Preparing for the SAT requires a concerted effort on the part of students and parents, along with school faculty. Parents and students must first understand what the new SAT is, how it is designed, and what it means to the latter’s success in getting into the college of choice. Then it is critical for parents and students to work together to develop a plan that includes additional studying outside of the normal homework time, as well as appropriate study aids and strategies.

There are two college entrance examinations: SAT and ACT. Most schools accept results from both. The ACT is a content-based test, whereas the SAT tests critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Depending on your particular strengths and weaknesses, you may perform significantly better on one test than the other. While the SAT and ACT are very different tests, they both fulfill the same role in the admissions process. Parents and students should check with each of the target schools before the student takes either exam. The weight placed on SAT scores varies from school to school. Colleges and universities also consider high school GPA and academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, interviews, and personal essays when deciding on admissions.

The SAT focuses on Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. It is designed to test students’ reasoning based on knowledge and skills developed through their course work and their ability to analyze and solve problems by applying what they have learned in school. On March 12, 2005 , the first new SAT was administered. In the Math component, Algebra II was added and makes up about 10-15% of the test; the 15-question Quantitative Comparison section was eliminated. Scientific or graphing calculators are needed. Within the Critical Reading component, formerly called Verbal Reasoning, the Analogy questions (e.g. Yawn: Boredom) were eliminated and a new Reading/Questions section with short pieces (100-200 words) was added. In addition, the SAT now has an essay writing section. There is also a 25-minute unscored section, which may be a critical reading, mathematics or a multiple-choice writing segment and is used to try out new questions that may be on future SATs.

The SAT, now 45 minutes longer, has 10 sections, and the highest possible score, with the addition of the essay, is 2400 instead of the previous 1600. The Subject Tests, formerly SAT II, allow students the opportunity to demonstrate to colleges their knowledge on a specific subject area such as English, history, science, or mathematics.

While each student is unique, with distinctive study habits and abilities, there are some general guidelines that can be followed in preparation for the SAT:

• Start preparing as soon as possible. Freshman year is not too soon to start.
• Take the most challenging classes possible in school.
• Read novels and newspapers as often as possible.
• Take the practice tests in SAT study guides or on-line.
• Make vocabulary cards. High frequency SAT words include acquiesce, bellicose, capacious, and espy.
• Use www.dictionary.com to strengthen vocabulary.
• Work out logic puzzles.
• Memorize the SAT directions and types of questions, as well as basic mathematic formulas and fraction/decimal conversions.
• Seek assistance from school personnel on additional tips or study aids, which may include a SAT prep class.
• Join study groups to pick up additional, useful information.

Parents should regularly check in to ensure that students are sticking to the study schedule and make themselves available for quizzing. Students should give themselves at least 6 weeks prior to the SAT for intense, almost daily study. This does not mean to cram as the preparation should be ongoing over a student’s high school career leading up to the SAT. For students and parents, it is good to keep in mind that it is recommended that students take the SAT twice.

Students have a host of tools from which to choose in preparing for the SAT. They can purchase study guides on-line and from bookstores, which range from $15 to over $100 that provide sample SAT tests, as well as study tips. On-line, students can access free sample questions and/or full practice tests on various sites including www.kaplan.com, www.petersons.com, www.testprep.com, www.princetonreview.com, and www.collegeboard.com, which produces the SAT. On-line courses range from approximately $70 to $300, depending on the services and classroom courses can range from $350 to over $4000. Private tutor fees may start at $80 or more per hour.

Registration deadlines fall approximately 5 weeks before each test date. The remaining SAT dates in 2005 are October 8, November 5, and December 3. The fee is $41.50. To register by mail, get a Registration Bulletin, which includes the form, from a school guidance counselor. On-line registration is also available at www.collegeboard.com.