Carterville High School juniors have been preparing over the past couple of weeks for their upcoming SAT. The SAT is a standardized test that can be used for entrance into colleges or universities. The test is made up of a math, reading, and writing section which consists of many different skills that students learned throughout their childhood education. This year, the College Board has made several changes to the SAT that can help students out during their tests. 

The standardized paper and pen test was able to be transferred into a digital standardized test for the class of 2025. This was intended to make it less stressful for students to take and to help send out SAT scores sooner to students. The digital SAT being shorter, means that the less time that it takes to complete the test. There will be shorter reading passages on the reading and writing sections of the test as well as the new built-in graphing calculator called “Demos” for the math section. Although these are drastic changes to the test, the overall score of 1600 remains the same. 

Many juniors have been preparing for the test by studying either inside the classroom or after school. Junior Anna Booker balances out her SAT preparation and her school work by stating, “I am mostly focusing on preparing for the SAT while I am at school rather than all the time. I am making sure I still have time for track and other homework, and to take care of myself and relax. I think that if I prepare too much, then I will get burnt out and my scores will ultimately be worse.” Other students, such as junior Sophie Poletti, are finding it difficult to try to manage their time outside of class. “Most of my teachers are making sure our school work is more SAT prep related to helping us, but I will admit I am struggling to find time to study for the SAT – especially with an essay due the next morning,” states Poletti. 

During the weeks leading up to the test, teachers gave students many tips and tricks by using practice tests to help them study. Myra Anderson says that she uses “online study tools, bluebook practice tests, and Khan Academy” as a way to prepare. Junior Kendall McCalla has been practicing in many of her academic classes for the upcoming test as she says, “Mrs. Neally and Mrs.Carrington have prepared us and gave us very helpful tips!”

On the other hand,  students like Luke Johnson have not been too worried about taking and preparing for the SAT as says, “I am not overly concerned or stressed about the SAT, because I am not concerned with my score in such. I am just gonna show up and take it. Get what I get. Besides, college is not the first thing on my mind.” 

Preparing for the SAT as a junior can take time through studying and practice. Being able to study earlier on can help identify areas of weakness, develop study strategies, and improve skills.