Lectures, pops quizzes and in-class essays are arguably some of the most dreaded high school activities. However, the Standardized Achievement Test [SAT] has surpassed even the worst unit test.

The SAT is a three-hour standardized test broken down into six sections: two verbal aptitudes, two mathematics aptitudes and a test of standard written English. The final section encompasses varies problems from math and English.

?Students should take the SAT because colleges need their scores,? Jon Endicott, associate principal, said. ?A private schools? version of a 4.0 could be different from a public school?s 4.0. The SAT is an independent way to asses students on one criteria.?

Generally there are five factors that affect college admission: high school classes [including how many of these are advanced placement or honors], grades received, class ranking, extra-curricular activities and SAT scores.

Different schools view SAT scores in different ways. Some, especially state schools, may have minimum grade and SAT requirements and might have almost no other formal admissions demands.

Others, primarily the more selective schools, look at SAT scores as part of a total package. These universities generally require higher ranges of SAT scores.

?I took the SAT twice and my second score was less than my first,? Michelle DiBuduo, ?06, said. ?The essay was not as bad as I thought. My advice to underclassmen is to study, take the SAT after taking algebra II, eat breakfast before and also get a lot of sleep the night before.?

Opinions vary concerning the amount of times a student should take the SAT, yet most agree preparation is necessary for a desired score.

?The average student usually takes the SATs twice,? Endicott said. ?Sometimes once is enough if the student is pleased with their score. Taking the test more than three times without preparation is wasting money.?

Although classes are available to help assist student studying for the SAT, most bookstores carry an assortment of prep books and programs which appears to be a less expensive alternative.

Websites such as www.collegeboard.com also offer study help through online courses. In these courses eight practice tests are available for practice in addition to explanations and auto-grading.

?I have taken the PSAT [Preliminary Standardized Achievement Test], but beside that I have not done any additional prepping,? Keegan Shea, ?07, said. ?I am not nervous because I know I can take them over again.?

Underclassmen may not consider preparation for the SAT yet. However taking the PSAT is a valuable experience in consideration of the small costs and location on campus.

?I think the PSAT really helped me,? Katelyn Aydelotte, ?08, said. ?It gave me a feel for the SAT, but I will take it again and study from other stuff.?

The SAT is offered threes times in fall, and four in the spring. The next offered test day will be April 1. The late registration date for the April 1 test day is March 8 with additional fees added after Feb. 24.

To register for the SAT, go online to www.collegeboard.com. More information on the test is also available on www.collegeboard.com or e-mail Endicott at [email protected].