I'm taking the SAT* on Saturday.
You read that right. It's been . . . ten-ish years since I took it. I'm so old that my score was on the 1600 scale, and there wasn't any online test prep (to my knowledge), and graphing calculators were the height of technology. (I also probably listened to the Cranberries on a cassette mix tape on my way to the testing site.) I didn't actually do anything to prepare for it, other than read a book my dad picked up at Half Price: TEN TIPS FOR THE SAT. I read it two nights before. I did worry an awful lot beforehand, though. Maybe that counts as prep?
The SAT is a major plot point in my WIP, and while I've done my due diligence in studying up on how the test itself and its administration has changed since my time--I have forgotten some important things. How it felt to take it. What the language of the questions is like. I'm realizing that to really get inside the heads of my characters, who are suffering through that experience, I need a refresher in the form of a full-length, official practice test. Although I am going to take it online because I don't have any Number 2 pencils lying around.
When I took the SAT as a junior, I was happy with my score. (Unlike some future important tests, GRAD SCHOOL LANGUAGE EXAMS I MEAN YOU. AND I STILL CURSE THE DAY YOU WERE WRITTEN.) I am honestly terrified to see what I get this weekend. What's a rhombus again? How do I do algebra? I may wind up getting only the 200 points you get for showing up and writing down your name.
I'll let you know next week how I did! And we can all have a laugh.
*Question: Do you refer to it as "the SAT" or "the SATs"? I always have said SATs, but maybe I just got it wrong?
11 comments:
We didn't have to do SATs in Canada. In the province I'm currently living in, they do something called diploma exams in all the core courses and those scores are what Universities look at for admittance. I got into college just based on overall grades for my senior year (that's how they did it in Ontario). A LOT easier than in the States it would seem.
It's cool that you're using it as research for your WiP. Talk about going the extra mile! :D I'm also pretty intrigued by this little tidbit about your story.
I say SATs. I took them in 7th grade and again junior year; I did better when I was 13...haha. I'm terrible at taking tests, even if I know the material.
I am terrified of seeing how I score. I like to think I have gotten smarter since high school, but I am guessing my out-of-practice score is going to be slightly humiliating!
So cool that you're doing this! I'm really interested to hear about your experience. I remembering studying a lot for the SATs. I'm glad that period of my life is over. :)
How cool is that! Good luck!
Maybe I'm the weird one out-- I always said SAT singular. Good luck!
We called them the SATs, and I can't believe you're retaking them. That's dedication, my friend. Good luck, and definitely report back on your experiences!
That sounds torturous - good luck!
Um, so I just read this article:
http://deadspin.com/5893189/what-happens-when-a-35+year+old-man-retakes-the-sat
I. AM. TERRIFIED. And also regretting this decision. I don't even own a calculator anymore!
I can't wait to hear how you did! I always thought they were the SATs, but I'm basing that purely on media portrayals. I totally admire your dedication to showing the experience. Good luck, Rebecca!
Oh, the things we do for research! I can't wait to hear how this went.
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