THE ROAD TO “1600”

By CLAUDIAN FRANCIS

Throughout the year, students from across the nation will take the SAT, in order for prospective colleges to test their college-readiness.  Over the past few months, juniors and seniors from WHS have been rigorously preparing for this exam, doing everything possible to earn a score within their desired school’s range. 

According to the CollegeBoard, this standardized test is “highly relevant to your future success… focused on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education.”  The test is designed to measure what students have learned in high school as well as what is needed to succeed in college.  While opinions differ on whether the test adequately demonstrates one’s intelligence, students are urged to do their best in order to earn merit scholarships and grants to assist with their future education. 

CLAUDIAN FRANCIS FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Although every student has their own way to prepare for the SAT, many would agree the most important aspect is practice.  Similar to sports, practice makes perfect.  When one does not practice, one does not perform to the best of his or her ability.  

Students and teachers agree that cramming before any test is never a good idea, especially if you want to be successful.  WHS senior, John Contino, advised students to “get a good amount of sleep the night before, wake up with a positive mindset and do not stress yourself out over anything else.” He also stressed the importance of staying focused and making sure students use their time wisely.  

There are plenty of resources that can be used as studying aids for students to prepare for the SAT.  From Khan Academy to the CollegeBoard prep book, there’s no excuse not to study before taking the exam.  

Washingtonville High School’s 2017 valedictorian and current Columbia University freshman, Liz-Marie Perez, gave very useful advice for students taking the SAT.  She exclaimed, “I think the most important thing for you to do is time yourself every time you practice.  You don’t have to do the entire practice test in one sitting, just do one or two sections at a time.” Perez finds that the time restraint in each section is the trickiest part of the exam, but once one can master managing time wisely, success is bound to follow. 

Ultimately, if students want to do well on the SAT, they have to put in the work.  The most important thing to keep in mind when preparing for the exam is to try a couple of practice problems a day on sections you find the most difficult.  

The exam on Saturday, November 4th may seem like a stressful one,  but once students tackle those problems, excelling on the exam should be a breeze.  After all, practice truly does make perfect.