Pittsburgh _Patrika_Jan-2018

The Pittsburgh Patrika, Vol, 23, No. 2, January 2018
The written essay is optional for most schools, but I’d say do it anyway
just because you might change your mind about applying to that one
school that does require it. Most colleges know that it’s not a completely
accurate reflection of your writing skills anyway. It doesn’t factor into
your whole SAT/ACT score- you get a separate essay score. Having an
advanced or AP Language/Literature course beforehand will definitely
prepare you for the essay. Try looking at those kind of review books.
How did you prepare for the written essay in the exam hall?
I spent a few minutes, maybe 3 to 5, prewriting. Generally, writing
teachers say to spend about 5-10% of your time prewriting. It’s good way
to make sure you cover all the points you want to cover.
Did you prepare for acing the exam? Or was it a situation in which
you knew you did very well, but did not expect a clean sweep?
I definitely, definitely did not expect to ace it when I took it. I was hoping
for at least a 1490-1500 so that I’d be happy for a first shot, but could
then retake the test. I thought a perfect score was completely out of the
question… … and for sure, I honestly couldn’t believe it when I got it.
Is 3 to 4 months prep adequate for the English vocabulary section?
The best preparation for the English test is just reading. Read nonfiction,
fiction... anything. The best way to familiarize yourself with the
English language is to just constantly be exposed to different usages of it.
I also write a lot, so English wasn’t so bad for me. Also, reading helps
you for college after the tests are over.
What single piece of advice would you give a student preparing to take
this exam next year?
Don’t spend way too much of your time preparing for it until maybe
two to three months before the test. Only then heavy practice benefits
you, and not earlier. Earlier exposure is always good. But get to the “6
hours a week routine” when you’re close to the actual test.
Who motivates you to be a high achiever?
Working hard is instilled in me by my parents. I’m thankful for that.
Do you want to add anything else?
Mr. Goldstein told me to think of the SAT/ACT as a game. After a
certain point, it is more about strategy and test-taking skills. Test makers
try to trip you to make mistakes. So, make sure to practice those skills.
Don’t spend way too much time preparing for these tests where it takes
time away from your extracurriculars. The admissions process is holistic:
colleges want people, and not robots. Standardized test scores are not trophies;
they are a sort of roadblock to get over. Getting very high scores
doen’t get you a “golden star” at super selective schools. But having a
75th percentile score for a specific school will mean you’ve surpassed one
of the many obstacles to get in. Hope this helps. •
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