Detail SAT Reasoning Information

SAT Reasoning tests not only your reasoning ability but also your ability to solve mathematics problems.

There are three main components for SAT.

1. Critical Reasoning ( verbal section)
2. Writing ( Multiple choices + an Essay )
3. Mathematics ( various concepts especially algebra, geometry )

There are 10 sections on SAT Reasoning tests.

The first section is essay section and other sections will appear in random order.

There is an experimental section which could be a math or critical reasoning section.

Don’t worry. You should answer all sections as best as you can.

REMEMBER. Try hard.

1. Critical Reasoning

 Critical Reasoning section usually the hardest section for Myanmar students as we are not native speakers. However, you can get high score on this section if you prepare well enough.

• Started to learn for the words that you don’t know.
• Practice to read the passage in a timely fashion and answer the questions.
• Don’t try to remember the passage.
• Time is the most important factor for this section.
• As vocabulary is crucial, learn the words as possible as you can.
• Practice with many SAT prep books.
• Try to sit for practice tests as many as you can.
• Learn from your errors.
• If you can’t answer a question, don’t guess. Just jump to another question.
• If you don’t understand a question, ask your teacher to explain it.
• Don’t waste time.
• Don’t be shy.
• Don’t be lazy.

2. Writing Component

            This section includes multiple choices and an essay. Multiple choices test your knowledge in grammar. If you did well on TOEFL, this will help you a lot for your SAT exam too. For essay, this will be a harder topic than TOEFL.

• Take many practice exams.
• Learn from your mistakes and find out why you made that mistake.
• Be careful not to make the same mistake again.
• For essay, read the topic carefully.
• Write many essays on various topics from books.
• Read them and think how you can improve them.
• Read other people’s essays and discuss with them.
• Don’t worry if your teacher doesn’t give you a high score on your essay.
• Aim to get higher score next time.

Mathematics Section

Relax. This section is easier than other sections. Most Myanmar students got a high score on this section as math is our favorite subject. This section covers a wide range of topics, usually includes the courses we taught through our high schools. You should use a calculator.

• Work out every practice tests and exercises.
• If you make a mistake, learn the theories and examples.
• If you don’t understand how to work out a problem, ask your teacher.
• Ask him/her to explain the steps.
• Practice many tests with your friends.
• Buy a calculator if you don’t have one.
• My teacher recommends using CASIO ( fx-991MS).
• Get used to using your calculator for the real exam. Don’t use the new one on your test day. Use the one you familiar.
• Share the ideas and work together.
• You will surely get a high score.

1. FIRST, you must prepare.

• You should create an account at collegeboard.com
  • In US, people usually have first name, middle name and last name (family name).
  • Think how you will arrange your name.
  • For example, July Moe Zaw.
  • If she choose July as first name, Moe as middle name and Zaw as last name. Her name will be appeared as Zaw July on her ticket. It’s Ok. But she should have to write her middle Moe when she takes the exam.
  • Now, it is the time to think of your name how you will arrange it. Remember the order of the name too.
  • You will use your account for registration too.
  • Use your real name to open the account. NO NICK NAME PLEASE.

• You can prepare and get information on that site.
• Self study or taking tuition.
• Both are good. Besides taking tuition, you should practice on your own.
• Here are the lists of classes you can take to prepare SAT. ( SAT classes)
• Become a member at ICE youth library where you can borrow many NEW SAT books.
• Don’t forget to practice at Self Access Center at American Center to get a higher score.
• Take the practice tests in real test condition.

2. SECOND, you must register.

• When you decide to sit for the exam, you must register.
• You should register at least a month to ensure your place for the exam.
• There is only one test center in Myanmar. (International School, Yangon)
• You can check the test dates at www. Collegeboard.com
• There is no test date in March or April for Myanmar expect in US.
• Many registration services are now available to register SAT in Myanmar. Here’s the list (SAT registration services)
• The registration fee will cost USD$62.5 for college board; however, you must also pay extra fee for the agents or services that make the registration for you.
• You should/must get the printed out email confirmation from collegeboard by asking the registration services.  This is your admission ticket too.

