HUDSON — While many students are enjoying the arrival of spring, some juniors are using the warmer weather to prepare for a final push toward the SATs in May.
On March 14 at Westborough High School, juniors entered the testing rooms with a sense of nervousness that often comes with such an important academic milestone. While many students felt prepared, the testing environment presented its own challenges.
“It’s definitely tough with how quickly you have to answer the questions,” said Brayden Folan.
Students used a variety of strategies to prepare for the test. Some watched YouTube videos for tips, others worked with tutors, and many completed practice tests. Despite these efforts, a number of students said the second section of the math portion was particularly challenging.
“I didn’t have enough time to finish the math section, so I feel like I could do better,” said Amanda Perry.
Some students also said they wish there were more support opportunities available, such as ARC time or after-school SAT help sessions.
After receiving their scores, many students said they were satisfied with their performance, while others plan to retake the test next month to improve.
“I was pretty happy with my score,” Folan said. “I feel like I gave myself room to improve.”
Based on their experiences, students offered advice for future test-takers. They emphasized the importance of learning how to use the Desmos calculator and understanding English conventions. They also suggested that working with a tutor and completing practice tests can be helpful.
These strategies are already being used by the next group of students preparing for the SAT.
“I have studied my SAT textbook and taken various practice tests,” said Maliyah Daniels.
