Vibrant Publishers - SAT Essay Writing: Guide with Sample Prompts ()

Complete information about the new SAT essaysection

Sixteen sample prompts with pre-writing guidance andsample essay responses

Passages adapted from high-quality publishedmaterial

Strategies and Tips for high scores

Test Prep Series

www.vibrantpublishers.com

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Table ofContents

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So, youve decided to take the SAT.At this point in your life you probably have a lot of importantdecisions looming in front of you. What college would I like toattend? What do I need to get in? What classes should I be taking?Whats a good GPA? Of course, you are also wondering about the SAT.This chapter provides an overview of the SAT as one of the datapoints considered for college entrance standards. It also providesthe outline of the test, grading overview and some helpful hints toget you started. The most important first step is to know what toexpect, so you can make the best-informed choices as you lookforward to your exciting future. Congratulations on taking thatfirst step.

The SAT (Standardized AptitudeTest) is one of the two primary tests which colleges use to gaugewhether or not you might be ready for college. It is a test thatreflects the things you should have learned in high school andrelies on strategic questioning to actively represent those skillsand knowledge that are essential as you enter the world of college.But what is it really? The SAT is a measure of how well you cantake what you learned and apply it to a timed testing environment.It shows how well you take tests and how well you do in a stressfulsituation. It does not however, measure your intelligence. In fact,once you learn the tips and tricks of the test, one might argue itmeasures your testing ability more than what you know.

If thats what it is, why docolleges use it for a standard for admission? Colleges use this asa predictive analytic tool to try to figure out if you have thebasic abilities required of a college freshman. They want to makesure you can comprehend reading at a level that is expected in yourclasses. Same with math: do you have a basic understanding ofmathematical concepts, so you can succeed not just in math classbut in other required classes such as economics. Many colleges alsowant to see if you can write in a way that is conducive to thecollege classroom. Again, they are not testing whether or not youCAN write but whether or not you can follow instructions and applywhat you read to create an essay that would be appropriate for thecollege classroom. Finally, they are assessing your ability to takelengthy, timed tests. This testing situation mirrors what you mightencounter in your college classes. They want to make sure, whenthey check that box for YES, they will be admitting someone withthe tools to succeed. Colleges and universities must report theirsuccess rates with students and if all their students drop out,because they are not prepared to succeed, then the college itselfcannot succeed. That is one reason why the admission process is sorigorous.

Knowing all that, it is essentialto understand the tips and tricks of this assessment. The SAT is agreat vehicle to show what you know. It has recently been realignedwith the current high school college readiness curriculum, so itdoes reflect what you have seen in your classroom. But like anyother test, it requires preparation and planning to do your best.It is important to note that you can take the test more than once.It wont count against you to try again, and in the end, you canchoose the test you would like to send. Some schools super score,which means you can combine the best sections into one final score.(You can read more about that in the Words to Know section). Allthese options are handy, especially if test taking isnt one ofyour strengths, but the real goal should be to go into your firsttesting situation with a plan to succeed. Here are some tips toprepare for that first testing day:

a) Learn strategies, tips andtools

b) Practice, practice, practice.The more questions you see; the better you will do

c) Learn math and readingformulas

d) Practice the essay

e) Create a study group and learnfrom your friends

You also need to:

a) Understand the purpose of thetest

b) Outline the standards andrequirements of each section

c) Learn strategies and practicesthat will help you do your best on the test

d) And above all, know what toexpect and develop a plan to succeed

On the day of the test here aresome things to remember:

a) Get a good nights sleep andrelax. Remember it is not the end of the world if you dont haveyour best testing day. You can always take the testagain.

b) Gather your testing supplies.Take several sharpened number 2 pencils, pencil you feelcomfortable writing with, if you are taking the essay section, andyour calculator (make sure it follows the guidelines set forth bythe College Board).

c) It is always smart to take asnack with you for your breaks. This will help energize you andkeep you going.

d) Dont forget your picture ID andyour testing ticket. Make sure to double check all the requirementson the College Board site. They will give you a detailed account ofall the documents you need to bring.

College Board: The CollegeBoard is the manager of the SAT. This organization provides greatresources to better understand the application process, the meaningof your score, and the components of the test.

Standardized: Standardizedmeans the same for all. Everyone taking the SAT will be tested onstandardized material. There is no truth in the old myth that a redcover is a harder version, or if you take the test in June, itseasier than if you take it in January. Whenever you take it,regardless of the color of your test, the content is thesame.

ACT: This is a test similarto the SAT. When the SAT was redesigned, it became more alignedwith the content of the ACT. Now the two tests are pretty similar.Both tests are equally important, and you should consult yourcolleges of choice to see which they prefer.

Data Point: You might hearthe SAT mentioned as a data point. This means it is just onemeasure, one point of data that is used to predict whether or notyou will be a good fit for the college or university. Remember,they are using a predicative analysis formula to find the best fitfor their programs and campus mission. Youll notice that everyinstitution rates data points differently so that those skills theyvalue most will be the biggest data points to consider.

Old SAT vs. New SAT: In2016, the SAT made some major changes to its format, gradingformula and essay. For the first year that these changes were inplace, students could choose which format they would like to take.However, now there is just one SAT. When you sit for the exam, youcan be assured that everyone else sitting for the exam that day isreceiving a similar version of the test.