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By Sam Hurst

Many of the articles published in The Match consist of things that are cherished by the Collegiate community, such as articles about our beloved faculty, college football, or reviews of yummy restaurants around Richmond. Unfortunately, mine does not. Instead, I am tackling a topic that might make some students tremble: the SAT. Unlike many of my Senior peers, who studied and took the test in the fall of their Junior year or over the summer, I took the test for the very first time recently, in early October. Additionally, I took an unorthodox route in terms of my preparation and studying before my test day.

The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a test that plays a pivotal role in the admissions process for millions of students in the US. The test was created by the College Board and is supposedly designed to gauge a student’s readiness for college. The SAT takes around four hours and is made up of multiple-choice questions that cover a range of topics, including reading comprehension, math, and literature. In recent years, the test has become the center of numerous debates, from test-takers to colleges themselves, as some schools have decided to become test-optional, meaning that they do not require standardized test scores for admission. Collegiate Senior Charlie Miller (‘24) is only applying to test-optional schools and “feels relieved to not be submitting any scores.” Others, including myself, plan on sending scores to all the schools that I am applying to.

In my Sophomore year, we were instructed to take the PSAT, the practice version of the SAT, to prepare us for future testing. I received a notably strong score compared to my classmates on this exam, which initially made me feel confident about not having to invest as much time in preparation for the SAT as many of my peers did.

Photo credit: user craftedbygc via Unsplash.

For decades, countless students have dedicated substantial amounts of money and time to prepare for the SAT. They’ve hired tutors, purchased practice materials, and enrolled in classes, all with the aim of achieving their best scores. Unlike me, Rhodes Sinnott (’24) studied for “two hours each week for eight weeks over the summer.” Like Sinnott, many students attended weekly SAT sessions or devoted their free time to taking practice tests, all in pursuit of getting an adequate score for colleges they are interested in. 

However, I took a different approach. Instead of heavily investing in formal test preparation, I chose to study just the week before the SAT. My study method consisted of watching YouTube videos on how to approach the reading section, re-acclimating myself with math concepts that I hadn’t seen in years, and, finally, working through a few practice problems online. Some might consider this approach irresponsible or rash, especially given the significance of the test to the college search process. Nevertheless, I remained confident and unworried. Luckily, not all colleges require test scores.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most colleges and universities shifted to test-optional admissions, waiving the requirement for SAT or ACT scores. Today, over 1,900 colleges continue to maintain this policy, though it’s important to note that test requirements may vary from year to year and from one institution to another.

The day of the test went exactly how I anticipated—surreal, though not in a good way. I woke up at 6:25 a.m., jumped out of bed, and got ready for the test. I ate a quick breakfast, consisting of eggs and sausage courtesy of my mom, and drove to the testing center. Despite my confidence in my test-taking skills, I couldn’t shake the nervousness that enveloped me as I entered the building. I couldn’t stop thinking about the possibility of getting a low score. 

As I walked through the doors of Douglas Freeman High School, my confidence in my test-taking abilities was met with a wave of anxiety. The possibility of receiving a disappointing score infiltrated my thoughts. Fortunately, I found solace in the friendly faces of some old friends who were also there to take the test. Together, we formed a line, underwent the check-in process, and were then directed to our respective testing rooms. 

Once inside the testing room, the test proctor started on what felt like an endless 15-minute reading of instructions, rules, and expectations for the test. These expectations, however, struck me as excessively rigid and, at times, impractical, which made the testing experience seem much more stressful. One particular aspect that stood out was the prohibition on drinking from our water bottles during the test, or even taking bathroom breaks. 

While the SAT and ACT can be key to the college application process, some people, myself included, oppose the process. At the heart of the controversy is how the tests create economic disparities that cater to those with wealth. Some believe that the tests unfairly disadvantage individuals from less privileged backgrounds who cannot afford test preparation, materials, and tutoring. Furthermore, there is a widespread sentiment that a single standardized test cannot genuinely assess an individual’s learning and personal growth, as many people excel in different ways.

Additionally, some people are pushing for a change from standardized testing to a more realistic test called a PBA, or Performance Based Assessment. Rather than relying solely on traditional tests or exams, people are pushing for a switch to this assessment which involves practical application and knowledge of real-world concepts. It will be ultimately up to the colleges, schools, and school districts to make decisions about the testing and application process. 

Photo credit: Christin Hume.

If you’re planning on taking the SAT in the coming years and are feeling nervous, there’s some positive news on the horizon. The SAT is on the brink of drastic changes. In 2021, the College Board administered the SAT to a group of American and international students, and an interesting finding emerged. About 80% of the students in this group reported that they found the digital version of the SAT to be less stressful compared to the traditional pen-and-pencil format. As a result of the study, the College Board has begun transitioning from paper-based testing to computer-based testing this year. 

Additionally, the College Board is making other adjustments to the SAT. They are shortening the test by one hour and giving students more time to answer each question. Opinions on these changes vary, as demonstrated by Miles Prusek (’24), a Collegiate senior who took the SAT three times this fall. He expressed his approval of the change, stating that he would “much rather take the test on the computer” and predicts that this change will make the testing experience “much less stressful for everyone.”

Featured image credit: Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu via Unsplash.