What is the PSAT?

The PSAT is a practice SAT test. It is virtually the same as the SAT but it is shorter and does not include an essay. Some students take it in their sophomore year and junior year. For juniors, it counts as a screening test for a potential national merit scholarship.  Here is information on the …

What are the subject tests and should students take them?

The subject tests (also known as the SAT II) are subject area SAT tests. Although most colleges do not require them, many of the higher academic schools prefer that students take them. Since colleges differ in their requirements regarding the SAT II, students should look at the college websites regarding this issue. The SAT II …

What is a good score on the SAT?

I often get asked this question and the answer depends on the students and what schools they are applying to. I encourage people to go on to the website of colleges they are interested in. They will include on their website the average SAT score for incoming freshmen. That being said, an average score is …

What is the writing section?

The writing section was added to the SAT test in 2005. This is why the perfect score went from 1600 to 2400. It is made up of two sections of grammar questions and one essay, which accounts for approx. 30% of the score. It is less important that math and reading as some colleges ignore …

What is the SAT?

The SAT is, of course, a very important test in determining college admission, but what exactly is it and what does it measure? In my workshops I tell students that the test doesn’t really measure “intelligence” or necessarily predict how successful one will be in college. There is no test that can do that. On …