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The piece of information listed above is probably one of the most important facts you can keep in mind when preparing for the SAT.  

Why, you ask?

Well, because this piece of information sets the groundwork for how to approach the SAT and also explains why some prep methods just don’t work.  Let’s talk about what we mean when we say the SAT is a logic test.  When we say the SAT is a logic test we mean that it tests your critical thinking skills; it tests your ability to reason and deduce a correct answer given the information presented; it tests your ability to conceptualize, analyze and synthesize the information given.  There are many ramifications to the SAT being a logic test, and the fact that the test is a reasoning test actually explains much of the mystery associated with the test. 

It answers the question of:

Ø     Why do smart kids have trouble on the SAT?

Ø     Why is the test so frustrating to so many students?

Ø     Why can’t students cram for the SAT

The answers? The SAT is a logic test, the SAT is a logic test, and the SAT is a logic test.  

Students who have relatively strong math or verbal skills but haven’t had the opportunity to develop their critical thinking skills, may very well underperform on the SAT.  It is also the reason why that it often takes a while to increase a student’s score on the test; unfortunately students can’t cram for a critical thinking test like they can for a chemistry test as it is not just a matter of memorizing formulas or concepts. Critical thinking skills are a composite, intertwined set of skills and abilities and it often takes practice, diligence and repeated and consistent effort to develop.

Keep in mind that the SAT requires that you use your logic or reasoning skills within the construct of math and verbal questions, which means you must also have a strong grasp of the math and verbal concepts on the test.   

Since the SAT tests critical thinking skills within the context of mathematical and critical reading questions, many students think that if they get a good grasp of the math and verbal concepts that is covered, they will do just fine.  This is not the whole story. The whole story is that you must have good math and verbal skills to even attempt to answer the questions.   

What is the moral of the story? 

Start your preparation early.  If you discover that you have strong reasoning skills, you’ll be ahead of the game, and most likely be able to take the exam in the spring of your junior year. But if it turns out that you need to hone your reasoning skills, you’ll have enough time to prepare so that your test score reflects your potential.  The best way to prepare is to practice lots of SAT questions so that you can become familiarized with the exam, and practice the skills necessary to ace the exam.  To maximize your time and efforts, consider working with an experienced SAT tutor, as he or she can guide your efforts and help you use your time effectively.    

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