The SAT is a very challenging college entrance exam. Did you know you don’t have to take it? If you don’t have to take it, why does everyone do it? What are the pros and cons of taking the SAT?

Cons

  • The SAT inflicts a significant amount of stress on the students who take it. The pressure of preparation as well as the actual stress of taking the exam can be overwhelming. You can avoid that stress and anxiety by not taking the exam.
  • The exam can be expensive. There are fees associated with registering for the exam. In addition, you can choose a few colleges to send the scores to for free, but if you want to see the scores first, you will need to pay to have them sent later.
  • You are busy. The SAT is only offered on Saturday mornings at specific times. It is likely that the SAT will conflict with a work schedule, sports tournament, or other big events.

Pros

  • The SAT helps prove to college admissions officers that you have what it takes to be successful in college. Taking the SAT shows that you have the critical thinking skills required, as well as the basic course curriculum, and the mental stamina to complete the exam. A good score will surely help your chances of getting into your dream school.
  • The SAT is a requirement for many scholarships. Some scholarships are based entirely on your SAT score. Others weigh other factors but also consider your SAT score. While the SAT costs money, any scholarships you could earn will significantly outweigh those costs. If you earn a scholarship, it will be an excellent return on investment.
  • Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT for admissions. While some don’t, if you change your mind and want to apply to a school that does require an entrance exam, you won’t be able to without a score. It is easier to apply to any school if you have already taken the exam.
  • Learning to deal with stress and handle anxiety is an important part of life. Managing the pressure of the SAT will help you learn how to manage the continual stress that will come at you throughout your life.

Pros Outweigh The Cons

There may be a few students for whom the SAT is not the best choice. If you don’t intend to go to college, or if you are planning to take a gap year, you may want to put off the SAT. Keep in mind though, the further you are removed from your high school coursework, the harder it will be to excel on the exam. Generally, the pros outweigh the cons and planning to take the SAT or other entrance exam will be the best course of action.

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Since 1997, Mr. Test Prep has run the #1 Menlo Park SAT Prep program. By combining the benefits of private SAT instruction with the strengths of a group testing environment, Mr. Test Prep offers the best of both worlds: one-on-one attention, experienced academic counseling, group testing and a personal bond. By hosting this in a semi-group environment, Mr. Test Prep prepares his students for a real-world test experience. High school students who use his Menlo Park SAT Prep services will be equipped with the tools they need to succeed in the highly competitive world of standardized testing.

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