The SAT and College

"Time does not change us. It just unfolds us," Max Frisch

I just wanted to post about my background and what I went through with the SATs. When I took the SATs, I took a free course in my school to prepare, which helped very minimally.When I was younger, I always regretted not going to a Princeton Review or a Kaplan course to prepare, but I couldn't afford these courses. After taking a prep course for the MCAT, I realized that it wasn't necessary for me to do well. What is necessary to do well is my motivation.

I think the SATs are unfair for people who learned English as a second language, because 2/3 sections are writing and verbal. I wish I had known more about the ACT and would probably have taken that instead, since it has a science section and is more well-rounded. If you are reading this post and you are in high school, my tip is to try to be as well-rounded as possible. Try to do your best on the SAT, but if you are weakest in standardized test-taking (personally I am terrible at it myself), I would focus on extracurricular activities and my GPA.

I did above average on my SAT, but it wasn't fantastic or anything. I'm sure I could have done better if I buckled down and studied for it. Your bachelors are important, but people will also focus on what you get your last degree on, so if you're planning on getting your masters or PhD, this will be the most important education you get.

I wish I had less loans to pay, because a school with less loans and a bachelors is preferable to me than a school with a lot of loans but a great name. If you are going to keep going with your education, you don't want those loans to keep piling up. Also, be on the lookout for some 4 year scholarship programs- my friend got into a HEOP program (look it up on google!) and it pays your entire education, gives you work study, and has a lower SAT requirement based on the school you apply to. I wish I had applied through this program, but I didn't think I would go away for school. It's a 4 year program and it's geared for low economic students, so keep on the lookout for that.

Anyway, I graduated form a decently named school and fewer loans than my other friends. I'm paying loans now, but they're not terrible. Also, the SATs are not the end of the world. As long as you get into a college, it'll be fine. Some people go to community college, save  a LOT of money, and keep up their grades to finish their bachelors in another school. This is a great option if you are looking to save money.

I actually prefer to study for the MCAT than the SAT, call me crazy, but I'm more of a science person.