Williamsburg Talk

Summer is the ideal time for college bound high school students to begin preparation for college admissions testing. Grades, community service, school activities and SAT tests all play a critical role in earning admission to college. Most colleges require an SAT test for admission and virtually all publicize the grade point average (GPA) and SAT results of their incoming freshman class. The SAT test is reported to colleges and universities by the College Board which is a non-profit association of over 4,000 colleges, universities and educational organizations. The test is divided into a math, verbal and writing sections each with a minimum grade of 200 and a perfect score of 800. Adding the scores together provides an SAT score from a low of 600 to a perfect score of 2400. The average score is about 500 on each section or 1500 overall. Students that attend Ivy League schools generally have average scores over 2000. Other colleges may have less demanding SAT standards. Several books are available at the library or local bookstores that provide college academic profiles and report on average GPA’s and SAT’s of incoming freshman at all colleges and universities in the United States. Preparation for the test should include learning as much as possible about the testing process, test questions and the grading and reporting of the result.