Wednesday, August 16, 2017

By Shirley Evans


The very idea of looming college admission tests seems like a mountain for numerous student each year. They feel nervous and often even scared, because they believe that their entire futures may depend upon how well they do. Students hoping for a place at top universities spend a lot of time, money and efforts in preparation. With online SAT and ACT prep websites many students can access additional help without paying a small fortune.

Sitting for these tests is by no means compulsory. Many colleges and universities do not require new applicants to submit their test results. However, all the most prestigious higher education institutions do require applicants to submit their results and those with very good scores stand a better chance during the selection process. Many students feel that good scores is an important step towards lifelong career success.

Ambitious students sometimes forget that their scores in these tests are not the only criterium used when applications are evaluated. Most educational institutions also view consistently good results over some years as important. Applicants that partake in sports, social and cultural activities and community projects generally enjoy an edge over other applicants. Such students are seen as much more likely to make a positive contribution to the educational institutional.

It is a fallacy to think that it is only exceptionally intelligent people that perform well in these tests. The tests are not designed to measure intelligence and neither do they determine aptitude or general knowledge levels. Their main aim is to test the proficiency of students in those areas that are deemed vital for a successful college career. The tests focus on mathematics, writing, natural sciences and critical reading skills.

The two tests both serve as college admission tests but they are not the same. The SAT test is owned and managed by the College Board, a non profit organization in the USA. They offer many other tests too. The ACT, also a non-profit organization, introduced their test, with the same name, in 1959 to be competition for the S. A. T. Both tests enjoy wide recognition and support.

Most students sit for their tests during their senior year. Many others, however, opt to undergo them in their junior year. If they do not achieve satisfactory results, they can always sit for them again in their senior year, viewing their previous efforts as a valuable test run. There is no limit to the number of times a student can sit for either of the tests.

There are numerous books offering help in preparing for the tests. Many people offer personal tutoring. Students and their parents are often willing to pay small fortunes in the belief that it is worth it if it will provide an extra edge. There are also many websites offering on line advice, tips and exercises. These are often free of charge. However, the College Board says that their guidelines are more than sufficient to effectively complete preparations.

Students that want to study at one of the top universities take these tests very seriously. They know that a qualification from such an institution will stand them in good stead when they start applying for jobs. It is important to remember, however, that the test results is just one of the factors that are considered when allocating places.




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