[School] SAT

[titanslax]

I just took the SAT this morning and it wasn't even that hard. If I had to put my predicted score in a letter grade form, I would predict that i got a B or a B+. So all this hype about the SAT being SO IMPOSSIBLE, is C-R-A-P. It was medium hard. Even one of the passages on the test is a book my english class is reading,
beat that College Board.

[Dan1212]

ahha are u the class brain?

[The Chariot]

Lets see in 2 weeks, when the scores come in..

[Dan1212]

lol

Is sat end of high school?

[Mavido]

I took it this morning aswell, and it wasnt that hard. Except the 2 kids sitting next to me were from this really hick county like a few miles away... they didnt finish a SINGLE section... and the one didnt even write an essay. I was like.. Good Job.

[Dan1212]

Why are you writing sat's today? Arent they end of high school?

[lilaxgurl23]

No, SAT's are offered at various times through out the year. It's most common for juniors to take them towards the end of their year, but you can take them through out the year at any grade. Sometimes seniors will retake before college aps too to improve their scores.

[The Chariot]

I took it today too for the 2nd time. Easier than last time, I pretty much vanquished the essay.

[Dan1212]

can you take the sat's more than once (sorry they dont have them here)

during one year

[lilaxgurl23]

Yeah, sure if you want. There's no limit to how many times you can take them. But they're long and cost money. Some colleges even just look at the best section from all your tests so if you did bad on the writing, you can go back and focus on that and they'll take that score over the other one from the test. Basically pick and choose the best set of scores from each test. Though this year many colleges aren't even checking the writing section.

[Dan1212]

Oh, i thought they where like exams.

[titanslax]

Yeah, sure if you want. There's no limit to how many times you can take them. But they're long and cost money. Some colleges even just look at the best section from all your tests so if you did bad on the writing, you can go back and focus on that and they'll take that score over the other one from the test. Basically pick and choose the best set of scores from each test. Though this year many colleges aren't even checking the writing section.

Notre Dame does this. They combine your best Math and verbal Skills scores (English). Pretty cool I think.

[middleton23]

:) you are dumb

[HRLAXER]

are you saing hicks are dumb. i live in parkdale which is pretty hick. (just a bunch of orchards) and i get way better grades than most of those inner city kids. and im not even including the ones on drugs. (which is most of them)

[dram183]

who said it was hard...? the writing section was just added, and an essay isnt that hard, seriously.

[RockStar]

So what if i am? Does that make a difference? Like seriously, do you want me to fire your *** when you work fro me in 5-10 years? I hope you do because if you don't commit yourself to something in your life (espically school) your going no where pal. Just a heads up, in case your an underclassmen. Without grades bud, colleges wont even spit in your direction NO matter how good you are.

I've been through college, including graduate school already. I'm at a point in my career where I have people working "fro" me.

Be warned - High school accomplishments mean bugger all in life

I've seen a number enter college with very high marks from highschool. I've then been served at McD's (or equivalent) years later by some of those same people.

Anyway, be careful shooting your mouth off bragging about how your high school accomplishments make you better than someone else. Karma is a *****, and this kind of bragging might have her place you working for Dan one day.

[superlaxman2]

if any of you have taken it before the writing section was implimented, what were your scores? In sixth grade i got somewhere around 1100. I think I got a 540 and 560. in reading and math.

[OutBurst]

Lets see in 2 weeks, when the scores come in..

Exactly. Tests like those are fabricated to make you walk away with the impression that it was easy.

[OutBurst]

Basically pick and choose the best set of scores from each test. Though this year many colleges aren't even checking the writing section.

Babson, the school I applied Early Decision to, said that they didn't care about the Writing section because it is new and they don't know how to interpret them yet.

[pantherLax]

Whats the new test out of? like 2000 something? and whats considered a good grade on it?

[OutBurst]

Whats the new test out of? like 2000 something? and whats considered a good grade on it?

The new SAT is scored out of 2400 and a good grade is still in the eye of the beholder.

[JoshM]

I've been through college, including graduate school already. I'm at a point in my career where I have people working "fro" me.

