College Admissions Tests: Preparing for the SAT

By Erik J. StrawserBloomsburg University

The SAT

Most widely used college entrance exam

Globally recognized college admissions test

Accepted by virtually every college and university nationwide

More than two million students take the SAT each year

Tests students’ knowledge in reading, writing, and math

Reading Section

Score range = 200-800 points Test time = 70 minutes (one 20 minute

section and two 25 minute sections) 67 total questions 48 passage focused reading questions

that test comprehension of what is stated or implied by a written passage

19 sentence completion questions that test vocabulary and understanding of sentence structure

Math Section

Score range = 200-800 points Test time = 70 minutes (one 20 minute

section and two 25 minute sections) 54 total questions 44 multiple choice questions that

require students to solve problems and select the best answer

10 student produced responses that require students to solve problems and “grid in” answers

Writing Section

Score range = 200-800 points Test time = 60 minutes (one 10 minute

section and two 25 minutes sections) 50 total questions 25 improving sentences 18 identifying sentence errors 6 improving paragraphs 1 Essay (present and support your

point of view on a specific issue)

How is the SAT Scored?

Raw scores are calculated for each section Correct answers = +1 point Incorrect answers = -1/4 point (with exception

of student produced responses in Math section) Omitted answers = 0 points subtracted

Reading and Math scores for each section are reported on a scale

of 200-800 Writing

Subscales for essay (2-12) and multiple choice writing questions (20-80)

2012 Testing Dates

May 5, 2012 Register by April 6, 2012 Late registration (by mail, phone, or

online) by April 20, 2012 Changes by April 18, 2012

June 2, 2012 Register by May 8, 2012 Late registration (by mail, phone, or

online) by May 22, 2012 Changes by May 16, 2012

How Much Does it Cost?

SAT Registration = $49.00 Additional Fees

Register by Phone (only if registered previously = $15.00

Change Fee (test type, date, or center change) = $25.00

Late Fee = $26.00 Standby Fee = $43.00

Registration

Online provides immediate confirmation 24 hour access to registration allows students to correct and/or print their

admission tickets)Mail

stop by guidance department and get a SAT Paper Registration Guide and correct Code Numbers

pay by check or money order payable to “The College Board”

Registration Cont..

Standby Complete paper registration and arrive

at test center with check or money order Costs more Limited seating capacity Not available to students who require

special accommodations

What Should I Bring on Test Day?

Admission ticket Photo identification (current and valid)

PA Drivers License PA Non-Drivers ID School ID Form

Two No.2 pencils and soft eraser Acceptable calculator

Graphing Scientific Four function

What Should I Let at Home?

Scratch paper Notes, books, or dictionaries Personal electronic devices Highlighters or colored pencils Compasses, protractors, or rulers of

any kind Timers or stopwatches Cameras or others photographic

equipment

General Test-Taking Tips

Use process of elimination Answer every question only if you can eliminate answer

choices Leave questions blank only if you cannot identify at least

one wrong choice, except in the Math grid-ins Write in the test booklet Transfer your answers at the end of each question Slow down!! Choose which question to answer first Remember the order of difficulty Cross-check your ovals Don’t second guess yourself

Source: http://testprep.about.com/od/tipsfortesting/a/SAT_TestTips.htm

Reading Section Strategies Sentence Completion

Use the context of the sentence to figure out what unknown words mean

Do not overlook the reversing effect of negative words (not) or prefixes (un-)

Allow transition words (likewise or although) to suggest the better answer

Eliminate choices in double-blank questions if the first word does not make sense in the sentence

Source: http://www.educationcorner.com/sat-test-taking-tips.html

Reading Section Strategies Cont..

Reading Comprehension Always read the italicized introductory text Use the line reference numbers in questions to find the

correct spot in the passage Limit your answers to questions to what is stated or

implied in the passage Read each passage through at least once before

answering questions The most important sentences of each paragraph are the

first and the last Do not waste time memorizing the details of each passage

Source: http://www.educationcorner.com/sat-test-taking-tips.html

Written Essay Strategies

You will be asked write a 250-300 word persuasive essay on a specific topic

Use a 5 paragraph essay format (intro, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion)

You will have 25 minutes to complete the essay

Spend 5 minutes thinking about the topic Spend 15 minutes writing Spend 5 minutes reviewing your essay for

errors

Source: http://www.educationcorner.com/sat-test-taking-tips.html

Written Essay Strategies Cont..

Introduction - state your position on the topic and introduce thesis

Body paragraphs -provide specific details and/or examples to support your position

Conclusion – summarize position and restate thesis

Keep your writing clear, concise, and simple

Source: http://www.educationcorner.com/sat-test-taking-tips.html

Math Section Strategies

Student Produced Response No penalty for incorrect answers There are no negative answers in this section If your answer is a repeating decimal, enter

as many decimal points as you can in the grid provided

Do not provide mixed number answers (if 2 ¾ change it to 11/4 or 2.75)

Source: http://www.educationcorner.com/sat-test-taking-tips.html

Score Reports

At registration students receive four free score reports

After registration, additional score reports can be sent for a fee

Official Score Reports – approximately five weeks after the test

Online - approximately three weeks after the test (need to have a College Board account)

How Can I Improve My Scores?

Build your own vocabulary list using past tests Experiment with different strategies to answer passage

focused reading questions Know your special triangles Read, read, read (especially topics that you do no find

interesting) If you are stuck on a math problem, start writing Consider the opposing point of view when writing your

essay Avoid careless mistakes by showing your work Use official tests to practice with Create a collection of mature sounding words and

incorporate into your practice essays

Source: www.sat-coach.com

Visit the College Board Website

Register for a free student account Receive the SAT question of the day Access score reports Send additional score reports

Register for the Official SAT On-line Course $69.95 per year 18 interactive lessons 10 practice tests Hundreds of practice questions Sample student essays