The Personal Statement What We Look For COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

The Personal Statement What We Look For COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog The personal statement is a common source of anxiety for applicants. We understand it can be difficult to articulate your past experiences, policy-related passions, professional goals, and how SIPA can help you achieve them in just 400 words. In this blog post, we’ll be anonymously reviewing two essays to give you some insight into how we think and hopefully help relieve some of that anxiety. Prompt: Please elaborate on why you have chosen to apply to the MIA/MPA program. How will this program enable you to achieve your career goals? Describe your academic and research interests and career objectives. Applicant 1: This essay starts out with a personal anecdote about international travel. The first paragraph definitely grabs my attention, but the applicant loses me in the next paragraph by turning this into a creative writing exercise. It would have been far more effective to grab my attention with the first paragraph, and then immediately start telling me about their background, goals, and how SIPA fits into that beginning with the second paragraph. There is very limited space, so spending so much time telling a story is not the most effective. The next two paragraphs continue to tell stories about international experiences with little substantive detail and a lot of platitudes. Now in the fifth paragraph we finally seem to be getting somewhere. The applicant describes a professional experience, but this time they are more specific about their goals and what they accomplished. The applicant concludes with only 3 sentences about Columbia and graduate school. This is the first time in the essay where I’m reading about how graduate school fits into their career, and it is very vague. This essay could be used for any school, and there is no detail about why this applicant wants to attend SIPA specifically. There is also no detail about the applicant’s professional goals. The applicant simply tells us that they want to work in the foreign service. SIPA is a professional program and we want our applicants to have a clear, detailed understanding of how SIPA will benefit them in their potential career. It’s vital that applicants demonstrate that they’ve thought this through. Tell us very specifically what you want to do and what you hope to accomplish. The foreign service is very broad; the applicant does not even specify if they mean the U.S. foreign service. Tell us what region of the world or functional issue you hope to focus on and why you are passionate about it. If there are specific offices, embassies, or departments you’d want to work in, tell us that. The more detail you provide the more confident we are that you’ve thought through your path following SIPA. Overall, this essay was not very effective because it told me almost nothing about the applicant and was not at all tailored to SIPA or even Columbia. Most importantly, the applicant does not answer the questions in the prompt. Applicant 2: This applicant begins their essay by stating their policy-related passion and how a degree from SIPA fits into that. This is a strong and direct opening. In the next paragraph, the applicant explains the origin of this passion by describing the influence of their past experiences. They even briefly summarize the impacts of certain policies on this issue. They end the paragraph by stating their specific goals as it relates to this policy issue. I can sense the applicant’s passion. By the third paragraph, the applicant is specifically articulating why SIPA is the right fit for them. The applicant mentions specific concentrations, specializations, and other aspects of the program that are unique.  This statement was clearly written for SIPA. The applicant even manages to slip in a mention of a specific professional accomplishment that is applicable to the program without simply repeating the information on their resume. The applicant concludes with one sentence summarizing their interests and professional experience. Overall, this essay effectively articulates the applicant’s passion for international affairs and public policy. It also answers the prompt and clearly demonstrates that the applicant has considered how SIPA fits into their goals. However, the essay is not specific about the mechanisms through which the applicant will achieve those goals. They do not describe their ideal career path with any specificity. The admissions committee does not expect that every applicant will have a perfect idea of what they want to do after SIPA, but they do want to see that you’ve thought about it and can articulate a specific potential career path. We want to ensure that you have enough of an idea to be able to spend your limited time at SIPA in the most beneficial way possible. In short, ensure your personal statement clearly answers every question in the prompt, is specific to SIPA, and relates your personal story in a way that is relevant. Hopefully this will help you as you write (and revise!) your personal statement prior to our Fall 2020 deadlines. For more tips, we encourage you to read our other blog posts on What’s in an App: Personal Statement and How NOT to write your personal statement.

