News flash: the SAT is not fun -- but you already knew that.
Taking the test can be really stressful and it can feel like the be-all and end-all of your life and your future. But before you freak out about the SATs, here's a few important things to remember that will put the whole ordeal into perspective.
1. Plenty of people do poorly on the SAT and go on to become hugely successful.
In fact, according to The Millionaire Mind, a whole group of surveyed millionaires scored below a 900 out of 1600. Most of these not-so-SAT-savvy students attributed their success in life to "being able to fight for their goals."
2. Thinking about scores is scary, but it used to be worse.
Students in the past were scored on a five-level scale, where the best score was "excellent." The average score was "Doubtful." Students could even earn a "poor" or "very poor." Ouch.
3. The holidays are almost here. So who cares?
The SAT can't take that away from you.
4. Google (or other future employers) won't care about your score.
In the past, Google asked for job applicants' SAT scores, under the assumption that a person with a higher SAT score would be a better employee. They no longer do, because they found that other factors -- like motivation and independence -- are better predictors of employees' success.
5. And neither will this cow.
He is not moo-oved by any of this.
6. Approximately 800 colleges in America won't require you to send your score.
About 800 colleges in America are "test-optional," according to USA Today. That includes some top tier colleges like Bowdoin College, American University and Wesleyan University.
7. Wait, really?
He's like, "Then why so stressed, human?"
8. Your high school grades are probably a better indication of your future success in college, anyway.
Take that, College Board!
9. Your score doesn't measure what makes you uniquely talented.
Standardized testing can't judge your character, your talents, your determination, your curiosity. Basically, everything that makes you you.
10. Or your ability to think outside the box.
The SAT also can't judge your creativity. That's kind of a big deal.
11. So, remember, the bubbles you fill with that No. 2 pencil do not represent you.
Besides, literally, who still uses pencils anyway? They're like, old.
12. And, if after all this, the upcoming test still makes you want to hide...
Remember, it's only three hours and 45 minutes of your life.
13. So look on the bright side: You could be taking the College Board exam back in 1925.
Epilepsy is to carpenter as stuttering is to: 1) tongue; 2) minister; 3) cure; 4) stammering; 5) fluttering.
Literally... WHAT?!
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Before You Go
Its interesting model hasn't gone unnoticed. In October 2013, President Obama spoke at the school. "You guys have opportunities here that you don't find in most high schools yet. ... You'll be in demand," he said.
The school gained notoriety in the 1980s as the inspiration for the movie "Fame." Notable alums include Jennifer Aniston, Al Pacino and Liza Minnelli.
Principal William Hook told NPR in 2008 that he thinks the school prepares students for both college and the workplace. "You'll have students out sixth period in pre-calculus class, and then in seventh period they're out laying sod. I think that they learn just as much from doing either one of those things," he said.
There are several other schools that focus on agriscience around the country, including Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences in Philadelphia and Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole, Massachusetts.
Per The New York Times, VSSA is the only public winter sports school in the U.S., and it counts Olympians and members of the U.S. Ski Team among its student body.
The picture above shows Lindsey Vonn, of the U.S. ski team, with Vail student Parker McDonald in 2011 after Vonn escorted McDonald to prom.
