While teachers and administrators are supportive of the new SAT, it's the students who have to sit down and take the test.

"The SAT is overrated. It is not a very good overview because it doesn't tell you what a person is like. Colleges should look at other things like what courses you are taking and your attendance," Auburn High School junior Amanda Kazanivsky said.

"Plus the material is not something you can study for; it is information you kind of have to pick up as you go along."

In speaking with a group of AHS juniors, the consensus was there was little that could be done to prepare for such a test.

Each of the students has taken the PSAT's and is now preparing to enroll in prep courses, but they all agreed the best way to get ready for the test is to familiarize themselves with the format.

"With the math section, you can at least study somewhat because you need to know formulas and concepts, but with the English, you have no idea what kind of questions they are going to ask," Katrina Rigby said.

"I think the hardest part is being timed. That and the writing section."

All of the students agreed the SAT is important and carries a great deal of weight, though their idea on where that weight should be placed seemed to vary.

"Your SAT scores are important to a lot of schools, but they are also really important scholarship-wise," Maureen Key said.

"That is the main reason I am taking them, so that I can get a good scholarship."

Jessica Pattington feels the SAT carries too much significance.

"I think it is outrageous that colleges put so much pressure on the SAT. You can't even send out your college applications until you have your scores," Pattington said. "Getting into a school should not just be about what you got on the ACT or SAT.

"Plus, we have so many other things to do this year we cannot just focus on this test."

Overall, students seemed more concerned with their Regents exams than the upcoming test. New standards or not, the group felt they would be ready to take the test come March 12.

"I'm worried about the new test, but I think it is going to be harder for everyone, so it won't really affect my chances of getting into a school." Matt Valvo said.

Staff writer Ashley Lipsky can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 235 or

e-mail ashley.lipsky@lee.net