Animal Testing Should Not Be Banned - 1357 Words

Every year, a multitude of animals of all different shapes, sizes, and species are taken from their homes. These animals are subjected to animal testing, the use of animals in order to gain control over the variables that affect our bodies behavior. People are taking these animals from their homes to research and study things that could easily be tested using alternate methods. So a very important question stands, why do corporations continue to test on animals? Due to its unethical nature, animal testing should no longer be practiced anywhere in the world. The harsh reality of the pain caused during animal testing is quite hard for some people to bare. Animal testing’s barbaric methods lead to extreme pain for the animals, whether the pain is mental or physical. For example, a large majority of the intelligent animals subjected to animal testing display the same behavioral signs that a tortured human being exhibits (Goodman). These intelligent animals suffer from severe anxiety, depression, hair loss and other physical and mental illnesses and engage in self-destructive behavior such as biting themselves and pulling out their own hair (Goodman). This is due to the emotional and physical trauma that is induced. Martin Wasserman, former Maryland secretary of Health and Hygiene wrote, â€Å"Animals used in chemical testing- always alive and fully conscious- are never given pain relief. They’re scalded by chemicals on their skin and eyes, shoved into tubes no larger thanShow MoreRelatedShould Animal Testing Be Banned?8 44 Words   |  3 PagesShould animal testing be banned? Nowadays, a lot of animals has been tested on a range of experiments over the world. You could be supporting animal teasing cruelty without knowing it. Have you ever check if there’s animal testing on the cosmetics before you buy it? Today, a lot of cosmetics has been testing on helpless animals and there are about 1.4 million animals die each year from animal testing ( CatalanoJ, 1994). Most of the experiments that are completed in the laboratories are very cruelRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Be Banned880 Words   |  4 Pagesdepending on animals testing. Therefore, if people talk about laboratories, they should remember animal experiments. Those animals have the right to live, according to people who dislike the idea of doing testing on animals; the other opinion, supports the idea of animal testing as the important part of the source of what has reached medicine of the results and solutions for diseases prevalent in every time and place. Each year huge numbers of animals a re sacrificed for the science all these animals, whetherRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Be Banned776 Words   |  4 PagesAnimal Testing Should be Banned  ¨Over 100 million animals are burned, crippled, poisioned and abused in US labs every year ¨ ( ¨11 Facts About Animal Testing ¨). Imagine if that was someones animal getting tortured in labs just to test things such as beauty products and perfume. Animal testing was first suggested when,  ¨Charles Darwin evolutionary theory in the mid 1850s also served to suggest that animals could serve as effective models to facilitate biological understanding in humans ¨ (Murnaghan)Read MoreAnimal Testing Should Not Be Banned940 Words   |  4 Pages1). Over 100 million animals are burned, crippled, poisoned, and abused in US labs every year. 2). 92% of experimental drugs that are safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials. (DoSomething â€Å"11 Facts About Animal Testing†). There are currently no laws combating the testing of cosmetics on animals, but the practice is harmful and must be ended. As evidenced by the statistics above, millions of animals are tortured and murdered in the United States every year for virtually no reasonRead MoreShould Animal Testing Be Banned?1665 Words   |  7 PagesTesting Cosmetics on Animals Companies around the world use animals to test cosmetics. Animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and mice, are used to test the effects of chemicals on the eyes and skin. While animal testing is not mandatory, many companies use it. About Cosmetics Animal Testing by the Humane Society International talks about the different options companies have that do not require the cruel use and eventual death of animals. The article also talks about the overallRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Not Be Banned1572 Words   |  7 PagesAnimal Testing Every year, over two hundred million innocent animals are injured or killed in scientific experiments across the world. Of those animals, between seventeen and twenty million are used in the United States alone. It is said that an animal dies in a laboratory every three seconds (Animal Testing 101). Those in favor of animal experimentation say they are taking animals’ lives to save humans. It is not necessary to subject animals to torturous conditions or painful experiments in theRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Not Be Banned1581 Words   |  7 PagesAnimal testing is being used by different organizations all over the world to prevent specific diseases, especially cancer. Americans see animal testing having a harmful effect but it is one of the main reasons why society has most cures for some illnesses. This topic is important because people need to know what goes on during animal testing and why it is very beneficial. Animal testing needs to be used to find all cures. Some ani mals such as chimps/ monkeys have 90% of the same DNA humans haveRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Not Be Banned1721 Words   |  7 Pages † Today, more animals are being used in experiments than ever before: around 100 million in the United States alone† (3). Animal testing is now an international issue, and it is becoming a major story. Currently, animals are often used in medical testing, make-up testing, and other consumer product testing. Animals used in such product testing are often abused and suffer from serious side-effects. Animal testing can be painful for the animals, testing results are usually not even useable forRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Be Banned1364 Words   |  6 Pagesbenefit. Using animals for these experimentations usually does not come to mind. Animals are often abused, suffer, and even die during laboratory testing for the benefits of people to make sure medications, household products, newest procedures, and cosmetics are safe and effective for human use. Humans have benefited from animal testing for years while these animals suffer consequences with no positive outcomes for themselves. Even if a product or procedure is deemed successful, these animals are frequentlyRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Be Banned Essay1632 Words   |  7 Pages Animal Testing Should Be Banned Throughout the decades, animals have been used in medical research to test the safety of cosmetics including makeup, hair products, soaps, perfume, and countless of other products. Animals have also been used to test antibiotics and other medicines to eliminate any potential risks that they could cause to humans. The number of animals worldwide that are used in laboratory experiments yearly exceeds 115 million animals. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of

