On Monday, March 4, Aliso Niguel held an official Scholastic Aptitude Test, a follow-up to the preparation that many sophomores and juniors undertook during the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test on Oct. 26.
Many sophomores and juniors took the SAT on Aliso Niguel’s campus. Students prepared for months, dedicating time weekly to practice tests and reviewing concepts commonly seen on the SAT. The PSAT is a practice test and a qualifying test for some scholarships, while the SAT is used by colleges as part of their admissions process.
Before the test, students at Aliso Niguel and nearby schools picked up their SAT admission tickets at the ASB Window on the morning of the test. The test was held in the school’s library, supervised by volunteers and staff.
Students were required to bring a photo ID, such as a school ID or driver’s license, a fully charged school-issued Chromebook, an admission ticket, and an optional snack or drink in a clear zip-lock bag.
Doors for the SAT opened at 7:45 a.m. and closed at 8:00 a.m., with the test concluding around 11:00 a.m. This required students to miss their 1st and 2nd periods. According to the College Board, the class of 2023 had an average total score of 1028.
Many students are hoping to achieve high scores on the SAT. High scores can increase the likelihood of college acceptance and may qualify students for merit-based scholarships.
Emma Brubaker (12) shared her experience, stating, “I took the PSAT with no prep, and my score was almost the same as my SAT score.”
The digital SAT consists of two scored sections: Reading and Writing and Math. Each section is divided into two modules. The number of questions varies between modules and sections. Students have a set amount of time to complete each module. The results of the test are expected to be released about 2 to 4 weeks after the test day.
Many students find the Math section of the SAT challenging, as it draws on knowledge from various math courses. Some SAT preparation resources emphasize the importance of developing strong skills for the second module of the Math section.
Opinions vary on the effectiveness of SAT preparation. Emma Brubaker (12) commented, “The prep didn’t help me too much. Most of the things they taught were common knowledge in my opinion.”
Success on the SAT often depends on a broad base of knowledge and skills developed throughout a student’s academic career. Students utilize various preparation methods, reflecting diverse learning styles and preferences.
