SAT Stress
Notes, textbooks, Khan Academy – all great ways to study for the SAT. You got this Rams!
March 1, 2022
For the juniors at Millikan High School, the SAT is rapidly approaching. The exam will take place on campus March 23, and every 11th grade student is automatically signed up. For those planning to take it, a free study tool to access is Khan Academy. Khan collaborates with College Board to take students’ PSAT results and create personalized test prep with the data. To access this, go to the Official SAT Practice Program, which provides problems, practice tests, and allows students to set daily goals for themselves.
Sophia Stevens, a junior in QUEST, said that she’s, “a little nervous about it,” but that she will, “[use] Khan Academy to prepare.”
The SAT is a cause of stress for all, but this year juniors could have chosen not to take it by filling out an opt out form. While the cut off date to fill it out this year was Feb 17, sophomores should watch out for this emailed form for next year.
“In terms of [college] admission, it’s not required, but it’s up to the student if they want to take it or not. It’s a lot better that they don’t have it as a requirement anymore because some students might not be great test takers,” says Ms. Patricia De Leon, a college advisor in Millikan’s College and Career Center.
Another thing that will help alleviate juniors’ stress about the exam is that many colleges are not requiring the submission of SAT scores.
“It doesn’t look like UCs or Cal States will be using the tests,” stated Ms. Barragan. “Most private universities are going what they call ‘test optional,’ which means that if a student took it and wanted to submit it, they can, but they also have the right to not submit it.” She goes on to say, “My final advice for juniors is, hey, we’re offering it Wednesday March 23, it’s free and you don’t have to enroll; take it, do your best, because even getting the results will give you a good indication of how ready you are for college. So I do recommend that you get some good sleep, bring some snacks that day, try your best, but I don’t say anybody should stress about it.”
Juniors, keep this information in mind and make sure to prepare for the exam the best you can. Take Ms. Barragan’s advice, don’t stress about it. Good luck to all who are taking the SAT this year!
Raelyn Ponce • Mar 4, 2022 at 3:00 pm
Dear Corydon Editor,
In issue 4/2022 (published March 1, 2022), Laila Martin wrote an article titled “SAT Stress”. This article is about the stress junior students are feeling about the upcoming SAT. It is free and optional but students are still stressed about it, and wondering whether or not it is worth it to take it even though many colleges aren’t requesting it anymore. Laila Martin asked Ms. Patricia De Leon, a college advisor in Millikan’s College and Career Center about the SAT’s and she has stated “It doesn’t look like UCs or Cal States will be using the tests. Most private universities are going what they call ‘test optional,’ which means that if a student took it and wanted to submit it, they can, but they also have the right to not submit it.” I agree with Ms. Patricia De Leon, and as a junior I am going to take the SAT because if I get a score I don’t like I don’t need to submit it to the colleges. It is also free as stated in the article, so I am taking this chance to take it because it won’t negatively affect me in any way. Overall I really like this article because it captures how students are feeling not only about the SAT’s but also college. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Jacob Short • Mar 4, 2022 at 12:26 pm
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 5/2022 (published March 1, 2022), Laila Matin wrote an article titled “SAT Stress.” The article discusses the weight that all Millikan juniors have on their shoulders as the SAT slowly creeps up at the end of March. She also discusses the useful resource, Khan Academy, that students can utilize to prepare for the test. As someone who has taken the SAT twice already, I can truly connect with the stress that preludes the SAT. To further elaborate on the support you can use to better prepare yourself for the test, Khan Academy is truly a helpful resource. I took the SAT towards the beginning of the school year, which I then uploaded to Khan, which gave me personalized lessons that would help me better my score the next time I took it. Using the tools on Khan, I was able to improve my score by 50 points! From experience, I definitely recommend everyone to use Khan to study for the test, but don’t procrastinate because time equals a better score. As the test grows nearer, don’t freak out and trust your studying. If you truly take the time to study you will do great on the test. I wish everyone luck!
Sincerely,
Jacob Short, Grade 11