College admission tests have always loomed large in the careers of high school students. From an early age students learn that these tests are important and that good scores are essential for future success. This is double the case for those students that aspire to places at top universities. Therefore many students start their preparation at an early stage. SAT test prep courses are available everywhere and have become extremely popular.
Few students realize that these tests are not actually compulsory, probably because they have been placed under pressure from an early age. There are many good universities and colleges that do not take scores obtained in these tests into consideration when looking at new applicants. However, many top universities will not even consider an application is the scores are not submitted or even if they are not very good.
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.
Many students make the mistake of assuming that only super bright students can attain excellent scores. This is not the case. The purpose of these tests is not to test intelligence or aptitude. It does not test general knowledge either. It tests those main areas of competency that is deemed vital for a successful college career. These areas are critical reading, mathematics and writing skills.
Another common mistake is to think that these tests are designed and administered by the government or educational authorities. This is not the case. It is wholly owned by the College Board, a not for profit organization that involves itself in various educational matters. In fact, the College Board offer numerous other tests and many students sit for them too because they do test the knowledge level of a student in a very specific field.
Students still sit for the tests during their senior year at school, but not exclusively so. There is no rule prohibiting someone in his junior year from enrolling. Many students do so because there is not a limit on the number of times one may sit for them. Juniors therefore often see their first try as a test run. If the results are not as expected, the tests can always be repeated during the next year.
Students and parents often spend huge amounts on materials, private tutoring, on line assistance and lessons to help them perform better. The College Board is adamant that there is no need for this. They say that their guidelines to students are more than adequate. However, anyone feeling that additional material is necessary should make sure that they buy from a reputable source and that the course is underwritten by an educational expert.
Getting excellent results in the college admission tests is certainly an achievement but anyone obtaining poor results should not despair. It is always possible to sit for the tests again, even when not in school any longer. It is also important to remember that excellent scores are by no means a guarantee for future success.
Few students realize that these tests are not actually compulsory, probably because they have been placed under pressure from an early age. There are many good universities and colleges that do not take scores obtained in these tests into consideration when looking at new applicants. However, many top universities will not even consider an application is the scores are not submitted or even if they are not very good.
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.
Many students make the mistake of assuming that only super bright students can attain excellent scores. This is not the case. The purpose of these tests is not to test intelligence or aptitude. It does not test general knowledge either. It tests those main areas of competency that is deemed vital for a successful college career. These areas are critical reading, mathematics and writing skills.
Another common mistake is to think that these tests are designed and administered by the government or educational authorities. This is not the case. It is wholly owned by the College Board, a not for profit organization that involves itself in various educational matters. In fact, the College Board offer numerous other tests and many students sit for them too because they do test the knowledge level of a student in a very specific field.
Students still sit for the tests during their senior year at school, but not exclusively so. There is no rule prohibiting someone in his junior year from enrolling. Many students do so because there is not a limit on the number of times one may sit for them. Juniors therefore often see their first try as a test run. If the results are not as expected, the tests can always be repeated during the next year.
Students and parents often spend huge amounts on materials, private tutoring, on line assistance and lessons to help them perform better. The College Board is adamant that there is no need for this. They say that their guidelines to students are more than adequate. However, anyone feeling that additional material is necessary should make sure that they buy from a reputable source and that the course is underwritten by an educational expert.
Getting excellent results in the college admission tests is certainly an achievement but anyone obtaining poor results should not despair. It is always possible to sit for the tests again, even when not in school any longer. It is also important to remember that excellent scores are by no means a guarantee for future success.
About the Author:
You can find a list of the advantages you get when you complete SAT test prep courses at http://www.collegecounselingconsultants.com right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment