Testing
ACT
AP
PSAT
SAT1
SAT2
ACT vs SAT
Test Prep
Overview
Paid
Prep
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Writing
Prep
Calendars
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Key
Dates
ACT Dates
SAT
Dates
Familiarize Yourself With the TestsPurchase test preparation guides as soon as you have decided which tests to take. I recommend getting the Official SAT Study Guide and Real SAT2: Subject Tests from the College Board for SAT1 and SAT2 preparation. ACT study guides are also available. The major test preparation companies publish useful test guides for the SAT2 subject tests as well. Some study guides include computer software aimed at making the process more user-friendly and enjoyable. Use these materials to survey the content sampled in the tests, as well as the format.
Understand the scoring of the tests. On the SAT1 and SAT2 Subject Tests, but not the ACT, wrong answers are penalized an extra 1/4 point. Eliminating even one answer choice means that you have a 1 in 3 chance of guessing right. Therefore, if you can eliminate one or more of the answer choices on an SAT test, it is worth your while to guess. If you have no idea, do not guess. There is no penalty for leaving an answer blank or for wrong answers on the “grid-in” section of the math exam.
Strengthen Your Verbal Skills for the Critical Reading Section
Read challenging literature. The key is “challenging.” Click for a list of literature that will build your reading and analytical skills.
Build your vocabulary. Click here for a list of 150 vocabulary words that frequently appear on standardized tests. Princeton Review’s Word Smart books contain hundreds more. Software vocabulary builders are also available. The important thing is to start early and work steadily over time.
Practice SAT1 Critical Reading sections. In the College Board Study Guide work on sample items, sample sections, and entire sample tests to learn how to pace yourself, guess effectively, and stay focused.
Strengthen Math Skills
Take challenging math courses, but remember to review basic math. The level of math sampled by the SAT1 may be less advanced than that of the course you are taking this year. A thorough review of numbers and operations, algebra and functions, geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis is important if you want to do well on this test.
Practice SAT1 Math sections in the College Board Study Guide to get a sense of the items that are included and the solution strategies that work. These include (1) plug-ins (trying out different solutions to see which one fits), (2) doing your work on paper, (3) checking your work by figuring the answer a different way, and (4) reviewing the question to make sure it’s the one you answered.
Practice SAT2 Math 1 and 2 Test sections in Real SAT2: Subject Tests from the College Board or a test guide from a major test preparation company to prepare for the SAT2 Subject Tests in math. Review the guide and try some practice tests to see which math level would be more appropriate. Students with a strong math/science focus will probably need to take the Math 2.
Strengthen Writing SkillsPractice SAT1 Writing sections in the College Board Study Guide. Or you can get a Writing Test guide from a major test preparation company, and review basic principles and examples of good usage and sentence construction. The guides include practice tests.
Practice some quick-writes for the essays. The Writing Section includes a 25-minute student-written essay. Students are typically given a statement and asked to evaluate it using evidence from literature, the arts, history, current events, politics, science and technology, or personal experience and observation. Make a list of several (1) well-known books you have read and memorable characters, (2) important historical figures and events, and (3) significant events and turning points in your life. The topics covered in the Writing Test are typically broad enough that you can use your examples to write about almost any essay topic presented. Try brainstorming several using your pre-selected examples and others that come to mind. Then try writing one or two for practice. See Writing Prep.Be Prepared on Test Day
Be rested and well-fed. Get a good night’s sleep not only the night before the test but also the night before the night before the test. Eat a well-balanced breakfast.
Know where the test center is and arrive well ahead of time.
Bring with you:Several #2 pencils
Picture ID
Test registration form
Calculator (make sure it works before you leave home!)
Watch
Water and a snack for break time
Fair Test:
Test-Optional Colleges
Princeton Review's Word of the Day
Worksheet:
(ACT) or (SAT1 + SAT2)?
Counselors' Corner: Should Students Take Both ACT and SAT?
