When a Test Becomes More Than “Just a Test”

After a few days on the road one question has been asked over and over again by students about the application process: “What about the SAT?” With this question comes a look of fear and apprehension that this one particular test is a student’s end all and be all when it boils down to the final admissions decision. We want to address this topic and ease some fears about the dreaded letters: S-A-T.

            While the SAT’s are a big part of a student’s college application, SAT scores are not always the deciding factor in determining a yes or no decision from a college. The SAT’s are just part of a whole application which go into making a decision for acceptance. Each school sets a standards, “minimum score needed for acceptance”, “average score”, and “scholarship consideration.” These words alone have caused many a sleepless nights for students and studying endless (this is known from personal experience not too many years ago).

            The best piece of advice that we can give to students preparing to take the SAT this fall is simple: prepare. There is no magic trick to doing well on the test, it is the simple preparation of knowing what you are getting into before the morning (or night before) the test. The best way to prepare for this test is to read some SAT prep books, take practice tests, and look into any classes that may be offered at your school. The more familiar you are with the test, the more you will feel prepared and know what is ahead of you the Saturday morning when you go to take the test.

            At Notre Dame, we recommend that students take the test between two and three times. We accept the highest combined score of any day taken. For example, if you do really well in verbal on the October test and better on Math on the November test we will combine those tests for the highest combined score.

            When looking to apply to colleges, the most important number to look at is the average test score of accepted students. This number takes a look at all the scores that were submitted for students who were accepted and where the majority of those scores are. You can see where your scores range compared to most students who were accepted. Another important piece of advice is to be in contact with your admissions counselor throughout the process. Ask them what kind of scores they are looking for and let them know about your plans to take future tests.

            Don’t let the stress of the SAT’s keep you from enjoying your senior year and tackling the college application process. The more you know about the test and what the schools you are applying to are looking for, the better off you will be on test day and that will relieve a lot of anxiety and stress.

*** Remember that the late deadline for the October 1^st SAT’s is coming up on September 21^st. You can also sign up regular deadline for the November 5^th test by October 7^th. Also, make sure to add Notre Dame to your list of schools to receive your scores before test day!***