The Idiots Handbook to Propaganda Essay Topics

The Idiot's Handbook to Propaganda Essay Topics Stories of the jungle are a few of the most entertaining stories that were written over recent years. When instructed to compose compositions on the book, there are many topics which students may explore. Books ought never to be banned. The book has a lot of minor characters. Students ought to be permitted to pray in school. They are likely to get a prompt on how to write their essay. Parents should speak to kids about drugs at a youthful age. Parents of bullies should need to pay a fine. People were and are still discussing the movies. Life is much better than it was 50 decades ago. Experts suggest to compose the essay in the very first individual. Home schooling is crucial. The Fundamentals of Propaganda Essay Topics Revealed Folks develop all of the time as life is continuously changing, so in order to programme yourself to how you wish to change is a critical and acute ability which you can learn how to do with self-hypnosis. Yearly driving tests ought to be mandatory over a particular age. Because people are somewhat more prone to suggestion in trance, behavioural change can occur easily and speedily. Positive suggestions and mental exploration can be utilized in a trance to assist a person move forward in whatever direction is suitable for them. The greatest task we're dealing with is finding a skilled body of workers. The urge to seek out the truth isn't there if one is unaware that there's an untruth to start with. Our duty is to help you become prepared and place on an actual show that will impress the audience and your professor. The most important mission is to convince your listeners your point is the sole right even if it's not. One of the most frequent mistakes accomplished by students is an effort to make up information and present it as facts. At length, an Austrian poster demonstrates how a youngster is putting in money for the war. While planning how to present the story, students may need to make few changes to the specifics of a real event only to create the story more appealing. In the long run, a student will have planned notes to utilize in creating a paper. A persuasive speech resembles a difficult challenge for many students. You have to keep in mind that the thesis statement is usually a kind of introduction to the assigned subject issue. Essay writing is definitely thought to be part of academic life and essay writing demands certain abilities or the region of the writer. In school, it is been made to be a part of our learning activity. In the corporate world, 1 sort of propaganda is an easy testimonial. While it's true that lots of the techniques related to propaganda are also utilized in the tradition of advertising or public relations, the expression propaganda is usually applied to efforts to promote a specific political viewpoint. The fourth sort of propaganda tactics that is used is repetition. To accomplish the propagandist's intent, there are many types and techniques employed. Utilizing propaganda to manipulate the masses isn't a new phenomenon. There's a whole lot of propaganda on the internet, and in print and TV advertisements on treatments out there for diseases and the aches and pains related to the aging procedure. Your duty is to convince prospective buyers they need your goods. So, Weasel word technique has been made by Pepsi to entice the consumers. When you've identified the topic and fashion our writers are able to help you shape your propaganda essay for a fantastic price. There are many different ways of writing an essay but the fundamental structure stays the same. There are various kinds of propaganda essays. In the same way as any other essay, the narrative essay should begin with choosing an appropriate topic. Otherwise, sponsors might not be in a position to quantify their funding in music that's outside the mainstream. The speeches he has addressed contain several means of persuasion also called propaganda. A vast selection of topics could possibly be raised to create an outstanding essay on propaganda.

