Standardized testing such as the SSAT, PSAT, and SAT, exist in the world of us high schoolers. In fact, they take up a great big whopping portion of our lives. We purchase prep books, hire tutors, spend money, all to take this test. This test tells us whether we are adequate for certain colleges, where on the IQ scale we fall, and where we’re headed in life. Who decided to let these tests shape the way we feel about ourselves anyway? Colleges judge us according to these standardized tests, and lay down their decision to accept or deny our applications. Wow, thats a lot of weight to put on a single exam. But of course, they are necessary. We all understand that colleges can’t get to know every individual personally. And even if they did, it would suck for the unsociable ones. But recently we see colleges doubt the need for SAT scores; is there another plausible method to critique students? Let’s hope so.
Basic information on the PSAT & SAT.
SAT.
There are 2400 points possible on the SAT; that of which is divided into three categories of reading, writing, and math. Each category is out of 800, and if you do the math, you’ll see it adds up to 2400.
For each correct answer, you receive one point. For any omitted answer, you will not receive a point nor lose a point. Any wrong answer causes a deduction of 1/4 point. So, as many prep books say, only omit if you cannot eliminate a single answer from the choices given.
PSAT.
The PSAT is supposably a simpler version of the SAT; as the name indicates. It is out of 240 points (and people good at math would have already seen that it is the SAT score divided by ten). Also, split into three categories, and graded the same way.
The reason I put that little excerpt in is because although we feel this is basic info, I’ve seen people ask. Also, the SAT scores fluctuate according to the test, and results. If they judge the test to have been easier than others, they will decide to drop the curve.
I’m taking the SAT in january… on the same week of my final exams. Greaaat. But you know, I can take SAT I, the thing I can’t stand is that we must take subject SATs, otherwise known as SAT II. It just keeps getting better, this generation of ours. I guess I ranted on SATs because I’ll be spending my winter break studying for it, its just my way to indirectly hate collegeboard, that makes money off of making students miserable. Hey, but someone has to do it, right?
By the way, have you noticed how happy people on SAT prep book covers look? Lies I tell you, all lies.
