As many of the juniors at Cathedral Catholic High School have prepared or already taken their SAT test, it brings up the question: What can sophomores do to prepare? The SAT has this reputation of being a huge, long, and intimidating test. However, Mr. Jeff McMurtry, AP Language and Composition and English 4 teacher, gives off the attitude that, if a student prepares, it really isn’t all that hard. Next, he gave two important tips on how to prepare.

1. Directions aren’t a secret: know the directions before you go in.

2. Understand the writing prompt and practice a few.  Overall, the hardest thing is for students to generate their own evidence when they don’t have a source in front of them.

There is also the optional ACT test. “The ACT aims more at your skills in individual subjects which makes them more challenging not general knowledge, but also demonstrates the subjects that a college might find attractive in you,” said Mr. McMurtry.

When one walks into a book store, there are stacks of SAT/ACT prep books. However, there is also talk about tutoring versus using a book. “You have to know how well you respond to that type of learning. Some tutoring leading you through the book would be valuable,” said Mr. McMurtry.

In a sense, one just has to evaluate themselves as learners, making sure to not follow others and to pick the route that would be the most beneficial.

The perfect match is to have the tutoring coincide with the book. For every hour of tutoring, 2-4 hours of bookwork would be most successful.

Lastly, the new technology uprising brings up the question: Are there any online sources? There are, however, it isn’t sure how reliable these sources are. There are the apps for vocabulary, which are cheaper than book material.  Also, there is an SAT prep class provided by Cathedral Catholic High School.  Counselor Mrs. Ashley Bascom said, ”On campus, UCSD hosts a six week long class during the week or on Saturday thfat rotates six weeks before a test date.”

The final note left by Mr. McMurtry stressed the importance of these tests because colleges are getting more and more applicants, and these test scores could raise you above the other applicants.