient to effectively complete preparations.
Nobody will deny the fact that a qualification from a prestigious university is deemed as a definite advantage. Places at those universities are scarce and difficult to obtain. That is why it is important to do everything possible to gain good scores to support an otherwise balanced application.
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