What Does SAT Stand For?

The SAT was originally called the Scholastic Aptitude Test. In 1993, the name was changed to SAT I: Reasoning Test. In 2004, the name was changed again to SAT Reasoning Test, but everyone today refers to the test as the SAT. The SAT is the most widely taken college entrance exam; however, the ACT, developed in 1959, is becoming increasingly popular. The SAT is a critical thinking and problem-solving test, whereas, the ACT is a content-based test.

History

The College Board appointed Carl C. Brigham to head a committee that developed the SAT. The first time the SAT was administered was 1926. By 1935, Harvard required all candidates to take the SAT, and by 1957, over half a million students took the SAT.

Function

The purpose of the SAT is to predict how students will do in college. That is why it is an aptitude test. It actually is used more as a decision-making tool for college admissions officers. With students applying to schools from all over the country and the world, it is difficult to determine what a GPA, or grade point average, really says about the student. A rural student who has a GPA of 95 may have less ability than an urban student who has a GPA of 90. The urban student most likely had more competition to achieve his grades.

Features

The SAT is a three hour and forty-five minute test that has seven sections: three math sections, three verbal sections and one experimental section that may be either math or verbal. The scoring range is 200 to 800. The scores are divided into three categories: writing, math and critical reading. Each category's score range is 200 to 800, with a total of 2400 possible points. The test includes multiple choice questions, student produced responses and a 25-minute essay.

Considerations

Because the SAT is a reasoning test, students who are not good test takers may want to opt for the ACT college entrance exam. Not only does the SAT require deductive reasoning skills, as the test progresses, the questions become harder. Because the SAT deducts points for wrong answers, educated guessing is suggested, but random guessing is not a good choice.

The ACT is a curriculum-based test that is a test of knowledge. There are some reasoning questions, but not as many as on the SAT. The ACT does not penalize for wrong answers. Students who are not good test takers usually do better on the ACT than the SAT.

Prevention/Solution

Taking a practice test can be a good experience to get familiarity with the test. The College Board is aware of the test strategy skills needed for the SAT, so it has practice tests on its website. There is also a question of the day with the correct answer and the reasons for the answer. Like any standardized test, practice and familiarity are important keys to doing well.

Resources

• College Board