For many thousands of high school students the yearly ritual of sitting for their college admission test seem like a mountain. The tests are perceived as difficult and young people know that a good score is one of the surest ways to get a place at a prestigious institute of higher learning. Thankfully, with online SAT and ACT prep websites these students can sit for mock tests and access many useful tips and tricks from experienced experts.
Sitting for these tests are not compulsory and not all institutions of higher education require applicants to submit their results. It is common knowledge, however, that all the top institutions do use these results as part of the process by which they allocate places to new applicants. For many young people a place at a top college is an important step towards a successful career.
While excellent scores can certainly play an important role in getting a place at a good university, they are not the only factor that plays a role in the selection process. Universities want students that lead balanced lives. They therefore also take into account things like whether the applicant actively plays sport, is involved in community affairs, support cultural and social events and whether they consistently did well during their school years.
Many people mistakenly think that one needs to be highly intelligent to score well in the tests. This is not so. The tests do not aim to measure aptitude in any area, to determine the IQ of a student or even to test the scope of their general knowledge. The tests focus on writing, critical reading and mathematics, areas that are considered to be vital for a successful college career.
The two tests are not owned and administrated by the same organization. In fact, The ACT was first introduced in 1959 by a non profit organization of the same name and it was specifically meant to serve as competition for the SAT test, which is owned and managed by the College Board, also an American non profit organization. Both tests are highly regarded but many students opt to sit for both.
The majority of students undergo the test in their senior year in high school. Many prefer to do it in their junior year, however. Their reasoning is that it is a good thing to gain experience and if they are not happy with the results they can sit for the tests once more during their senior year. Students can sit for both the tests as many times as they wish.
The seriousness with which these tests are viewed has prompted a rather large industry that produces tutorials, extra lessons, private tutoring and study aids. The internet boasts numerous sites that aim to help students obtain better scores. Many of these sites are free but experts warn that students and their parents should be careful of extravagant promises and should opt for those sites underwritten by recognized educational experts.
Students that want to study at one of the top universities take these tests very seriously. They know that a qualification from such an institution will stand them in good stead when they start applying for jobs. It is important to remember, however, that the test results is just one of the factors that are considered when allocating places.
Sitting for these tests are not compulsory and not all institutions of higher education require applicants to submit their results. It is common knowledge, however, that all the top institutions do use these results as part of the process by which they allocate places to new applicants. For many young people a place at a top college is an important step towards a successful career.
While excellent scores can certainly play an important role in getting a place at a good university, they are not the only factor that plays a role in the selection process. Universities want students that lead balanced lives. They therefore also take into account things like whether the applicant actively plays sport, is involved in community affairs, support cultural and social events and whether they consistently did well during their school years.
Many people mistakenly think that one needs to be highly intelligent to score well in the tests. This is not so. The tests do not aim to measure aptitude in any area, to determine the IQ of a student or even to test the scope of their general knowledge. The tests focus on writing, critical reading and mathematics, areas that are considered to be vital for a successful college career.
The two tests are not owned and administrated by the same organization. In fact, The ACT was first introduced in 1959 by a non profit organization of the same name and it was specifically meant to serve as competition for the SAT test, which is owned and managed by the College Board, also an American non profit organization. Both tests are highly regarded but many students opt to sit for both.
The majority of students undergo the test in their senior year in high school. Many prefer to do it in their junior year, however. Their reasoning is that it is a good thing to gain experience and if they are not happy with the results they can sit for the tests once more during their senior year. Students can sit for both the tests as many times as they wish.
The seriousness with which these tests are viewed has prompted a rather large industry that produces tutorials, extra lessons, private tutoring and study aids. The internet boasts numerous sites that aim to help students obtain better scores. Many of these sites are free but experts warn that students and their parents should be careful of extravagant promises and should opt for those sites underwritten by recognized educational experts.
Students that want to study at one of the top universities take these tests very seriously. They know that a qualification from such an institution will stand them in good stead when they start applying for jobs. It is important to remember, however, that the test results is just one of the factors that are considered when allocating places.
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