Often high school students obsess over the SATs; many students view them as daunting and time consuming, not to mention the fact that having a bad test could result in rejection from a dream college.

  The SATs, or Student Aptitude Tests, are a major factor for colleges to decide whether or not a student will be admitted.

  Senior Sara Cerreta, who has been admitted to Pennsylvania University, believes colleges really care about a person’s scores.

  “The SATs are so important to colleges,” said Cerreta.  “They show the people there how important college is to…[a student].”

  Indeed, good scores do not just represent intelligence, but a determination to be accepted into college.  Those who have the willpower to work hard and prepare for the tests have shown the capability to work hard after high school as well.

  However, some students did not feel the need to study for this large test.  Senior Zach Shelley did not take courses or use practice booklets to get ready.

   “If you do well on the ACTs, it isn’t a big deal,” Shelley said.  “Otherwise, they can set [a student] apart.”

  Contrary to Zach’s opinion, SAT’s are a big deal.  The average college calls for a score of 1500 on the SAT, and more selective schools would not even consider someone with that score.  More preparation means a better chance to get into college, no matter what grades a student gets.

  Nevertheless, high schoolers need to be relaxed about their tests.  While they are important, it does not help anyone to be stressed.  Guidance counselor Ruth Lawrence believes Susquehannock students are well equipped to take the SATs.

  “In the classroom, they do quite a bit to prepare, and our SAT scores reflect that,” said Lawrence.  “We try to get students to relax and not be so nervous.”

  No matter what, it is time to take the SATs seriously.  Everyone should study like it is a job, because some day it could result in one.