The SAT(Scholastic Achievement Test) is a set of standardized college entrance exams that high school students take. SAT scores range from 200 to 800 points in each of the Verbal and Math areas of the SAT, or a total score of up to 1600 points. Scores are usually required on college applications and many colleges require a minimum score to fill out the application.

The SAT is used in conjunction with student achievement data to determine eligibility for scholarships.

The National Merit Scholarship and the National Negro Merit Scholarship are among the scholarships which use SAT and PSAT scores to determine eligibility.

Tips to Help Your Teenager Prepare

• Form study groups with their friends.
• Practice using real SAT tests and questions.
• Plan to take them in the fall and in the spring of your teenagers junior year. This will elevate some of the stress when taking the SAT for the first time.
• Refresh old math skills. Much of the time in taking the math test is remembering an old skill, such as different types of percentage problems. Percentages are generally learned in 8th grade. Therefore, they are not in the forefront of your teenager's mind.
• Spend some time learning how to take the SAT. For example, SAT questions count for the same number of points and reading comprehension takes a lot of time. You can skip those and finish the other questions first.