As the SAT or ACT Test Date Approaches

Tips for students registered for a March, April or May College Entrance Exam

If the student has been in an SAT or ACT Prep Program for the last two months, he or she should now be familiar with the format of the test, and the types of questions asked. In Math, he or she should have reviewed some of the math skills forgotten, and learned some of the test content that has not, yet, been taught in school.

The student should have learned to recognize the types of math problems asked, and some strategies for solving these problems. The student should have learned how to recognize the types of evidence-based reading questions on the Reading Comprehension Test, and the types of grammar, punctuation, and editing questions asked on the Writing/Language Test. The student may have become more familiar with interpreting graphs and charts.

Now is the time to take Timed Practice Tests. It is best to take an entire SAT or ACT (excluding the essay section) in one sitting, and preferably in the morning. For good results on the day of the REAL SAT or REAL ACT, students must use a stop watch or timer, and follow the exact time frame given for each sub-test when taking a practice test. Students who have been granted extended time, can give themselves the exact amount of extended time on each practice sub-test. (Ex. If granted 50% extended time, and the SAT Reading Sub-test allows 55 minutes, the student should allow 87.5 minutes for doing this sub-test.)

Most of us will do better on tests without the pressure of being timed. Therefore, if we don’t time ourselves on the practice tests, our score on the REAL TEST may not be as high as on the practice tests. Taking timed practice tests builds up our speed, stamina and ability to sustain concentration. It builds confidence in our ability to do well on the day of the REAL TEST, and may decrease our test anxiety.

It is important that the Practice Tests be scored, analyzed and recorded. Students can correct and score their practice tests, and then record their scores on a graph or progress chart. Together with their tutor or SAT or ACT coach, students should analyze the type of errors made, and become aware of the level of the questions that they missed. Then, the tutor and the student will be able to determine the topics, types, and level of the questions that need more practice. This method, generally, leads to a higher SAT or ACT score.