Vietnam A Three-Day Tour Free Essays

Among many beautiful places in the East, Vietnam is one of the must-see countries. Setting foot in this country provides an unforgettable experience. The historic temples, serene beaches, and peaceful countryside are what tourists find most enigmatic. We will write a custom essay sample on Vietnam: A Three-Day Tour or any similar topic only for you Order Now Even the overly populated markets in the country provide travelers with an unforgettable and exciting experience. The sceneries and warmth of the people provide visitors a taste of the local culture and a perception of Asians in general. Vietnam is located in the Southeast Asia, bordering the Gulfs of Thailand and Tonkin, and South China Sea. It is alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia, and very near Thailand so tourists can easily find trips to neighboring countries after enjoying their tour of Vietnam. At present, Vietnam’s population has grown to almost 85 million in 2008 (Population Council). Most people associate Vietnam with wars possibly due to films that feature the Vietnam War. However, Vietnam is more than what we see in films. Contrary to the what others believe regarding the Viet Kong, Vietnamese are peace-loving and warm-hearted people. They are called Vietnamese, which is similar to the official language. There are around 50 tribes which include the Kinh (also known as Viet) who make up the majority of the population, the Tay, Thai, Muong, Khome, Hoa, Nun, Hmong, and others. Aside from the Vietnamese language, English is becoming a popular language especially among the younger people. Some can speak French, Chinese, and Kmer while dialects among the natives in the mountain areas include Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian. When planning to visit Vietnam, most visitors need to apply for a tourist visa in advance. Vietnamese visa is inexpensive at the rate of USD 40-80 when applying directly to the Embassy. Another way to apply for visa is upon arrival in Hanoi, but this requires a pre-arranged application with the Hanoi Immigration Department. To do away from the hassles, it is recommended to obtain visa a week or two before the trip. Throughout the country the average temperature is between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius. During summer, the average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius. Rainy season starts from May and it ends in October. At its peak, some lowlands are affected by flood, so it is best to visit either in summer or autumn. If one wants to witness the rich culture of the Vietnamese, the best time is during the traditional Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year). Tet is a week long festival and is the most important festival of the year usually every last week or January or early February. As expected, prices during this time are raised radically, and most of the locals are on holiday so business is typically paralyzed, with some hotels, transportation companies and restaurants closed down. Therefore, those who prefer to travel around this period should have a well-organized trip with a tourist company. Otherwise, it will be difficult to go around without a good companion. When making a short visit to Vietnam, visitors have at least three choices. For those who love the city, the best place to go is Ho Chi Minh (formerly known as Saigon). There, one will experience Asian nightlife at its best. Those who are after relaxation and peace must see Hanoi and Halong Bay; while those who are after adventure and exploring nature should try Sapa and Mekong Delta River. How to cite Vietnam: A Three-Day Tour, Papers

