SAT Prep: 3 Important Questions Answered

The Plan For College Guest Blog Post Series, Article 2:
Eric Clark is the second Plan For College guest blogger. He started Quincy Tutoring in 2007, while he was still teaching 8th grade math. Currently, Eric is the Assistant Director of Academic Services at Eastern Nazarene College, where he helps students achieve their academic goals.

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Why is important to do well on the SAT?

Many of you might find this question insulting.  Of course you need to do well on your SAT’s to get accepted to college.  Right?  Well, this is true for over 80% of colleges. There are some 800 institutions that are waiving the SAT requirement, but with over 4,300 colleges, universities, and junior colleges in the United States, it is very unlikely that all of the schools you want to apply to do not require the SAT or ACT. 

In addition to getting in to the schools of your choice, there’s one other really important reason to take the SAT.  Most institutions have a tiered system of merit-based financial aid, where student with higher SAT scores will receive more assistance. So doing well can significantly reduce the cost of higher education. 

Since we are on the topic of financial aid, I want to take a quick detour. In order to receive federal aid, the student must complete the FAFSA before the priority deadline.  It is easy to get merit-based aid and Federal aid confused.  It doesn’t matter if you think that you have poor grades or SAT scores, you should still fill out the FAFSA.  Student’s grades do not determine how much Federal aid you will receive. If you haven't already, it's important to get started with the FAFSA soon to receive financial aid. To get help with the financial aid process and maximize financial aid, contact the College Planning Group. 

How do I do well on the SAT?

This is a loaded question.  There are several strategies that you need to be aware of when taking the test, but far too many to mention in a short blog post.  

The first thing you need to do is purchase a SAT test prep book.  If you plan on taking a SAT test prep class, wait to purchase the text until you know what you will be using for the class. If you are not going to take a test prep class, the Kaplan SAT Premier Program is the text that I suggest to all my students.  Be sure that you take enough time to read through the text, and go through the sample problems.  The text that I just mentioned comes with interactive software that you can use to take a diagnostic test.  

If you are going to take a SAT test prep class, be aware that they can be fairly costly.  Do some research, and make sure you find the program that fits you best.

Where can I find help?

Number 2 is a great, free online resource for SAT and ACT prep. If you’re looking for hands-on local help, Quincy Tutoring offers SAT test prep classes.  If you would like more information about upcoming SAT test prep classes at Quincy Tutoring, email eric@quincytutoring.com or call 617-302-3364.

 Have questions about the SAT? Comment below, and we'll help you out.