<p>I absolutely agree, that on this board SAT's are too important factor in judging. But... Is it as important for admission officers, that is the question.</p>
<p>I read, that MIT has some kind of Academic INdex, where depending on scores they admit X percent from each range [i.e. X from 1600-1550, X-10 from 1550-1500, etc.]. In such a case - it is very important. </p>
<p>Simply, SAT test takes time, and mostly is not an useful knowledge. Speed of thinking, for instance, should not be the most important factor in research, and so on. </p>
<ul>
<li><p>If SAT is important, and will get one into a good college - he/she will benefit in future life, will have better research opportunities, or better working company. In such situation, it is reasonable to study a lot for SAT, since one will save the time and effort [after college] for something more important and influential.</p></li>
<li><p>If SAT is not important, it is better to develop, and train Your brain, and concentrate on different things, which will give one acceptance.</p></li>
</ul>