I'm sure each one of us, as students have often come across the question of whether SAT test is necessary to get admission to colleges and universities.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, many US colleges have dropped the idea of considering SAT max score before admitting students to the colleges. So, candidates can now get admission to US colleges without sitting for the SAT exam.
We shall now dive deeper into the topic and know what is SAT, and who is required to give SAT exam.
SAT i.e. The Scholastic Assessment Test consists of a set of standardized tests for admission to undergraduate programs.
It aims at measuring skills in three core areas which include Critical Reading (also known as Evidence-based Reading), Writing, and Math. Scores on SAT ranges from 400 to 1600. SAT max score is 1600.
To assess their readiness for college, students in classes 11 and 12 take the SAT exam.
A lot of online places offer SAT practice tests. As far as books are concerned for preparation, candidates can run a quick online search.
The real SAT takes 3 hours or 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete depending on the type we choose. We can either go for SAT test or SAT with an optional essay. The essay is where the extra time comes in.
Nowadays, it is possible as most colleges particularly in the USA are now becoming test-optional. It means that it is the choice of the students whether they want to submit their SAT scores along with the application.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, many colleges in the USA have changed their admission policies. Now, most colleges accept portfolios, essays, etc. in place of SAT scores. This step has given great relief to applicants with low SAT scores. All these steps are taken to resolve the problem of taking the SAT exam safely during the time of the pandemic.
SOP plays an important role in the admission process. By making an effective SOP we can get admission to our desired institute even with a low GPA. A strong SOP can explain why we want to join a college or a course that can make us stand apart from others.
A letter of recommendation from high school seniors or instructors or any internships pursued can make our application more effective.
Extra curricular activities can make our application more worthy and they can also provide bonus points.
This is another factor that can make us stand apart from others. By writing an effective essay we can express ourselves more easily. Things that other application sections can't address can be addressed by essay prompts.
