Why Is The SAT Important? 

It really seems like everything is important for today’s students, doesn’t it? From extracurriculars to the ever-increasing challenge of schoolwork, you’re told from the first day of your first year that everything you do counts. And that includes your test scores! Not just your academic exams, but your standardized test scores. While it is true that many schools dropped SAT and ACT requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also true that many of these schools are returning to these tests as part of admissions requirements.

And that means that you need to take these tests seriously. Here at Prep Expert, we understand that you’re a busy student. You have lofty goals and incredible ambition, and you’re ready to do what it takes to make your dreams come true. The SAT is important because you are important. Your future is important, and you deserve to meet the goals you’re working towards. Getting into your dream school for your dream career starts with you and the work you do to get there. And to really understand how you can do that work, we need to talk about why the SAT is important.

Proving Your Merit

Let’s go back to something I mentioned earlier: schools that dropped the SAT requirement. When that happened, a lot of people in education were fairly excited. The thought was that it would take some of the pressure off of students, and that it would make admissions a fairer process, especially for students from lower income households.

But that doesn’t seem to be what actually happened. Eliminating standardized tests seems to have had a negative impact on these students. High SAT scores from students who attend lower-income schools are often how admissions counselors spot students with high potential. High school curricula can vary significantly, even among schools in the same district. The SAT provides a standardized measure to compare students’ abilities on a national scale, ensuring fairness in the admissions process. And that’s assuming that all high schools offer comparable opportunities to achieve, which they simply do not. For example, did you know that only 47%–  less than half– of American high schools offer more than 4 AP classes? 

The fact is, not every high school has access to a full suite of AP and IB classes, advanced extracurricular activities, or the types of experiences offered by elite high schools. But high-achieving students from any school can achieve a dazzling score on the SAT. That number can signal that you have the achievement potential these counselors are looking for. Also, While your GPA is important, test scores are a better predictor of student success than grades– especially in an era of rampant grade inflation. 

Right now, schools don’t really know the true impact of dropping those standardized tests. It was always an experiment, and if you’ve taken even a single chemistry class, you know that experiments don’t always work out. Standardized tests let students show more than just their academic prowess. These tests your ability to reason, to use logic to solve problems, to work well under pressure, and to be flexible. Essentially, the SAT doesn’t just test your knowledge; it tests your ability to think. And that’s what colleges want. They want to make sure you know how to think critically and that you’ll be able to keep up with college-level coursework. By doing well on the SAT, you can show the admissions committee that you deserve to earn a place at their institution.

Scholarship Money

Another reason to take the SAT and other standardized tests seriously is that there are lots of scholarships available for high scoring students. The National Merit Scholarship is one of the best-known guaranteed scholarships; earned by students who score well on the PSAT, there are scholarships available from both the National Merit Foundation and individual schools. But that’s just one of the ways that high standardized test performance can help you pay for your education. 

Many colleges and universities offer automatic scholarships to students who achieve specific SAT scores, often combining this with GPA requirements. These programs ensure that students who meet the criteria receive financial assistance without additional applications or competitive processes. Some of these institutions may even offer tiered awards based on SAT performance, such as a partial scholarship for a 1300 score and a full tuition waiver for a 1400 or higher. This makes preparing for the SAT both an academic endeavor and a financial investment in your future. Even a slight improvement in your score can translate to thousands of dollars in savings!

Guaranteed SAT scholarships are typically designed to reward academic excellence and make college accessible to more students. To maximize these opportunities, research schools that align with your career goals and have generous merit-based scholarship policies. Be sure to check deadlines and eligibility requirements, as some programs may also require maintaining a certain GPA throughout your college years. With careful planning and preparation, the SAT can become more than a test; it can be your ticket to an affordable education.

Skill Development

Another reason that the SAT is important is that it helps you develop the skills necessary to succeed in college. There’s a lot more to college than just academics! You will need excellent time management, problem solving skills, and test-taking strategies. Preparing for the SAT helps you develop all of these, and doing well on the test is how you can demonstrate to the admissions counselors that you’re not just a good fit for their program, but that you’re ready for it. It shows that you have the discipline to practice for the test and the skills needed to succeed. 

While the SAT isn’t the only indicator of college readiness, it plays a significant role in showcasing your ability to handle challenging coursework and thrive in a rigorous academic environment. Admissions counselors often view strong SAT scores as a sign of your commitment to your education and your potential to excel in their programs. And even after college, some employers and internships consider SAT scores or let you opt in to sharing your scores during the selection process, especially for competitive programs or industries. Strong scores can add an extra layer of credibility to your academic achievements and demonstrate these valuable skills.

Getting Serious About The SAT

So now that you understand how important the SAT really is, the next step is getting ready for it. You deserve to give yourself the best chance at college admissions and scholarships, and for many students that means acing the SAT. If you want those high scores, you need to start studying early, and you need to study the right way. Why struggle through it by yourself when you can get expert help from an expert test taker? The right teacher can guide you through the exam and teach you the strategies you need to succeed and get the score you want. You’ll learn time management, test-taking skills, and have the opportunity to practice your skills in the comfort of your own home for weeks before you have to take the actual exam. When you channel your hard work and diligence with the guidance of a test expert, you’ll get a better outcome on the test– we guarantee it.

Here at Prep Expert, we know how truly valuable a good SAT score is, and we want to help you get the score you need to open the door to your college dreams. Explore our SAT course catalog today and start your journey to academic success.