Be warned - High school accomplishments mean bugger all in life

I've seen a number enter college with very high marks from highschool. I've then been served at McD's (or equivalent) years later by some of those same people.

Anyway, be careful shooting your mouth off bragging about how your high school accomplishments make you better than someone else. Karma is a *****, and this kind of bragging might have her place you working for Dan one day.
Yes, but the point he was trying to make is that you need good grades to get into college. Without college you don't have much of a chance at a decent career.


By the way,
There was some study done a while ago about the new SAT, and in almost every case, they found that the amount you wrote on the essay was directly proportional to the score you got.

[BTlaxripper]

1st time seemed hard- 1900
2nd time seemed impossible- 2020
3rd and final time seemed simple- 1900

I was very upset I suppose, I was trying to break 2100.

[bloodilax977]

I was one of a few kids selected to take a way early SAT (Like half a year ago, I was still 13), but the real one...It was actually pretty fun. I got a 1000 something, so I did pretty good for my age. We took the old one, obviously, scored out of 1600. There's this genius we took it with, and yup, he's 13, too...he got a 1200. The kid's amazing.

[goalieskcickay]

^^^
I took it when I was 13, now I'm 14 and just took it again. On the first one, (The old version) I got a 1180.

every case, they found that the amount you wrote on the essay was directly proportional to the score you got.

Thats good for me. I finished with only like 3 lines left empty. :clap:

[ljlax]

By the way,
There was some study done a while ago about the new SAT, and in almost every case, they found that the amount you wrote on the essay was directly proportional to the score you got.
Which embarrassed college board so they are grading the essays better now..

I don't think anyone ever said the SAT was hard...it's just SO LONG.
I took it yesterday and I was like ahhh when is it going to end?! Not so fun.

Most colleges take your best score from one sitting, so don't rely on your best score for each section taken on different days...because most don't do that anymore

It wasn't terrible.. But I will probably retake it in February or something.
You know what I hate...how there is NEVER a clock in the room when I am taking SATs or SAT IIs..and I never ever remember a watch. sooo annoying.

[WestSideLa X eR]

SAT's are very overrated. I've been on both sides of the spectrum, so I know how it is.

First time I took it I got a 500 math, 570 Writing, 670 Reading. Reading is my strong point, I can't stand math.

Its all about repitition. Summer of sophomore year I studied hard.

I don't consider myself smart, or gifted at all. I'm not getting 3.9-4.0 grades at school. I'm not posting my scores to brag. I'm trying to say that if you study, you'll do very well.

When I took 3 practice tests, I got a 730 math, 750 Writing, 790 Reading.

Just practice...your not dumb if you get a bad score. The SAT is a different type of test. If you do enough problems you begin to see trends in the questions, and if you know the trends the test suddenly doesn't seem so difficult.

[laxstar003]

i took mine saturday morning as well. soooo long. like 4 hours of actual testing? we got there at around 7:30 and didn't get out until 1:00.

i'm so anxious to see my scores! i really have no idea how i think i did.

[titanslax]

I've been through college, including graduate school already. I'm at a point in my career where I have people working "fro" me.

Be warned - High school accomplishments mean bugger all in life

I've seen a number enter college with very high marks from highschool. I've then been served at McD's (or equivalent) years later by some of those same people.

Anyway, be careful shooting your mouth off bragging about how your high school accomplishments make you better than someone else. Karma is a *****, and this kind of bragging might have her place you working for Dan one day.

First of all, I'm not running my mouth off to anyone. I'm stating a point. Being 'the class brain' isn't all that bad. I'm not even 'the class brain'. My GPA is a full point below the limit you can get. I'm just saying. Karma is crap. Its a fabricated superstition directed towards those who are ****y about things and that old saying 'what comes around, goes around'. Crap. Don't belive in it. I belive in hard-work and everything entitiling it.

[PompLax14]

I belive in hard-work and everything entitiling it.

That doesn't really make sense, atleast not to me. Plus that second 'i' shouldn't be there.

[stinisonfire]

are you saing hicks are dumb. i live in parkdale which is pretty hick. (just a bunch of orchards) and i get way better grades than most of those inner city kids. and im not even including the ones on drugs. (which is most of them)

inner city? in oregon?

