With February half-over, many Juniors are preparing for their first SAT exam on March 5. 

Emma Aguilar has mixed feelings about taking this test for the first time.

“As a junior, I’m feeling very nervous but also excited,” she explained. “Very nervous because it’s coming so quickly.”

Aguilar recognizes the importance of the preparation process and using all of the resources provided to students. 

“I’m taking advantage of College Board and the SAT practice test that they have on there,” she pointed out. 

Aguilar sees the exam as an opportunity to determine what academic areas are strengths, and what content areas she should focus her attention on.  

“The SAT’s a really great way to gauge at what you know and the knowledge you already have,” she said.  

Since Junior year is the first time students officially take the exam, many of them are aware of the importance. 

“Honestly it’s a little nerve-wracking because a lot is on the line for the SAT,” said Ethan Muñoz (‘26). “It can potentially be the leading factor in whether or not you get accepted into a good college.” 

While the exam can test your knowledge, others feel it doesn’t necessarily showcase their abilities entirely. 

“I think it’s a good base, more or less, to know whether or not a student is honestly willing to put in effort,” said Muñoz. “But I don’t think it should be mandatory because there can be a lot of circumstances that can affect your score, outside of academics,” he added.

Juniors at Shadow Hills can take the SAT voluntarily, but it’s not required.