For some students, the SAT is a BIG DEAL. It can generate interest in your college application and it can potentially open scholarship doors. Not all colleges require the SAT, but even if they don’t, many still accept your scores if you choose to submit them.
So, what topics does the SAT test? Check this out! (Scroll down for math.)
For a further breakdown, just of math, check this out! Scroll down to “Content Categories,” so you can see the blue hotlinks. When you click on each category, you can see a pretty detailed description showing what is covered.
Can you use a calculator? Yes, on the 2nd (and longer) of the two math tests, if !! Scroll down to see “Acceptable Calculators” and also “Brands and Models.”
Khan Academy is a great source of SAT prep materials. If you’re the type who really wants to push toward the best SAT score you can possibly get, you want to spend some time poking around this site. They claim that 20 hours on Khan will gain 115 points on your (overall) score.
Did you know you can download an app to have an SAT problem-of-the-day sent right to you, every day! If you begin doing these in September, and plan to take the SAT in April, do you know how many practice problems you’d have completed?? With that kind of practice, how could you not improve your score??? Go for it!!!
Got scores back? Want to know what to shoot for?
Here are some comparisons in Maine: Compare
Some thoughts: At UM Fort Kent, you need to hit 480 or better so that you don’t need to take the Math ACCUPLACER test. At UM Machias, you need a 500 or better for same (scroll down to FAQ section). Interested in checking out what your top choice requires??
Your scaled score will fall between 200 and 800. Attached is a sample of scaled scores for one practice test. I’ve seen others that will vary from this by as much as 50 points, so these scores are not hard and fast … but they’ll give you an idea what to shoot for, especially if you already have a college in mind. Remember to look at the Math column!
Any interest in some hints about college writing? Click here! The article even quotes a member of Bates’ Class of 2019 who hails from Brunswick!