Choosing To Learn

3 Tips For Taking The SAT As An Adult

15 December 2017

Barry Johnson

It's easy to think you left standardized tests behind you when you graduated high school, but that may not be true. There are several reasons why you may find yourself needing to take the SAT, even as an adult. For example, if you didn't go to college after high school but want to go now, if you want to return to college for a new degree, or if you want something to boost your transfer application to a new college, taking the SAT can help. Some employers even use SAT scores when making hiring decisions, so updating your scores could be the way to land yourself that dream job you've been hoping for. Take a look at some tips for taking the SAT as an adult.

Get an Updated Study Guide

Even if you did well on the SAT when you took it in high school, this is not the time to drag out your 10-year old notes and study guides. The SAT goes through periodic changes and revisions, and it underwent a major overhaul in 2016 that affected the content, format, and scoring of the test.

Make sure that your study materials reflect the most recent version of the test. You'll need updated practice tests, and writing prompts to get a feel for what taking the test in its current form will be like.

Check Out College Resources

If you're returning to college or attending for the first time as a long time, the college that you've chosen may have additional resources to help you prepare for the test. Many colleges recognize that non-traditional college students are smart, motivated students who may face challenges that the typical 18-year-old college student does not, and the offer resources to help non-traditional students succeed.

Your college of choice may offer test-prep sessions or be able to set you up with other non-traditional students who want to form a study group. You don't have to go it alone or sit in on a high school class to get help preparing for the SAT. Ask your college what options they offer for non-traditional students taking the SAT.

Confirm Application Dates and Deadlines

As an adult who may have a job and a family already or who may already be taking college classes, you probably have more on your plate than you did when you were a 16-year-old, and no one is scheduling your test dates for you. Make sure to confirm your test registration and make sure that the test date you signed up for is one that will release the scores by the time of the application deadlines for the college you're applying to.

Luckily, online registrations and applications make registering for the SAT and sending your scores to colleges easier than ever before. Just be sure to mark reminders on your calendar so that you can be certain your scores will be in on time.

If you're in need of a study boost, look into professional private or group tutoring for your SAT prep. Professional SAT tutoring can give you the edge you need to get the scores that will unlock your future. 

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