College: Should I take the SAT?

[diznee25]

I graduated high school almost 6 years ago and never took the SATs. I'm now wanting to attend college.

The college I'm interested in has one of two ways of entering:

1. Show an SAT score of at least 830
OR
2. Take 30 semester credit hours worth of courses while maintaining a 2.0 GPA. (Roughly 10 courses of general subject matters.) This can be completed in 2 semesters. Once completed, I can then start my 4 year degree program.

Tell me which way to go. Opinions wanted! If anyone can share their knowledge on SATs, I'd appreciate it. I don't know where to take the test, how to prepare and study for it, how much it costs, etc. I'm a little worried that since I've been out of HS for 6 years, my knowledge isn't what it use to be. Math is my worst subject! How easy is it to obtain an SAT score of 830?

Thanks to all who reply!
Michelle
I want to earn a Bachelor Degree in Psychology!

 

[TigerBear]

If you haven't taken any college courses, why not give the SAT a shot?

This is my own personal issue but I'll ask anyway: What do you plan to do with a BA in psychology?

Best of luck to you!

 

[Manda1219]

I got a 1210 without studying (and they messed up and made one of my correct answers wrong so i would have gotten more-i marked 1/3 but the one didnt register and they just had /3
anyways, I think it might be worth trying, whats the worst that could happen? Just study up, and get lots of sleep

 

[musicalSaranader]

It sounds like it might be easier to take the SAT's than to take ten classes. I don't know how you can find out where to take the test, maybe contact your local high school. But I can tell you a great way to study for it...www.number2.com. It's free and I found it so helpful the second time I took the SAT's. (The first time, I had a tutor, who was also helpful.) The website really helped me improve my verbal score, which was not my strong point.
Good luck!!

 

[Disney845]

I am currently in college, but had taken both the SAT and ACT in HS.

So the 30 semester hours do not count towards your degree at all? That is NOT the way to go!!! Why pay (and college is VERY expensive, even if you have financial aid, the book costs alone for 10 classes is ridiculous) so much money for something that is not going to count toward your degree??

Go to www.collegeboard.com just about all info you need about how to register for the test, the cost, where and when you can take it will be found there!

Is the score you need a combined score of 830? If so that is a complete breeze, and if you have even a rudimentary knowledge of Math and English, what you remember from HS should get you at least that much on the SAT. If you are really concerned though, there are prep books at bookstores with practice tests, and study guides and skills to use for the test. There are also SAT prep classes you can take.

Good luck.

 

[FreshTressa]

Can you take the SAT and if you don't do well, then take the classes??

And I would think, if you chose carefully, the credits would count towards your degree. Most degrees require a general knowledge portion that includes things like the first two semesters of english and math and science classes. Usually less than 90 of your credits are even in your specific major. So, it wouldn't be a waste of time and money because it seems they would apply.

Either way you go, good luck!!

 

[diznee25]

Wow! Thanks for the quick responses.

This is my own personal issue but I'll ask anyway: What do you plan to do with a BA in psychology?

Personal issue, huh?
For now, I work in the GIS field, (Geography Information Systems), and am satisfied for the time being. After I've completed my BA in psychology, I'll start looking for something relating to that field. (There seem to be many opportunities in counseling positions for people with Bachelor degrees. Counseling such as drug abuse, addition, etc.) Whether I'm counseling or still working the job I am now, at that point I'll continue school and go for my masters in psychology. When starting my Masters, I hope to aim for a specialized field in psychology.
From what I've researched about Majoring in Psychology, a Masters degree is needed to get anywhere. Job opportunities lack for BA holders, so it's not worth it to stop there. Gotta go all the way!

So the 30 semester hours do not count towards your degree at all? That is NOT the way to go!!! Why pay (and college is VERY expensive, even if you have financial aid, the book costs alone for 10 classes is ridiculous) so much money for something that is not going to count toward your degree??

That was going thru my mind as well. These classes will cost extra and they don't even count towards my degree. I just thought if the SATs are really hard, then maybe taking the classes would be easier. But according to most of you, the SAT sounds like it's a breeze! So maybe I'll give it a try.

Everyone:
Thanks for all the information. I'll start looking at these websites and probably go to the bookstore this weekend for study books.

Thanks everyone!
Diznee25

 

[FreshTressa]

So, in your four year psychology degree, there are no general ed requirements needed??

 

[caitycaity]

How easy is it to obtain an SAT score of 830?

in my opinion, very. a perfect score is 1600.

 

[diznee25]

So, in your four year psychology degree, there are no general ed requirements needed??

Yes, my degree, (taken over a 4 year period), does have general class requirements. Math, english, science, etc., which are at college level.

Not taking the SATs, means that I'm not ready for college level courses, and therefore would be forced to take the other option available, completing 10 courses outside of my degree first. Probably high school level courses. Those ten courses would prep me for the general college level classes required for my degree.

But as other posters mentioned, it would be a waste of my time to go that route. Costs more money and time. I'm going to give the SATs a try first.

musicalSaranader: thanks for the website! I've already signed up and am preping for the SATs. English is my best subject and I'm doing well, Math on the other hand.... Oh well, I'll keep at it!