Manufacturing gold jewellery Essay Example

Manufacturing gold jewellery Essay The states rich tradition of manufacturing gold jewellery dates back to several centuries. Some of the popular traditional Assamese jewellery include earrings with exquisite Lokaparo, Keru, Thuriya, Jangphai, Long Keru, Sona or Makori; an array of necklaces including Golpata, Satsori, Jon biri, Bena, Gejera, Dhol biri, Doog doogi, Biri Moni, Mukuta Moni, Poalmoni, Silikha Moni and Magardana, and diversified rings including Senpata, Horinsakua, Jethinejia, bakharpata and others. Some designs are exclusively found in this region only. The jewellery is typically hand-made, and the designs mostly depict floral and faunal treasures of the region. Traditional designs of Assamese jewelleries are simple but decorated with vibrant red gemstone, ruby or mina. Black, red and green colours on gold jewellries are most favourites among the buyers; these colours also dominate the traditional dresses of tribes and communities of the northeastern states. Some designs of traditional Assamese ornaments are directly derived from the elements of tribal culture. These designs and motifs sometimes have found space in these ornaments directly, and sometimes by blending. The Jangphai Keru and Gamkharu for example, were originally tribal ornaments. Lokaparo, which is an ornament with two sets of twin pigeons placed back to back in gold, mina or ruby was originally worn by high profile male dignitaries of the royal Ahom dynasty. We will write a custom essay sample on Manufacturing gold jewellery specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Manufacturing gold jewellery specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Manufacturing gold jewellery specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Gamkharu, a pair of gold bangle, originally used by male only, now has formed an essential ornament of the Bihu dance costume of girls. References to traditional Assamese ornaments date back to the time of Mahabharata at least. During the seventh century, Bhaskarvarma, the King of Barman dynasty of Kamrupa or ancient  assam, had sent a handsome quantity of Assamese ornaments along with other valuable gifts to king Harsavardhana, the great Indian emperor. Bhaskarvarma inherited some of these ornaments from his predecessor Bhagadatta, who fought on the plains at Kurukshetra. The manufacture of gold ornaments, as well as gold-washing flourished in medieval Assam during the reign of the Ahom dynasty. Gold dust was abundantly found in the sands of different rivers of the state, but mainly from the river Subansiri, one of the major tributaries of the Brahmaputra. During the rule of the Ahom Kings, gold-washing on the banks of the Subansiri (meaning: flow of gold) was a major profession of the Sonowal Kacharis. Jorhat and Sonari in Upper Assam, Nagaon in central Assam and Barpeta in lower Assam have been major hubs of manufacturing of Assamese jewelleries throughout the centuries. The jewellers are called sonari in Assamese language. Their technique of making jewellery bears resemblances to the traditions of South East Asia, much more than to other nearby parts of India itself. There are also similarities with the Kundan jewellery art of  rajasthan. During 1853, there were four gold-washing mahals in the state. Manufacturing gold jewellery Essay Example Manufacturing gold jewellery Essay The states rich tradition of manufacturing gold jewellery dates back to several centuries. Some of the popular traditional Assamese jewellery include earrings with exquisite Lokaparo, Keru, Thuriya, Jangphai, Long Keru, Sona or Makori; an array of necklaces including Golpata, Satsori, Jon biri, Bena, Gejera, Dhol biri, Doog doogi, Biri Moni, Mukuta Moni, Poalmoni, Silikha Moni and Magardana, and diversified rings including Senpata, Horinsakua, Jethinejia, bakharpata and others.Some designs are exclusively found in this region only. The jewellery is typically hand-made, and the designs mostly depict floral and faunal treasures of the region. Traditional designs of Assamese jewelleries are simple but decorated with vibrant red gemstone, ruby or mina. Black, red and green colours on gold jewellries are most favourites among the buyers; these colours also dominate the traditional dresses of tribes and communities of the northeastern states.Some designs of traditional Assamese ornaments are directly derived from the elements of tribal culture. These designs and motifs sometimes have found space in these ornaments directly, and sometimes by blending. The Jangphai Keru and Gamkharu for example, were originally tribal ornaments. Lokaparo, which is an ornament with two sets of twin pigeons placed back to back in gold, mina or ruby was originally worn by high profile male dignitaries of the royal Ahom dynasty.Gamkharu, a pair of gold bangle, originally used by male only, now has formed an essential ornament of the Bihu d ance costume of girls. References to traditional Assamese ornaments date back to the time of Mahabharata at least. During the seventh century, Bhaskarvarma, the King of Barman dynasty of Kamrupa or ancient assam, had sent a handsome quantity of Assamese ornaments along with other valuable gifts to king Harsavardhana, the great Indian emperor.Bhaskarvarma inherited some of these ornaments from his predecessor Bhagadatta, who fought on the plains at Kurukshetra. The manufacture of gold ornaments, as well as gold-washing flourished in medieval Assam during the reign of the Ahom dynasty. Gold dust was abundantly found in the sands of different rivers of the state, but mainly from the river Subansiri, one of the major tributaries of the Brahmaputra. During the rule of the Ahom Kings, gold-washing on the banks of the Subansiri (meaning: flow of gold) was a major profession of the Sonowal Kacharis.Jorhat and Sonari in Upper Assam, Nagaon in central Assam and Barpeta in lower Assam have bee n major hubs of manufacturing of Assamese jewelleries throughout the centuries. The jewellers are called sonari in Assamese language. Their technique of making jewellery bears resemblances to the traditions of South East Asia, much more than to other nearby parts of India itself. There are also similarities with the Kundan jewellery art of rajasthan. During 1853, there were four gold-washing mahals in the state. We will write a custom essay sample on Manufacturing gold jewellery specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Manufacturing gold jewellery specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Manufacturing gold jewellery specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Case Study Essay Example

