Kaylie Lukomski ’19, Student Life Editor
At the back of every junior’s mind is the intimidating challenge they must face as April quickly approaches: the SAT. Seniors who have already gone through the testing process and juniors who anticipate this date both have strong opinions on this assessment, but their outlooks differ slightly.
Older students tend to be relieved that they are finished with this standardized test and offer bold statements on its accuracy, or lack thereof, such as when senior Leslie Miller said the SAT “in no way measures your intelligence.” She believes not all students may excel in this testing process, and therefore their scores may not be as high as they expected.
However, Miller went on to say she is “so happy it’s over,” and advised students who are taking the test this year to be sure to use online Khan Academy practice if they want to score high. Khan Academy offers study tips and practice tests that students can take in preparation of the SAT, and Miller stressed the importance of using this resource.
Juniors, on the other hand, are nervously preparing for the SAT. Juniors Katelyn Schang and Tatiana Voegerl said they are using study books in order to get ready for the test. Schang said, “If I do the best I can, I’ll be proud,” although she conceded that she is slightly nervous for the test.
Juniors were able to practice for this test by taking the PSAT recently, something that older students have recognized as a valuable tool in preparing for the actual SAT in the spring. The PSAT offers students a chance to become familiar with the format and timing of the testing process, and it can provide feedback on a student’s predicted score range.
Overall, even though many seniors admit they were scared before taking this important test, they offer valuable advice to other students who have yet to take it. Whether it is Khan Academy or practice manuals, seniors advocate for these study methods in order to receive a high score on the SAT.
While most seniors seem to believe their class grades are better demonstrations of their intellectual abilities, after completing college applications they still note the value of these test scores and suggest that students prepare in advance in order to score well.
Photo courtesy of Structure of Intellect
Lyon Life 