Advices for Registration

Ø      Service charge will be varied with the agents.

Ø      Discuss with the friends and phone many agents.

Ø      Choose the best.

Ø      Don’t forget to collect the email confirmation you should get after completing the registration.

THIRD, before the real test day

You must bring the following things to the test center with you.

1. Admission ticket or printed out Email
2. sharp several no.2 pencils
3. an eraser and an sharpener
4. a calculator with fresh batteries
5. NRC or National Registration Card for identification

You should also do the following things too.

6. Wear appropriate clothes.
7. As temperature in test rooms are always colder than outside, bring a jacket or coat along with you if you can’t stand a cold condition.
8. Bring some snacks or foods so that you can consume in your 5 minute break.
9. Bring a water bottle too.

You should go to the test center earlier if you want to avoid unnecessary delays.

Visit the test center ahead of test day if you have not been to the test center before.

International School Yangon (20, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Township, Yangon)

FOURTH, after the test

• Your score will be announced on on-line at College board site after three weeks.
• You can view your score using your account.
• If you don’t satisfy with your score, prepare to sit for next time.
• Usually, two times is enough for SAT.
• Don’t take the test more than two times.

For me, I took SAT Reasoning test twice. Fortunately, I could boost my score on my second attempt.

DETAIL SAT Subject Tests

There are many subjects on SAT II. Most colleges required to take at least two subjects. Some colleges do not require SAT subject scores. It is recommended taking subject tests if you intend to apply for scholarships or financial aids. You can take whatever you think you can get a high score. Most Myanmar students take three subject tests among Math, Chemistry, Physics and Biology. However, you can show your abilities by taking language subjects too. There is no limit in taking subject tests. You can take as many subjects as you desire. Choose only the subjects in which you can do the best.

Recommend general selections for taking test.

For Engineering major,

Math L2, Physics and Chemistry

For Pre med or fields related with Medicine,

Chemistry, Biology and Math L2 or Physics

For Business related fields,

Math L2, Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Above combinations are just general examples. Please go and search the college’s website for the minimum requirements about your interested major. College’s requirements are varied with schools. Don’t forget this advice.

For me, I chose to take Math L2, Physics and Chemistry.

Math L2

This covers a wide range of topics than SAT I. Trigonometry is included in Math L2. This subject is harder than those problems in SAT I.

I took the class of Math L2 at U Thaung Htut’s tuition.

Chemistry

If you do good work with your matriculation level chemistry course, you will definitely be comfortable with SAT II chemistry. Knowledge related with lab experiences is also included. It is recommended to start study Chemistry books in advance of real test date. You should familiar with tons of equations.

Physics

If you love physics, this subject will enhance your knowledge and interest. You will love the problems and concepts of theories. Discuss the problems with the teacher if you don’t understand the concept. Work out the problems and learn the equations. Many Myanmar students get perfect score or above 700.

I attended my Physics class at U Thein Swe’s tuition.

His lectures are not only interesting but also fun too; however those classes took about 6 to 7 months.

Important information for SAT subject tests

• The registration, preparation and steps for before the test and after the test are as same as steps in SAT reasoning test.
• When taking SAT Subject test, you will be given a test book with many pages which include questions for all subjects.
• Ask the examiners if you don’t understand how to fill the information on the answer sheet.
• Don’t make mistakes in filling the data.
• If you are planning to take three subjects, you can choose the order of how will you take the exam.
• For example,

Ø      You can choose Physics to take first, Math as second and Chemistry as third or

Ø      Chemistry as first, Physics as second and Math as third.

• Choose the order that you can comfortable with.

·        You can only use Calculator when you are taking Mathematics section.

·        You will not be allowed to use calculator during other subject tests.