Scholastic Aptitude Test

    Taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test can be of immense value to any student interested in developing skill in technical fields such as gaining CCNA certification or seeking employment in any specialized field.   Composed of three parts, it is designed to test literacy, problem solving, and communication skills.  Although for most schools taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test is a prerequisite for entry, it would be on one's best interest to check first before deciding whether or not to take the test.  A number of schools feel that as a behavioral study it may be biased racially, ethnically, and economically.  In any case,  achieving a high score on the test can be of immense help in ongoing education and the subsequent quest for employment.  
    Of course the key to such success is to prepare yourself properly, as with any exam.  The tests are given seven times a year and can be retaken, yet with proper preparation one can optimize their performance on the test.  There are various ways one could do this.  There are various on line tools that can be used, ranging from practice tests, to information to study.  There are also many books that can be purchased that achieve the same purpose.  Another method of test prep is a study class so that an instructor can help improve weak areas and reinforce strong ones.  Another way is, of course, software.  There are numerous options available to purchase software that offers tutorials and interactive mock tests that can grade your progress and point out the areas that need improvement.  These can be quite useful as downloads when classes and tutors may be unavailable or hard to reach.
    As mentioned above the SAT test is composed of three parts.  The writing section of the test is composed of an essay as well as multiple choice questions.  This section tests a student's ability to express themselves and support their ideas, as well as proper written communication.  The next section of the test deals with math, given multiple choice questions as well as a few student response questions.  This is the problem solving section of the SAT as questions here range from algebra to data analysis.  Finally, literacy is tested, in the critical reading section.  The ability to read and comprehend quickly is the focus here, with sentence completion questions and a reading section followed by questions to be answered.  
    An important point to remember is that a blank question takes nothing away from the overall score, while an incorrect question may deduct points.  Therefore it is better to leave an answer blank unless you can eliminate most of the multiple choice and make an educated guess.