Sophia AlexanderContents
1=Get to know the structure of the test
2=Make a study plan
3=Become proficient at time management
4=Join a prep class
5=Practice extensively
6=Learn intelligent test-taking techniques
7=Don’t ignore your health
8=Remain positive and confident
9=Prepare for morning test day
10=Review the test scores you require at your dream colleges
Preparation for college entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT can be daunting. But with the right mindset and strategy, you can conquer these tests and increase your chances of admission to your dream school.
If you’re applying to colleges that demand standardized tests, here are some important strategies you should be aware of.
1. Familiarize yourself with the test structure
First and foremost—you need to know how your test is structured.
If you’re taking the SAT after March 2024, it’ll be fully digital. The content is mostly the same, but you’ll get more time per question. The new digital SAT has two sections: Reading & Writing and Math. You’ll have 64 minutes for Reading & Writing and 70 minutes for Math, making the total test time 2 hours and 14 minutes.
The ACT now also has a computer option, so you can choose between the old paper test or the computer version. Either one, the test length remains the same. The four sections on the ACT are English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing test (which doesn’t count toward your final score).
2. Make a study plan
A good, individualized study plan is your starting point in preparing for the test. Begin with a practice test to determine where you excel and where you need improvement. Knowing areas to target, you can construct your plan.
Botton up each of the areas that you need to improve and seek the best resources and methods to ace it. Allocate special time for each subject, and test yourself again once you are confident.
Studies indicate that regular practice and drilling result in large score gains. How much time do you need to study? It varies according to your practice test, how close your test date is, and how high you want to score. Average students spend 10–20 hours a week studying for the SAT, reports Kaplan.
3. Master time management
Because both the ACT and SAT are timed, managing time is essential. Practice with timed tests so you feel at ease with the timing. Learn to identify questions that’ll take longer to answer compared to questions that you can quickly answer.
And don’t forget—if you’re having trouble with a question, it’s more important to guess than to leave it blank.
4. Take a prep course
Get your school counselor or academic advisor to recommend test-prep. Businesses such as Kaplan Test Prep and The Princeton Review routinely offer prep courses.
If a class is not feasible, visit free prep materials on Khan Academy.
5. Practice as much as you can
Take official practice tests repeatedly to acclimate yourself to the format and question types. Taking these under timed conditions builds stamina and reduces test-day stress.
Find a practice SAT here.
Download the Bluebook app for SAT full-length practice tests.
Get free practice ACTs here.
6. Study smart test-taking strategies
Knowing test strategies can make a huge difference. For instance:
Read each question thoroughly.
Get rid of clearly incorrect answers to increase your chances on challenging questions.
7. Don’t forget about your health
Never forgo a good night’s sleep, particularly the night before the test. Have a healthy breakfast to keep your mind alert, drink water, and move around—exercise improves concentration and anxiety.
8. Be optimistic and assured
An optimistic attitude can really influence your performance. Imagine yourself acing it, go in with confidence, and believe in your preparation.
9. Prepare for morning test day
Pack all you need the night before so you won’t be rushing around at the last minute. The more prepared you are, the less anxious you’ll be when it comes time for the test.
10. Practice the test scores you’re going to need for your top colleges
The ACT and SAT are challenging, but with proper prep and attitude, you can achieve a score that brings out your potential and opens doors to college.
