Read the following SAT test question, then click on a button to select your answer.
Four distinct lines lie in a plane, and exactly two of them are parallel. Which of the following could be the number of points where at least two of the lines intersect?
I. Three
II. Four
III. Five
1.  I only
2.  III only
3.  I and II only
4.  I and III only
5.  I, II, and III

Yikes!  This SAT stuff is hard!

The test question came from the College Board’s website, and of the 79,943 people who submitted an answer on July 14th, 75% were incorrect, and only 25% were correct. So, think you can fly by the seat of your pants and just take the SAT test? Think again.

If you are paying to take the SAT test, then you have already decided to be a serious student who is college bound. And if you are going to set your goals towards college, then why not do great on the SAT test and see what a good score will do for your scholarship search. You might be surprised.

Take for example the College of Saint Rose, http://www.strose.edu/ a private college in New York. They have 6 large scholarships, (from full tuition for 4 years to $4,000 each year for 4 years) based on SAT scores. Although the University of Arizona https://admissions.arizona.edu/FAQ/aims/default.aspx website states that you don’t have to have a minimum test score they further state that some majors will require SAT or ACT test scores before considering the applicants into their particular program. In addition you can’t be considered for financial aid until they have the test scores on file. So the “real” answer is, take the SAT and do well on it. Arizona State University http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/07/undergrad/profiles/asu1.htm has a very well thought of Business undergraduate school. In order to be admitted into the college you must have a minimum SAT score of 1040. A perfect score would be 2400.

High SAT scores open the doors to great scholarships and opportunities. Students with high scores are routinely offered full scholarships to universities, as it increases their prestige. They will cite the average SAT scores of their scholars. Especially in the honors programs. For example, getting into Barrett the Honors College at ASU is really a privilege. And right on their website they tell you that the average SAT score of their students is 1340. In addition, 188 of their students in 2006 were National Merit Finalists. How do you get to be a National Merit Finalist?  See Scholarship Toolkit PSAT http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/07/undergrad/profiles/asu1.htm First step, take the PSAT.

Do you have to hire an SAT coach to privately tutor you towards success on the SAT? I don’t think so. The College Board administers and grades the SAT tests, and they have all sorts of great opportunities for upping your score on their website. When you register you can start receiving a sample SAT test question each day. In addition you can go to the SAT Preparation Center and take small tests on Critical Reading, (67 questions on the day I checked), Mathematics, (54 questions), Writing, (49 questions plus a sample essay topic). There is also a practice SAT test you can print, take, score and then view explanations of the answers and see some sample essays.

The next SAT test is October 4th and the deadline to register is September 9th.  The test costs $45. You can register late, (and pay the late fee) by September 16th. But the earlier you register, the more benefits you can claim via emails the College Board will send you.

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