The SAT is approaching fast for RHS juniors. The test is being held the week after spring break in April. The SAT is an entrance exam used by many colleges and universities to make admission decisions. The test is approximately 3 hours for multiple choice and 50 minutes for the essay. The two main subjects on the SAT are math and evidence based reading and writing. But many students wonder; why is the SAT a huge factor in where students can go for college?

Many kids end with a 4.0 GPA in high school but get a 1020 on the SAT, which to most universities isn’t a high score and probably wouldn’t take that student. The SAT is considered a more valuable admission tool than your GPA. While the GPA compares you to your school, the SAT compares you to the rest of the country. 

The SAT can be challenging but there are many resources to help in the studying process. The College Board has many practice tests, and Khan Academy has video explanations and a step by step process to help break down a specific question. 

“In my opinion, I think having kids take one test to determine their whole educational career is pointless,” junior Paige Lekki said. “ You can have straight A’s but are a horrible test taker and get a bad score on the SAT.”