Understanding What to Expect on the SAT, How to Practice, and How It Can Help with College Applications
GUEST:
Priscilla Rodriguez, Vice President, College Readiness Assessments, The College Board
Background
Taking the SAT can be intimidating for students, but it doesn’t have to be. The redesigned SAT was introduced in 2016 as an achievement test that measures the skills and knowledge that students are already learning in classrooms across the country.
Now, when students take the SAT, they can focus on showing their strengths: not on tricks and strategies. Eliminating these false barriers mean more students have an opportunity to put their best foot forward on the SAT. And taking the SAT provides tangible opportunities to students who are applying to college.
Did You Know?
- The SAT tests the material students learn in school and measures the skills most essential for college and career, including everyday vocabulary and the math that matters most. The new SAT removes “SAT words,” and math that isn’t necessary for college work.
- The best way for students to practice for the SAT is to link their College Board account to Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy® to get a free, personalized practice plan based on their scores.
- Income-eligible students can take the SAT and the SAT Subject Tests, apply to college, send their scores, and apply for financial aid for as many colleges as they choose, all for free.
- Through the SAT, students can opt into Student Search Service, a free program that connects students with educational and financial aid opportunities from colleges, and to scholarships.
- Taking the SAT connects students to scholarships, including the new College Board Opportunity Scholarships program, where students can earn up to $2,000 for improving their SAT score.
- The SAT is accepted everywhere. All colleges across the U.S. accept SAT scores for admissions.
Priscilla Rodriguez will describe the benefits of taking the SAT and how the test can help students with applying to college.
SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
- What should students expect on the SAT?
- How can students practice for the SAT?
- Colleges are going test-optional; why should students take the SAT?
- How does the SAT help students with college applications?
- What is the Student Search Service and what does it mean to opt-in?
About Priscilla Rodriguez
Priscilla Rodriguez is the vice president of College Readiness Assessments at the College Board, where she leads the organization’s programs and services related to the SAT Suite of Assessments, including the SAT and PSAT-related assessments. She previously spearheaded the development of the College Board Opportunity Scholarships program. Prior to joining the College Board, Priscilla was an SVP at the Poses Family Foundation, where she led the Webby-winning resource for parents of children with learning and attention issues, Understood.org. Priscilla is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Harvard Business School.
