Prep Academy – Why is SAT Important? A review from our teachers

Wellesley College: BA (Liberal Arts) in International Relations and French

The SAT reading section gauges a student’s ability to extrapolate implied data and come to a conclusion, while the SAT writing section tests how effectively and logically a student can develop an idea, in a grammatically accurate manner. The sections within the SAT are further broken down into smaller

timed parts.

When I decided to apply to universities in the USA, way back in 2002, my initial reaction was “oh verbal and math, I should be able to ace the SATs easily with my A/ Level knowledge…” After a few practice tests however I realized that SATs was not just a test of how much you know, but also about how well you apply your knowledge to make quick decisions under immense time pressure.

This is why it’s called an Aptitude Test. Having worked at the Board of Admissions o f my alma mat e r, We l l e s l e y CollegeMassachusetts, I know how important good SAT scores are for admission, especially for international students seeking scholarships. Knowing the art of how to tackle the SATs is what often differentiates between an average and a brilliant SAT score, and this cannot be learned merely from books.

KaleeshaRajamantri Lawrence University: BA Economics & BA Government

It is a common misconception that preparing for the SAT is similar to studying for your Advanced Levels – memorizing “SAT words” and then practicing past papers. While it is important to devote time to increasing your vocabulary, it is as essential to understand what the exam is actually testing, and then hone the required skills accordingly.

The SAT reading section gauges a student’s ability to extrapolate implied data and come to a conclusion, while the SAT writing section tests how effectively and logically a student can develop an idea, in a grammatically accurate manner. The sections within the SAT are further broken down into smaller timed parts.

A specialized class like Prep Academy teaches students how to manage their time, select the best answer from the choice offered, and navigate the exam by avoiding common mistakes. Not only is a high SAT score crucial for college acceptance, the skills acquired while preparing for the exam are invaluable. Further, high SAT score is often one of the deciding factors for scholarship decisions.

Janith Rupasinghe

Washington University in St. Louis: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Bates College: Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Minors in Mathematics and Physics

There are a number of strategies specific to the SAT exam. The content of the exam requires you to familiarize yourself with as many techniques that ensure accurate and timely completion of each section. Further, in order to ensure a high SAT score, a thorough understanding of how the test sections are constructed, and how they are graded is vital.

When I was preparing for the exam, I had to go to India to find a structured SAT prep class. I only wish the Prep Academy offered this intensive world- class course when I was a student. While it is true that the most important element of your preparation is practice, you want to make sure that you are practicing the right methods in the most efficient way. Learning how to tackle the traps laid out by the examiner will help you see marked improvements in your test scores. Giving adequate attention to your SAT preparation can make the difference between gaining admission to a university and being offered a scholarship.

NimmiAriyaratne