The SAT is only one criterion, and a small but growing number of schools have even made it an optional part of the admissions package. On the other hand, school grades are subjective, and the standardized SAT offers colleges a way to validate records and compare applicants. Excellent SAT scores may inspire a college to take a second look at a student with average grades. So, despite some educators' misgivings, students seek various kinds of preparation help. Some attend classes offered by companies such as Kaplan, Sylvan and Princeton Review.
Students also buy books of practice tests, or use one of several coaching software programs.
According to Ken Hartman of the College Board, which designs the SAT, more than two-thirds of high school seniors have computers at home. Most SAT preparation programs entertain as they instruct. They familiarize students with the test and its questions, while offering concentrated remedial preparation and test-taking strategies. Those strategy pep talks can be extremely helpful, tackling such questions as when is it best to guess, and offering solid advice. Using software, students can control the pace of their instruction.