[stinisonfire]

How about ACTs. Did anyone take those?

[JoshM]

That doesn't really make sense, atleast not to me. Plus that second 'i' shouldn't be there.
'Atleast' isn't a word. There should be a semi-colon after 'sense'. There should be a comma after 'Plus'.

[MaKiMaKi13]

ACT's all english from what i hear i have yet to take it tho the new SAT is some doodoo man i hate it such a waste of my life i mean im great at math but heck english has never been my strong suit plus to weigh an essay how exactly can you grade an essay fairly?? but whatever last time i took a diagnostic SAT was during the beginning of sophomore year i got like a 1600 o bother but whatever ill smash it this year lol

[JoshM]

I took the PSAT as a sophomore and got in the 95th percentile. It was easy. But I don't know how that compares to the real SAT.

[lilaxgurl23]

Most colleges take your best score from one sitting, so don't rely on your best score for each section taken on different days...because most don't do that anymore


Every school I have spoken to takes the best Math, Critical Reading and Writing from all of your tests. I actually have yet to hear one college say they will only take one sitting (granted my experience is limited), all have said they will be taking your best scores no matter what test it came from. A lot also said they won't even be looking into the writing as they have no idea what to look for. As stated before, I think Notre Dame does this, Bucknell, RIT and a lot of other good schools. I guess I would suggest checking it out first though, all schools do it differently, but I know a lot still do that.

[pantherLax]

Then whats the big thing Colleges look for if the SATs are so overrated?

[slinkyspine]

we take them this year in high school. SAT=Stupid
A**
Testing

Since when does Canada Have SAT's? We got Gradutation PAT's

[moondog]

See...he really isn't the class brain...

[Eclipse]

Yea just like i thought i stomped the act....

[lilaxgurl23]

Then whats the big thing Colleges look for if the SATs are so overrated?

SAT's play a big role no doubt, but a lot of other things factor into it as well and you should not rely on one certain aspect. For instance, say you get a really good score on the SAT's, but your GPA is extremely low. It doesn't matter to the college that you did well on the SAT's; the fact that you do not do well in school does not look good to them. In many cases, I have heard that it tells them you are a slacker, and what college honestly wants a slacker? Besides SAT's and GPA's other things that factor in are what courses you've actually taken and are currently taking (AP's, IB's, Honors), extra-curricular activates (sports, clubs), work experience, recommendations, and your responses in the college applications.

Basically, be a well-rounded person. Get good grades, try hard and make yourself unique from the rest of the thousands applying.

[ljlax]

SAT's play a big role no doubt, but a lot of other things factor into it as well and you should not rely on one certain aspect. For instance, say you get a really good score on the SAT's, but your GPA is extremely low. It doesn't matter to the college that you did well on the SAT's; the fact that you do not do well in school does not look good to them. In many cases, I have heard that it tells them you are a slacker, and what college honestly wants a slacker? Besides SAT's and GPA's other things that factor in are what courses you've actually taken and are currently taking (AP's, IB's, Honors), extra-curricular activates (sports, clubs), work experience, recommendations, and your responses in the college applications.

Basically, be a well-rounded person. Get good grades, try hard and make yourself unique from the rest of the thousands applying.
BUT colleges also want a "well rounded" student body. So that crazy musical prodigy will get in too...even with decent grades and no other extracurriculars. They don't only want well rounded kids...because then their school wouldn't be well rounded.. so commitment and dedication etc to 1 or 2 specific things that you are really good at is sometimes better than being in EVERY club..instead of being the president in one club and a member in a couple and really doing something you love and making a difference.

[OutBurst]

BUT colleges also want a "well rounded" student body. So that crazy musical prodigy will get in too...even with decent grades and no other extracurriculars. They don't only want well rounded kids...because then their school wouldn't be well rounded.. so commitment and dedication etc to 1 or 2 specific things that you are really good at is sometimes better than being in EVERY club..instead of being the president in one club and a member in a couple and really doing something you love and making a difference.

You and Liz have a habit on arguing with each other. Come on now girls, play nice.

