Because the SAT is such a prevalent
test, there are a number of misconceptions about the test or testing format. These myths about the SAT
can be more than misleading to the test taker - they can negatively impact his
score or his chances of college admission. Listed below are the top ten
misconceptions about the SAT what CF
INDIA PORTAL found.
1. In general, it's better not to guess on a question
Actually, this is partially
true. If you are totally stumped on a question and cannot even eliminate a
single answer choice, then yes, you should omit the question. However, if you
can eliminate even one choice, it is statistically to your advantage to guess
among the four choices on that question. The College Board applies a "guessing
penalty" of one-quarter of a question per missed question and does not
penalize for omitted questions, so guess accordingly.
2. The length of the essay is irrelevant
Even though the College Board will tell you that the length of an
essay is not related to its score, studies have shown that there is a strong
correlation between essay length and higher scores. Therefore, it is always
better to write an essay that is lengthier and incorporates more details,
examples, and experiences. However, you should not fill an essay with
"fluff" - such mundane, wasted words only annoy the graders.
3. The best time to take the SAT is on (so-and-so) testing date
We've heard this one time
and time again. Many students feel that the curve is easier on the June and
September testing dates because more students who performed poorly on the first
test are retaking, or because fewer students overall are taking the test. Neither
of these claims is necessarily true, and there is virtually no link between
difficulty of the curve and testing date. Test after you have
studied, and base your decision only on your own abilities.
4. You can guess which section is the "experimental" one
Simply put, there is really
no way to determine the "experimental" section. It could be writing,
math, or reading. It could feature easier or tougher
questions.
You should not work "less hard" on a section because you think it is
the experimental section
5. A 2100 is much better than a 2090
To admissions counsellors, a total score of 2100 is identical to
that of a 2090. In fact, most counsellors would find a score of 2050 identical
to the 2100. First of all, the variance of the "curve" could account
for much of the difference between scores. Second, 50 points usually represents
a few questions, hardly a "make-or-break" assessment for college
admission.
6. Since the Writing section is new, it doesn't matter/It harder
The Writing section has a
lower mean score because it is newer, but most prepared students actually find
the Writing section easier than the Reading section.
In fact, students who have taken test preparation courses experience the
highest score increase in Writing. Along those same lines, even though the
section is new, you cannot dismiss it. Colleges may claim not to look at it,
but its right there next to your other two scores on the score report. Don't
take your chances - do well!
7. Re-Testing "looks bad"
Total nonsense. Almost all colleges do not consider a student who
re-tests any worse than the student who does not, and most students re-test.
Why? Re-testing usually marks a very mediocre increase in score because the SAT
is designed to test intelligence, not knowledge. Students do not typically
become "more intelligent" between testing periods. However, some
students experience great success after preparing for the exam. In general, if
you are not happy with your score, re-testing is a great option.
8. You should use your calculator to solve most math problems
The students who receive 800's on the math section are typically
not the ones who are calculator whizzes - they are simply better-prepared for
the exam. Using a graphing calculator to solve simple math problems may seem
like a great solution to your math issues, but in the end you will only be
shorting yourself. Calculators require time and effort and are prone to input
errors. While practicing for the math section, do as much as you can without a
calculator.
9. The SAT doesn't really matter anyway/doesn't test intelligence
We can debate the merits of
the SAT all day, but at the end of the day, it is the standard for college entrance. Just as you should not
become infatuated with SAT preparation, you should not blow off the SAT. Your
personal opinion is not that of the college you will be applying to.
10. A bad score may be due to a bad day
Unless you were
sleep-deprived during a particular day, it is unlikely that re-testing alone will boost your
score. Many people attribute low scores to "having a bad day," but CF INDIA PORTAL research shows that
this is generally not the source of the low score. If you get a bad score, take
it as such - don't blame your mood or the way you felt - and find out how you
can improve.
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