12.Practice.Tests.for.the.SAT_2015-2016_1128p

1 2 Practice Tests for the SAT I
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Common SAT Misconceptions
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There's a lot of inaccurate information floating around about the SAT. Let's clear up some common
sources of confusion:
1. The SAT is not curved.
Theoretically, every student who takes the SAT on Test Day could get a 2400. Your child is not
"competing" against his classmates and friends to get his score. The tests are scaled prior to Test Day.
The scaled score is what colleges use to compare scores.
2. There is a penalty for wrong answers.
For each question a student answers correctly, the student gains one point. For each question a
student misses on the test, the student loses one-quarter of a point. If a student skips a question, no
points are gained or lost.
3. Students who receive accommodations for a disability are not . penalized.
Parents sometimes fear that applying for accommodations for disabilities will cause their child to be
penalized-that their child's score reports will indicate the accommodation received, be it additional
time, computer assistance, extended breaks, etc. Rest assured, your child will not be penalized for
having a documented disability. If your child has a documented disability, contact your school's
guidance counselor or visit www.collegeboard.com for more information.
4. When it comes to college admissions, the SAT isn't everything!
Yes, college admissions are becoming more and more competitive each year, but the SAT is just
one component of your child's full application. Help your child-and yourself-by keeping the SAT in
perspective. Your child's SAT score goals should align with her college choices. Know the target score
range of the schools your child is applying to and set reasonable goals. Having a defined goal will
help your child see what she's working toward, measure success along the way, and feel a strong
sense of accomplishment when she reaches that goal. Remember: A 2400 is a great score, but NO
school requires a 2400 for admission!
HELPING YO UR CHILD SUCCEED ON THE SAT
There are lots of SAT test-prep options available, from courses to self-study guides like this one. Your
study choices should align with your child's needs and your resources. Buying this book is a great option!
By giving your child access to Kaplan's expert resources, you are helping your child build an excellent
foundation for SAT success. You can also assist your child by keeping the following things in mind:
Help Reduce Test Anxiety by Empathizing
Whether your child is the nonchalant "Mom, don't worry about it'' type or the up-until-midnight crammer,
he or she is probably nervous about the SAT. It's an important exam, and if your child has already taken
the PSAT, he could be worried about whether his SAT score will be better. Or maybe he's worried he
won't be able to do as well as he did on the PSAT and won't get into his dream school. Perhaps you've
bought this book because your child has already taken the SAT and wants to do better than the first time
around. Maybe your child has never taken the PSAT or the SAT before, and the fear of the unknown is
causing anxiety. Whatever the case, for most people, just saying "SAT' will send shivers down their spines,
and for your child, the pressure is on. One of the biggest ways you can help is by empathizing.