Case Study Essay Example Case Study Essay Case Study Essay Mrs. X, a sedentary 45 year old, is 64† tall, weighs 165. 5lbs and has a waist circumference of 37†. At a recent routine checkup with her physician her blood pressure was measured at 135/85mmHg and her blood tests were normal. Regardless, her doctor has suggested she make some changes to her lifestyle to try and reverse the deterioration in her health he has observed since her last visit. 1. Outline her risk factors that the doctor was concerned about. Is anyone risk factor more prominent or problematic than the others? A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chances of developing a disease. In this case with Mrs. X, her risk factors are her weight, waist circumference and blood pressure. Her weight and height puts her at a body mass index (BMI) at 28. 4 kg/m2, which is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Also women are at increased relative risk if they have a waist circumference greater than 35 inches, in Mrs. X’s case she is 2 inches over the standard. As well as her blood pressure reading of 135/85mmHG, puts her on the verge of being hypertensive. Although all the risk factors are important to note, I believe that the Mrs. Content of the report 1 . Title page (Students name, ID and Section) 2. Table of contents 3. The answers to the questions 4. List of References and Appendices (articles/ paper cuttings/any hardcopy of the references) d. Plagiarism Plagiarism or any other form or cheating will not be tolerated. Your report should consist of your discussion of the topic and not a copy-paste version of the summary from the internet. If a group is deemed to be guilty of plagiarism or cheating, no marks will be given to the group. Such conduct obviously constitutes unethical behavior.

Smart Famous People and Their SAT Scores

Smart Famous People and Their SAT Scores SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you are taking the SAT, you are definitely not alone! While colleges use SAT scores as an indicator of smarts and aptitude for college, smart people do not always perform well on the SAT test. In this article, I will share the SAT scores of some reputedly smart people, former and current Presidents, CEOs, authors, etc. Hopefully, their scores will make you feel proud of your own! SAT Scores of Smart People At PrepScholar, we've gathered a complete list of smart people’s SAT scores. We found theirscores in past interviews or through investigative research.You will see their scores are widespread: Smart Person Known For SAT Score (out of 1600) Alma Mater Paul Allen Co-founder of Microsoft 1600 Washington State University Bill Gates Co-founder of Microsoft 1590 Harvard Ben Bernanke Economist / Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve 1590 Harvard Bill O'Reilly Political Commentator 1585 Marist College Rush Limbaugh Political Commentator 1530 Southeast Missouri State University Scott McNealy Businessman / Co-founder ofSun Microsystems 1420 Stanford Al Gore 45th Vice President of the United States, under President Bill Clinton 1355 Harvard Meredith Vieira Television Host 1300s Tufts University Stephen King Author 1300s University of Maine George W. Bush 43rd President of the United States 1206 Yale John Kerry Current Secretary of State 1190 Yale Amy Tan Author 1100s Linfield College, San Josà © State University Bill Clinton 42nd President of the United States 1032 Georgetown Al Franken US Senator / Former SNL Comedian 1020 Harvard Howard Stern Radio and TV Personality 870 Boston University All of these people took the SAT, but others took the ACT, and we converted their ACT scores to the SAT scale: Smart Person Known For ACT Score SAT Conversion (out of 1600) Alma Mater Sonia Sotomayor Associate Justice of the Supreme Court 35 1560 Princeton Steve Jobs Co-founder of Apple 32 1420 Reed College Barack Obama 44th and current President of the United States 30 1340 Columbia University Lyndon B. Johnson 36th President of the United States 26 1190 Texas State University William Faulkner Author 18 870 University of Mississippi Obviously, you do not need to score well on the SAT to succeed in life or to be considered "smart".However, if you score well on the SAT, you will have the opportunity to attend better colleges and will be afforded more post-collegiate job opportunities.So even though the SAT may not be an indicator of smarts or success, you should still try to get the highest score possible. Be as cool as this guy! (and hopefully as rich) How can you improve your own SAT Score? Study the test format Make sure you know the test format cold.Be aware that there are changes coming to the SAT, the new SAT will start in the spring of 2016.To learn the test, check out our other free resources: how long is the SAT, how is the SAT scored, and how to get a perfect SAT score from a full 2400 scorer. Practice practice practice You should be practicing timed SAT tests and reviewing all of the answers you got wrong.Check out all of the free SAT tests available in our other article. Consider using a paid resource to help you prep If you enjoy our free articles, you would love our PrepScholar SAT prep program, and you can try it free for 5 days.We do the heavy lifting for you, by splitting up our prep material into specific skills. We'll detect your weaknesses automatically and give you focused lessons and quizzes to improve those skills.For more paid study resources, check out our recommended SAT prep books. What’s next? Check out our other resources for help raising your SAT score: The Best Way to Review Your Mistakes for the SAT/ACT The Best Way to Read the Passage in SAT Reading How to get 800 on SAT Writing: 11 Strategies from a Perfect Scorer How to Get 800 on SAT Math, by a Perfect Scorer Disappointed with your scores? Want to improve your SAT score by 240 points?We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: