Good SAT Scores

The SAT Reasoning Test is one of the most common standardized tests. It’s used in combination with other standardized tests like the ACT and high school GPA as a major determining factor for college admission. It’s most often taken during the junior and senior years of high school to test a student’s eligibility for higher learning.

Good SAT Scores Due to the importance of SAT scores to a student’s academic future, this is generally a time of great pressure and stress for many students. Getting good scores on the SAT isn’t impossible. With the proper study and preparation any student can approach the test with a sense of confidence and expect to earn a good SAT score.

The first step to earning a good SAT score is understanding how the test is organized and knowing what to expect. The SAT Reasoning Test is broken up into three sections, Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing. These three sections are further divided up into three parts. The parts are timed and questions tend to run from easy to hard. Including preparation time and a total of eleven breaks in between sections, the test lasts for about four and a half hours. For each segment of the test there are methods to prepare and study to earn a good SAT score.

Writing

The first segment of the test is Writing; it lasts for 60 minutes and contains a short essay and multiple choice questions. Scores range from 200-800. A score of about 500 is average therefore any score in the 500-800 range can be considered a very good score.

The essay segment asks for a student’s opinion on a given topic. The topics are highly subjective and a well developed point of view will earn a good score. Read each prompt fully to understand the issue and form an opinion. Take time to develop good, solid examples. The number of examples can vary; choose quality over quantity.

Unlike some standardized test essays, the SAT will not penalize for writing in the first person. An essay based on personal experience is fine as long as it is clear and well developed. The best way to earn a good score on the essay segment is to practice writing persuasive essays.

The multiple choice segment examines a student’s skill at finding and correcting writing mistakes. Good knowledge of grammar, diction and usage will help a student identify common errors. Practicing with sample SAT questions will help students to earn a good score.

Mathematics

The Mathematics segment of the SAT test is a total of seventy minutes long and contains three timed segments. Scores range from 200-800 with a good average of about 500.

The Mathematics segment contains multiple choice and student produced response or grid-in questions. This segment covers topics like algebra, geometry, functions, probability and statistics. A calculator is allowed, including graphing calculators. To earn a good score, its best to practice ahead of time and become familiar with the functions of a graphing calculator. Use the calculator often to avoid making any simple math mistakes.

Critical Reading

The Critical Reading portion of the SAT Reasoning Test is also seventy minutes long and broken up into three segments. Scores range from 200-800 also with a good average of about 500.

This segment covers critical reading, comprehension and sentence completion. Most of the questions relate to reading and understanding a combination of long and short passages. Students may be asked to compare two short passages. To earn a good score a student should take time to fully read the passage and examine all the answer choices.

Preparing for the SAT

As with any test, there are a few simple tricks to help students prepare. Get a full night’s sleep before the day of the test and eat a good breakfast. Bring extra No.2 pencils, erasers and calculator batteries. Snacks and drinks are allowed during certain break times and can help keep the mind awake and alert.

During the test, try to answer the easiest questions first whenever possible. Eliminate the multiple choice options that are clearly wrong and make and educated guess. Skip over questions that are taking too much time or are too difficult; go back and try again when there is time. Don’t panic over leaving a blank answer; points are not taken away for blanks. Students are allowed to take the SAT Reasoning Test more than once. This allows the student to try again for a better score.

Accommodations can be made for qualifying special needs students. This ensures that every student has the fair opportunity to earn a good SAT score and open the door to higher learning institutions.

There are many additional resources available to help students prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test. The College Board, the non-profit organization that owns and publishes the SAT, website offers general testing information, study tips, practice test questions and essay prompts along with links to other resources at www.collegeboard.com. Students can download and print out practice tests or sign up to take the PSAT and NMSQT Tests. Test prep books, computer programs and even games can be found at almost any bookstore. Students can also check with their schools and local community organizations for SAT prep classes.

With the right amount of practice and preparation, any student can earn good SAT scores and demonstrate his or her readiness for higher education.