Diznee25

 

[battricia]

Originally posted by diznee25
Yes, my degree, (taken over a 4 year period), does have general class requirements. Math, english, science, etc., which are at college level.

Not taking the SATs, means that I'm not ready for college level courses, and therefore would be forced to take the other option available, completing 10 courses outside of my degree first. Probably high school level courses. Those ten courses would prep me for the general college level classes required for my degree.

But as other posters mentioned, it would be a waste of my time to go that route. Costs more money and time. I'm going to give the SATs a try first.

musicalSaranader: thanks for the website! I've already signed up and am preping for the SATs. English is my best subject and I'm doing well, Math on the other hand.... Oh well, I'll keep at it!

Diznee25

Which college do you plan on going to? Most state colleges allow you to use those credits toward your degree, as someone else said, in gen-ed courses.. If you don't mind saying which college it is, I'd be glad to look over the website and see what it says..

tricia.

 

[ead79]

I would also advise taking the SAT. Of course, test taking is more difficult for some people than for others, and some people have test taking anxiety, but my philosophy is what do you have to lose. If you don't score 830 or better (which you probably will), then you can go the 10 courses route. Good luck pursuing your degree!

 

[Laura]

Yup, taking the SAT sounds like a good choice for you. Taking practice SATs beforehand gets you used to the test format so no surprises when you get there to take the real thing.

 

[TigerBear]

Originally posted by diznee25
From what I've researched about Majoring in Psychology, a Masters degree is needed to get anywhere. Job opportunities lack for BA holders, so it's not worth it to stop there. Gotta go all the way!

I'm glad you are aware of this. To be a psychologist you need a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). With a BA in Psychology there are other fields that you can get a Master's degree in if your goal is to be a therapist (Social Work, Counseling). Job opportunities for someone with a B.A. who wants to work in the mental health field are extremely limited - both in scope and in pay. I wish more universities would emphasize this to their students...that is my issue.

 

[Soccer Princess]

I would try taking the SAT first. An 830 is very easy to get, especially if you take the practice tests. I didn't study at all and my Sophomore year in high school I got a 1180 and my senior year I got a 1310. I think you should be fine, and if not you can always take the classes! Good luck!

 

[bsnyder]

I'd recheck with the college you're hoping to attend, and make sure you're understanding this right. As battrica said, most colleges DO allow those courses to count. Most colleges allow you to enroll as a non-degree seeking student. After you've taken a certain number of hours, they allow you to apply as degree-seeking, and if you're accepted, those prior credits will count.

See if the college counseling center has a program for non-traditional students (those who are older than traditional college age). If so, they will have a lot of information on how you should proceed. Some colleges even award credits for work experience through "life-learning" programs.

After you have all the information at hand, you may still need to take the SAT, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't have to. I'm sure you could do fine, but I wouldn't waste the time or resources if I didn't have to take it.

 

[TigerBear]

Originally posted by diznee25
Not taking the SATs, means that I'm not ready for college level courses, and therefore would be forced to take the other option available, completing 10 courses outside of my degree first. Probably high school level courses. Those ten courses would prep me for the general college level classes required for my degree.

If these courses are not college level (but remedial) I bet you are right that they would not count towards a degree.

 

[DemonLlama]

I teach at a local community college and I have never heard of a requirement to take 30 hours for no credit. Only remedial courses qualify as no credit toward a degree, and I doubt we even have 10 classes of remediation. Be sure to check with your counselor/advisor about this, since if they do count, then you can get your degree plan underway without the hassle or cost of taking the SAT.

 

[diznee25]

The college I'd like to attend is Northwestern State University-Louisiana. Here's a direct quote from their website:


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS 24+ PROGRAM

A student 24 years or older, who has not previously attended a post-secondary institution, may be admitted to the General College without an ACT/SAT score. A GED or high school diploma is required. After successfully completing 30 semester hours with an overall GPA of 2.0, evaluation of the student's record will be made and she/he will be allowed to select a 4-year program for which she/he meets the requirements.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I assume from this statement the 30 semester hours must be completed before entering a 4 year degree program.

Diznee25

 

[DemonLlama]

Our college's wording is similar (for an A.A.), from what I can tell, but for us this means that once you've proven you are a serious student, and are formally admitted to a college (in the University system) and you will be able to to file a degree plan, applying those courses you've already completed to that plan. They would still count in the overall plan of 130+ hours for the B.A. or B.S. once you've "passed the test." Remedial classes (those that can never count toward a degree plan) are a different animal.


I checked the website, and above themention of the non-trasitional students section is the general admission section:

ADMISSION TO THE GENERAL COLLEGE

All students interested in pursuing a four-year degree who have not met the minimum criteria are eligible for admission to the General College and assigned to academic advising. Upon completion of 30 semester credit hours (excluding any developmental courses) with cumulative 2.0 GPA, and completion of any developmental courses with a minimum 2.0 GPA, students will be eligible to enter into 4-year degree programs for which they meet the requirements.



It's very similar to the program you cut and pasted, as far as requirements, and no college would survive requiring tuition for 30 hours of non-credit courses. (For example, you could spend your money at the local community college and transfer in for much less money.) This section also distinguishes between developmental courses and the regular 30 hours. So I think you do NOT have to take the SAT or ACT and can begin your classes that will count as credit after all.