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A Guide to the SAT for Counselors
> I receive a lot of information describing the SAT.
What’s a simple way to explain it to my students?
SECTION ONE
What Is the SAT?
> I’ve heard a lot of conflicting information about how
The SAT Reasoning TestTM is the most widely used and most rigorously
colleges use SAT scores. How are most schools using
them now?
researched college admissions test in history. Virtually every college in the
The SAT provides an independent measure of a student’s college readiness
United States accepts the SAT® as a measure of the critical thinking skills
that is standardized across all students, schools, and communities, providing
students need for academic success in college. Taken by more than two
a common and objective scale for comparison. Colleges use SAT scores to
million students annually, the SAT is administered seven times a year
objectively compare students from different high school backgrounds, and
internationally.
to predict their academic success in their freshman year. Some colleges
also use scores for placement and exemption purposes, helping to identify
> Is the SAT a reasoning test or an achievement test?
appropriate courses for their incoming freshmen.
The SAT is a reasoning test, meaning that it measures how well students
analyze and solve problems—skills learned in high school that are needed in
> How do I know if a student should take the SAT, the
college. It allows students to demonstrate to colleges not only the specific
ACT, or both?
subject material that they’ve learned in school, but also their ability to think
Most colleges and universities in the United States require applicants to sub-
critically.
mit scores on a standardized test as a part of the college admission process.
Because virtually every college in the U.S. accepts the SAT—and many
require or recommend a test with writing—taking the SAT is an excellent
way for students to maximize their options in the college admission process.
SAT FACT #1
The SAT is taken by students in over 160 countries around the world.
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SECTION TWO
SAT Content
> The SAT consists of three sections: critical reading,
which is always the first question on the SAT, measures a student’s skill in
math, and writing.
developing a point of view on an issue. The multiple-choice section assesses
The critical reading section consists of 67 questions in two 25-minute
a student’s ability to use language in a clear, consistent manner and to
sections and one 20-minute section (70 minutes total). It measures students’
improve a piece of writing through revision and editing. Questions ask
ability to identify genre, relationships among parts of a text, cause and effect,
students to recognize sentence errors, to choose the best version of a piece
rhetorical devices, and comparative arguments. Questions assess such read-
of writing, and to improve paragraphs.
ing skills as identifying main and supporting ideas, determining the meaning
of words, understanding authors’ purposes, and understanding the structure
There is also a 25-minute unscored section, known as the variable or
and function of sentences. Reading passages are taken from different fields,
equating section. It may be a critical reading, math, or multiple-choice writing
including natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and literary fiction.
section. This section does not count toward the student’s final score, but is
used to try out new questions for future editions of the SAT and to ensure
The math section consists of 54 questions in two 25-minute sections and
that scores on new editions of the SAT are comparable to scores on earlier
one 20-minute section (70 minutes total). It includes topics such as numbers
editions of the test.
and operations; algebra and functions; geometry and measurement; and data
analysis, statistics, and probability, and it places emphasis on topics such as
> I’ve heard from students who said the test lasted from
linear functions, manipulations with exponents, and properties of tangent
7:45 am to 1:30 pm. Why does it take so long?
lines. Students are asked to apply concepts they have learned to solve
The SAT itself lasts for three hours and 45 minutes. Students also receive
problems in flexible ways, often in real-world applications.
two five-minute breaks, and a one-minute break to stretch, eat a snack,
or use the restroom. In most instances, the test runs from 8:15 am to
The one-hour writing section consists of one essay question (25 minutes)
12:30 pm, but students are required to arrive at their testing center and
and 49 multiple-choice questions (2 parts totaling 35 minutes). It measures a
check in by 7:45 am.
student’s mastery of developing and expressing ideas effectively. The essay,
SAT FACT #2
More students take the SAT in October than in any other month.
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> What’s the best way for a student to prepare
SECTION THREE
SAT Preparation
> What additional preparation resources does the College
for the SAT?
Board recommend?
The College Board recommends that students:
Students can access a variety of free and low-cost SAT preparation resources
• Take rigorous courses in a strong curriculum.
at w w w.college b o a rd . c o m / s rp . The free resources include a full-length
• Read and write extensively both in and out of school.
practice test; information on each section and question type; additional
• Practice for the SAT by taking the PSAT/NMSQT®.
practice questions, including sample essay questions; and the SAT Question
• Become familiar with the SAT by taking the full-length practice
of the DayTM.
test and using other resources available at the SAT Preparation CenterTM:
w w w.college b o a rd . c o m / s rp. Students can also find a practice test in
Students who are interested in additional preparation resources can purchase
the SAT Preparation Booklet , sent free to school counselors.