From my experience so far (being rejected by my number one choice school where the lacrosse coach said that he'd get me in), everything matters. Just do your best on everything and you will get into the school that fits you best.

[beach2300]

In my experience grades mean **** in high school. All the schools that I applied to offered the option to take an I.Q. test along with either the ACT or SAT. IT had to be recomended by your counselor, but they would take it. I did horrid in school grade wise because I didnt care, but got into EVERY single school I applied to because of a 34 on the ACT and a great I.Q. score. There are ways around bad grades.

[ljlax]

You and Liz have a habit on arguing with each other. Come on now girls, play nice.

From my experience so far (being rejected by my number one choice school where the lacrosse coach said that he'd get me in), everything matters. Just do your best on everything and you will get into the school that fits you best.
I'm not arguing..
I'm just saying you don't HAVE to be the "stereotypical well rounded student" to get in the top colleges.

Wow...That's lame! Why didn't you get in? Have you talked to the coach? Was it a big reach?

[OutBurst]

Wow...That's lame! Why didn't you get in? Have you talked to the coach? Was it a big reach?

I have no idea why I didn't get in. I just got a letter stating that they cannot offer me a place in the class of 2010 and that they will not be reconsidering my application in the spring for regular admission. I am thinking about calling the coach but I don't want to look like a moron. Truthfully, I don't think it was a large reach at all. Of course my GPA wasn't as high as their middle 50% but it was very respectable considering all the AP's I have/am taken/taking. I don't know, I feel disappointed because I don't know what kind of person they want if they denied me admission.

[WestSideLa X eR]

In my experience grades mean **** in high school. All the schools that I applied to offered the option to take an I.Q. test along with either the ACT or SAT. IT had to be recomended by your counselor, but they would take it. I did horrid in school grade wise because I didnt care, but got into EVERY single school I applied to because of a 34 on the ACT and a great I.Q. score. There are ways around bad grades.

hope this doesn't come out the wrong way, but thats untrue.

Most of the top 50 schools in the US visited our school and 100% of them said they weigh GPA much higher than SAT's, extracurriculars, etc.

SAT = 3 hour test
GPA = 4 years of hard work

A great GPA doesn't just show how good you did in your classes, but also your dedication, willingness to work, how much you care, etc.

Usually its 70% GPA, 20% SAT, 10% other factors (extracurrics, minority status, legacy, etc)
Might depend on school, but GPA is the most important thing in your application by a long shot.

[ljlax]

I have no idea why I didn't get in. I just got a letter stating that they cannot offer me a place in the class of 2010 and that they will not be reconsidering my application in the spring for regular admission. I am thinking about calling the coach but I don't want to look like a moron. Truthfully, I don't think it was a large reach at all. Of course my GPA wasn't as high as their middle 50% but it was very respectable considering all the AP's I have/am taken/taking. I don't know, I feel disappointed because I don't know what kind of person they want if they denied me admission.
I would call the coach.
You won't look like a moron. You would be a moron not to call.. I mean what do you have to lose? Just ask him..because it doesn't make any sense that A) he said you would get in and you didn't and B) they won't even look at your app with the regular ones

:(
I'm sorrrry

[beach2300]

Take it as you will. All I know is that I had no problem with the combination of ACT and I.Q and a horrible GPA. AHH I would love to debate this issue, however my last final needs to be studied for. Maybe after tomorrow I'll feel the urge to talk about high school. Actually, I'm just going to leave it at you're right, because I know what I have to say wont change your mind. I also know that it doesnt pay to argue online....

Anyways...good luck to everyone getting into college, it is a blast. Try not to go downhill like almost all freshmen do when they get here.

[pantherLax]

WestsideLaxer...minority status? I dont understand

[zak]

I took the PSAT as a sophomore and got in the 95th percentile. It was easy. But I don't know how that compares to the real SAT.
From what Ive heard the PSATs give you a general idea, but the length of the SATs wears you down. The PSATs were shorter, and that probably reflects in everyones scores.

[WestSideLa X eR]

ie: if your asian at a school in north dakota or something.....

hispanic, black, etc.

Its easier for you to get in.

