One valid question that high school students always seem to ask is “why do we have to take the SAT?”

I’m pretty sure at some time in your school life, this question has crossed your mind.

Well, after being that student, the answer has become pretty clear and simple: to receive admission to your top college or university, in efforts to experience life at its finest.

Right?

For those individuals who are not familiar with the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), it is, according to the Princeton Review, an entrance exam used by MOST colleges and universities to make admission decisions (Princeton Review, 2018). The assessment itself has three sections— Mathematics, evidence-based reading and writing!

Oh wait, can’t forget the essay portion.

Let’s take a look at each section and what skills and knowledge are required.

The secret behind the testing.

As we all know, the SAT has become a reliable testing strategy. It has served more than 1.6 million students and thousands of high school guidance counselors all across the world. As the college board members have seen in data, the SAT predicts that there are too many high school students who are not prepared for the transition between high school and college. According to 2013 SAT Report on College + Career Readiness, 57% of SAT takers lacked academic skills to succeed in college courses. Now, HOW exactly can ONE test determine a college future? Using this study, data analysts mentioned that the higher your test score, the more prepared that individual is.

What about the flaws that make the statistics fall? Has anyone thought of this? Maybe one student studied the game behind the test. Maybe another individual somehow got the answers to the test the night before. College Board says their mission is to “foster equity and excellence,” but how exactly does taking the SAT’s help ME succeed in college? No one has yet to answer that question.

What about those who made decisions to go to colleges that don’t need scores? It’s just all confusing!

College Board, make up your mind, please!

I’m not saying that College Board isn’t living up to their mission, but I just need answers.

Tip of the Iceberg: Inside the test

So what exactly does the reading actually measure? A lot more than just your reading skills for sure! The array of passages provided, such as contemporary world literature, U.S constitution, and social science, prove to the test makers how well test-takers can find evidence in the passages. If you’re just taking the test, just know that there is no need for prior knowledge. It’s all about how well you receive the information you read, process, and use.

Though the writing section is based on the same ideas as the reading, it requires close attention when interpreting beyond paragraphs. It's important to literally analyze each sentence. The included passages cover everything from arguments to nonfiction stories about social studies, science, history, and even careers. This section measures the test takers ability to improve passages through developing information and ideas. It also includes context clues and accesses your ability to choose the best words (mostly syntax and style). In all, this section plays a role in giving students the room to express their ideas through sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.

The mathematics section is pretty straightforward. It includes a variety of college mathematics. Anywhere from Algebra (linear equations and systems), to Problem Solving/ Data Analysis, and Advanced Math (manipulating complex equations). The purpose is to test how accurately, efficiently, and strategically an individual can carry out the presented question!

Lastly, the essay prompt assesses how successfully the test taker can read, analyze, and write. It must be focused, organized, and follow the SAT Essay Rubric, provided by the official college board. The essay must additionally use supporting evidence and selected word choice, which appeals to the audience.

Whatever that means.