The Official SAT Online CourseTM, or The Official SAT Study Guide: For the
TM
New SATTM. The Official SAT Online Course includes 18 interactive lessons,
> How does the PSAT/NMSQT
®
help students get ready
three official practice tests, and more than 600 practice questions with
for the SAT?
complete answers and explanations. It also includes immediate, computer-
The PSAT/NMSQT’s content is very similar to that of the SAT, providing an
generated scores for the practice essay questions. The Official SAT Study
excellent opportunity for students to take a test like the SAT under real test-
Guide: For the New SAT includes eight official practice tests, sample essay
ing conditions. All students who take the PSAT/NMSQT receive the free
questions, detailed descriptions of the critical reading, math, and writing
Score Report PLUS, which provides valuable information about their test
sections, and test-taking approaches.
scores, skills, and educational plans. It includes sample SAT questions, as
well as a personalized list of skills and improvement strategies for each student to focus on when preparing for the SAT. Answers and explanations to
all of the questions on the PSAT/NMSQT taken by the student, as well as the
sample SAT questions, are available at w w w.college b o a rd . c o m / p s a te x t ra .
SAT FACT #3
SAT-taking in the United States has increased by 68% in the last 20 years, but the number of high school graduates has only increased by 7%.
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> What kinds of SAT preparation resources does the
College Board have for use in schools?
The College Board offers a variety of SAT preparation resources that schools
can use to create a customized program for their students. Each element can
be used alone or in combination with the others. These resources include
The Official SAT Teacher’s GuideTM, the school edition of The Official SAT
Online Course, and SAT Professional DevelopmentTM workshops.
• The Official SAT Teacher’s Guide provides complete coverage of the critical
reading, math, and writing sections; lessons that teachers can adapt to
meet their class schedule and students’ needs; and engaging student
exercises and hand-outs.
• The school edition of The Official SAT Online Course includes all of the
same features of the student version, plus a detailed reporting function
that allows educators to view student progress at the item, skill, quiz, and
test levels.
• The SAT Professional Development workshops help educators better
understand the SAT and prepare their students for the test and for college
success. The four workshops available are Animating Student Writing,
Holistic Scoring, Writing Preparation for Educators of ESL/ELL Students,
and School-Based SAT Preparation.
More information on all of these resources is available at
w w w.college b o a rd . c o m / s rpsch o o l s.
SAT FACT #4
Dozens of people work on every SAT question before it makes it on the test.
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Strategies for Success on the SAT Essay
It seems like everybody has a different opinion
about how to do well on the SAT essay. Some
people say you should write a strict five-paragraph
essay, with an introduction, a conclusion, and
So what can you do to write a
successful SAT essay? Here are
strategies the College Board would
like you to consider:
three specific examples. Some people say you
explain an example; that's the best way to fully
develop your point of view. An essay with one or
two thoughtful, well-developed reasons or examples is more likely to get a high score than an
essay with three short, simplistic examples.
should read well-known books like The Great
Read the entire assignment. It's all there to help
Gatsby or The Scarlet Letter and refer to them as
often as you can. Some people say that the real
key is to write as much as humanly possible. Some
say you should do all of these at once!
you. Every essay assignment contains a short
Th ere's nothing wro n g w i t h " I . " You are asked to
paragraph about the issue, usually from a specific
develop your point of view on the issue, not give
author or book. Don't ignore this important
a straight report of the facts. This is your opinion,
information in your rush to answer the question.
so feel free to use "I," and give examples that are
Imagine that you are talking to the author of the
meaningful to you, even ones from your personal
We want students to know that there are no short
paragraph about the issue. What would you say to
life or experiences. Of course you need to support
cuts to success on the SAT essay. The high school
him or her? Would you argue or agree? What other
your ideas appropriately, and show that you can
and college teachers who will score your essay
ideas or examples would you bring up? Answering
use language well, but remember: the essay is an
have seen it all before. These teachers are not
these questions will help you develop your own
opportunity for you to say what you think about an
going to give high scores to an essay just because
point of view.
important issue that’s relevant to your life. So relax
it is long, or has five paragraphs, or uses literary
and be yourself, and you will do just fine.
examples. The scorers are experts at identifying
Don't oversimplify. Developing your point of view
truly good writing—essays that insightfully devel-
doesn't mean coming up with as many examples
op a point of view with appropriate reasons and
as you can. Sometimes students cut a great
examples and use language skillfully.
example short to move on to something else, and
end up oversimplifying. Take the time to really
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> What’s the best way for students to register for the SAT?
How far in advance should they do so?
