As the season for standardized testing approaches, the SAT stands out as a glaring cause of stress and mixed emotions. Seniors look back on their junior year with feelings of relief, and juniors plan ahead in preparation for their testing season. The SAT can determine a variety of important details about students’ futures, including scholarships, college admissions, and more. This puts overwhelming pressure on many students that feel the need to succeed.
“I am feeling very challenged and stressed,” junior Rebbecca Miller said. “Because I know it’s important for a lot of reasons.”
Although the stress that comes with such a big test can be overwhelming, seniors look back and advise the juniors to place less emphasis on the impact of the score that is received. Although it is important, the resources provided to retake the test or choose not to submit it alleviate the pressure significantly.
“A lot of people like to treat this like it’s some huge once-in-a-lifetime thing,” senior Eric Cameron said. “But it’s really nothing to stress about because if you don’t do as well as you want to, you still have the rest of your summer and early into your senior year to be able to take it and try and get a better score.”
The struggles that come with the impactful test can be managed in a variety of ways, with study resources provided by the school, and opportunities within Washtenaw county to retake it. The importance of this test is remarkable, and many argue that it weighs too heavily on the futures of students.
“The SAT doesn’t determine intelligence, nor does it determine even test-taking ability, and I don’t think it accurately reflects more or less anything apart from preparation,” senior Stefano Tricoli-Bugan said. “So, if you’re interested in getting a very high score, just prepare, prepare. And if not, don’t worry too much because there’s always essays and other things.”
Even though the weight of this test on college decisions and scholarships can be unfairly important, doing well on this test opens up many doors for high school students. A high score on the SAT can set a student apart from their peers, and it demonstrates a strong grasp of subjects and an exceptional ability to study.
“It differentiated me from people that are not great test-takers, which is an important part of going to college,” senior Chase Nichols said. “My advice would be to practice on Khan Academy.”
The pressure can be overwhelming, but at the end of the day, the SAT is just another test. Whether filled with worry or anxious anticipations, preparation is the key to success.
“I am feeling wonderful about it,” junior Isaac Ijere said. “Because I know I will do just dandy on it.”