Colleges call it URM it think. Under represented minority

[fossil8412]

What did you guys get on the new SAT? I am starting SAT prep today...sucks. Well anyways, I got an 1810 on it when I took it back in October. It was really merely a run-through to see what it was like I scored 550 reading, 620 math, and 640 writing, and a 9 on my essay. I don't know why I f'ed up reading so bad, considering I am a fairly strong reader. I guess it was all of that analysis on literary devices and crap. Well hopefully by the time I finish my AP english class I should be able to bring it up 100 or so points. Anyways I am shooting between 2050 and 2100. What did you guys score??? Any pointers???

[SullyLax]

Anyways I am shooting between 2050 and 2100. What did you guys score??? Any pointers???

Yeah, aim lower. Nah if you think you can do really well go for it. Good SATs scores are obviously not all colleges look at, but they're important, and can get you good scholarship money. I got an 1880/2400.

[fossil8412]

Aim lower, ha.... No I really can do better my first try was a run through. I should be able to break 700 in math pretty easily, considering the concepts on the SAT are pretty simple. Also, reading was a freakin' fluke because I know that I can most def. break 600, probably 650. And writing I would like to be a 700 bc I am good at grammar and stuff, but hey I am not entirely sure how to improve that score. So we'll see what my tutors have to say.

[The Chariot]

At least you guys don't have to take it on your birthday (April 1st).

[mustang_lax]

I got an 1840/2400. Kinda pissed 'cause my friend who is 10 times dumber than me got a 2100. Guess he's not as dumb as he looks

[JoshM]

I got an 1840/2400. Kinda pissed 'cause my friend who is 10 times dumber than me got a 2100. Guess he's not as dumb as he looks
A different kind of thinking is needed for standardized tests.

[robi]

A different kind of thinking is needed for standardized tests.

Yeah I found them hard and people who were dumber than me found them easy. Well, that's what I said last year, and my score wasn't that great.

[ljlax]

Aim lower, ha.... No I really can do better my first try was a run through. I should be able to break 700 in math pretty easily, considering the concepts on the SAT are pretty simple. Also, reading was a freakin' fluke because I know that I can most def. break 600, probably 650. And writing I would like to be a 700 bc I am good at grammar and stuff, but hey I am not entirely sure how to improve that score. So we'll see what my tutors have to say.
Don't aim lower. Do your best. Do your SAT prep hw... I def. didn't...
They will probably make you take a diagnostic test and then you can see where you are now and where you want to be and where your tutor thinks you are capable of being..
Good luckk!

Yeah..I got 1980 when I took it in December but I am retaking it in June...shooting for 2100..but I would be stoked with anything 2050-2100

[UNCdefense]

i got my math score back today & considering i had a scientific calculator(non graphing) i didnt do to bad...i got a 680 & i'm a sophmore in high school....apparently my reading got screwed up or i couldnt find it or something cause i didnt see it on there but im predicting a much lower score around 550 on both because my brain is completley math oriented(97 on Algebra 2 EOC)

[robi]

I had to take it for a talent thing for 8th graders. I got an 1880
690 Math
610 Verbal
580 Writing
8/12 on essay (I suck reaaaally bad at writing)
57/80 on the other part (I suck at that too)

[goalieskcickay]

Same thing, robi. JHU talent search?
Anyways, here's mine, fairly similar to yours.
570 Math
620 Critical reading (verbal)
650 Writing
10/12 on essay
61/80 Writing Multiple Choice
__________
114, 840 total.

Yeah, I suck at math.

[usclaxer19]

I took the old one when I was 12 and got a 1500 on it

[laxstar003]

i got a 640 on math, 710 on verbal, 640 on writing. (1350/1600, 1990/2000). that was in october with no prep, i'm not sure if i'm going to take a class or just use this book i have...i'm just aiming for over a 1400 or 2100. anybody have any good classes, books, etc. that helped them?

[goalieskcickay]

I took the old one when I was 12 and got a 1500 on it

Umm... bs?
I mean, not to insult you, but I doubt that's true.

[JoshM]

Umm... bs?
I mean, not to insult you, but I doubt that's true.
Most deffinitely.