SECTION FOUR
Registration and Test Day
> My school has students who cannot afford the
The College Board recommends that students register early for the SAT
registration fee. How does the College Board’s fee
waiver program work?
to ensure that they get their preferred test date and test center. Online
The College Board provides fee waivers for students from families with low
registration is fast and convenient, and students can print out their admission
incomes. Students who qualify will be eligible for two administrations of the
tickets instantly. Students who cannot register online can use the SAT
SAT. Eligible students who register online can also receive discounts on some
Registration Booklet that has been sent to all high schools.
SAT preparation materials produced by the College Board. More information
is available under “SAT Registration” at w w w.college b o a rd.com.
Please see the chart on page 12 for 2005-06 test dates and registration
deadlines.
> What should I tell my students about test day?
Students should get a good night’s sleep before test day, and eat a healthy
> How much does the test cost?
breakfast. They should arrive at their test center between 7:45 and 8:00 am,
The SAT costs $41.50. Because the College Board is a not-for-profit
and should bring their admission ticket, government-issued photo ID, two
organization, any revenue we generate goes right back into our programs,
number two pencils, an acceptable calculator, a watch to keep an eye on the
fee waivers, and other equity initiatives.
time, and, if they like, snacks to be eaten during breaks. No cell phones are
allowed. See w w w.college b o a rd.com or the SAT Registration Booklet for
more information about what kinds of calculators are permitted, and other
important policies.
Please emphasize to students that all sections of the SAT, in c lud in g th e
essay, must be wri tten in pencil.
SAT FACT #5
It takes nearly two years from the time an SAT question is written until it contributes to a student’s score.
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SECTION FIVE
Understanding Scores
and Reports
> What types of information are included on the score
> What is an average writing score?
reports my students receive?
Until more students have taken the new SAT, we won’t have a true average,
The SAT score report includes detailed information about a student’s
but it should be in the neighborhood of the national averages for critical
performance, comparing it with that of other test-takers. Each report
reading (508 for 2004) and math (514 for 2004). National averages are
provides a breakdown of the student’s scores and information about what
announced in August each year.
those scores mean. Students also have access to their scored essays as
part of the online score report, along with a score-reporting history. Their
> How do I help students determine whether their
can use these reports to guide students as they make decisions about
writing scores are good or not without percentiles?
How can they figure this out, or even guess at it?
taking high school courses, applying to college, and choosing a major.
We expect percentiles for writing to be in the same general range as the
Visit w w w.college b o a rd . c o m / p ro f / c o u n s e l o r s for a detailed explanation
percentiles for math and critical reading. Therefore, if a student’s writing
of the score report.
score is similar to one of his or her other scores, the percentile will likely be
information from the SAT Questionnaire is also displayed. Counselors
similar as well.
> I have students who considered 1200 a “good” score on
the “old” SAT. What's a good score now?
> How do I get copies of my students’ essays?
SAT scores help students measure their own college readiness. Students
Out of respect for student privacy, the College Board doesn’t send student
should use their scores to help them find a good match with colleges, which
essays to high schools, but we encourage students to share their essays
have differing levels of competitiveness and different definitions of what a
with the counselors and teachers to help them understand how to improve
“good” score is.
their writing skills and how they might be better prepared if they decide to
take the SAT again.
We recommend that students look at each of their scores separately, as
this is a better measure of their readiness/skill level in each area. That said,
> Other than providing them with a number, how are
the writing score is similar in range to the critical reading and math scores.
SAT scores useful to students?
If a student thought a “good” score was 600 x 2 for two sections, then a
SAT scores and percentiles give students an idea of how their test perform-
comparable score would now be 600 x 3.
ance compares with others’. Although not as important as high school grades,
SAT scores are an important factor in many colleges’ admission decisions.
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Additional Useful
SAT Information
> Web Resources
For online resources, please visit the “Counselor’s Connection” at
w w w.college b o a rd . co m/ c o u n s e l o r s. Here you can find:
• Handouts for students
• Presentations for students, faculty, staff, and administrators
• Information about registration, fee waivers, score reporting, and more
> Help by Phone
Please call the College Board’s Counselor Hotline at 888-SAT-HELP.
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The College Board:Connecting Students to College Success
The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to
connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 4,700 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves over three and a half
million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through
major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial
aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the
SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®). The
College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that
commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.
For further information, visit www.collegeboard.com.
November 2004
Copyright ® 2005 by College Board. All rights reserved. College Board, SAT, and the acorn logo are registered
trademarks of the College Board. Connect to college success, SAT Preparation Booklet, SAT Preparation Center,
SAT Professional Development, SAT Question of the Day, SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, The Official SAT
Online Course, The Official SAT Study Guide: For the New SAT, and The Official SAT Teacher’s Guide are trademarks owned by the College Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and National
Merit Scholarship Corporation. All other products and services may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Visit College Board on the Web: www.collegeboard.com.