SAT Scores Actually Matter

AHS students participate in SAT prep.

By Hailee Robinette

Staff writer

The SAT testing season is approaching quickly. Many students assume that going into the SAT with just their classroom knowledge will get the score they need.

But classroom knowledge is not enough, as the SAT is more than just a test of what you know.

It tests how well you have prepared for the question format of this test. Knowing the test is a significant boost already, and the school provides the resources to help: plenty of practice sessions and also preparation classes during school hours. 

A major misconception that students have is that their score does not matter if they are not going to college. According to College Board, a student's SAT score will stay valid for five years after they take it.

A lot can change in five years.

Whether it be to change your surroundings, your personal goals, or your future career path, students who once swore off college may change their minds. Students may have had such bad experiences in high school that college didn’t seem a good fit, but after taking a gap year or two, the purpose of college may look different.

Whether or not students decide to go to college, a good SAT score will open more possibilities. 

The prep and anticipation for this test can seem really intimidating, but it is not a reason to avoid studying. AHS offers plenty of ways to get started so you don’t have to do the process alone.

There is tutoring offered for after school, as well as practice SATs. As an alternative, or even an added benefit for students who have busy after school days, there is a two day course about the SAT and its contents. This course occurs during school hours so there is no need to skip sports or work.

The two day course is more similar to a prep session than a tutoring, as it focuses on practice problems. Students will work both together and individually on the problems so they can take get a feel for what the real test will be. Those who attend this course in school will also be taught how to work through the problems strategically and stay on pace. 

For students who know they have college in their post-graduation plans, SAT scores will do so much more than you would assume. Yes, schools look at the score along with your GPA, but the scores can also be enough to let your application stand apart from the rest, even if the school says that they are test-optional.

SAT scores are also useful for scholarships and will secure money without additional work. There are plenty of schools that will automatically give thousands of dollars for a certain score, along with a certain GPA.

I talked to Jett King, a senior taking the SAT this year. I asked him how long and what strategies he is using to prepare for the test. To my question, he stated, “I’ve been studying for about a month. I like to take it a little bit at a time because there is so much material that is covered. I was a foreign exchange student my Junior year in Switzerland, so now I am taking the SAT as a senior.”

I also asked him if he thinks it would have been easier to prepare for the SAT with peers rather than alone. He said, “Yes, I think doing study groups could have been more beneficial, but I can’t change that.”

And what does he plan to do with his score? “I plan on taking a gap year before I leave, but after that, I want to use my score for college.”

Even though the prep process may seem impossible, it is far easier with the right help and alongside your peers. With effort, time management, and focus, your SAT scores can be greatly improved. Whether college is in your plans now, later, or never, a strong score is something that you will never regret having.