Tips to Best Prepare For Taking the SAT/ACT Exam

Tips to Best Prepare For Taking the SAT/ACT Exam

By: Araceli Ortiz

Now that you know you will have to take either one or both of these exams, here are some tips to help you prepare for the big day.

• Prep Classes:  Most, if not all, schools offer preparation classes which can help students better familiarize themselves with the standardized testing process. Typically, these classes involve homework and practice tests. In addition, students have the opportunity to ask instructors personalized questions.
  
• Take Practice Tests:  Is it highly encouraged you take a least a few practice tests weeks before the day of your real exam. The more you practice, the more you'll feel comfortable with the format, structure, and content of the exam.  There are many practice tests online which you can download for free that also include the answer key and scoring guides.
  
• Read, Read, Read:  In addition to taking practices, you should also make it a habit of reading materials that may not typically be of your first interest. Keep up with current events through newspapers and reading diverse types of books. As you are reading, stop every now then to identify the author’s argument. You may also want to make note of any words you don’t know so that you can look them up later. This is will help when you are taking the comprehension section of the test.
  
• Sophomores and Juniors:  If you are going to be a sophomore this academic year be prepared to take a free practice SAT (PSAT) exam. Some schools require their students to register for practice exam your sophomore year. Juniors are highly encouraged to take the PSAT exam, but must register first and may be required pay around twenty dollars. The PSAT exam stimulates the real testing environment and gives students the opportunity to evaluate their areas of weakness and strengths in reading and writing. Even though these are practice exams, it is always important to be prepare yourself as if you were taking the real exam. If your scores are high enough on your PSAT you may be eligible to receive a National Merit Scholarship. Talk to your high school for more information or visit www.collegeboard.org for additional ACT/SAT resources.

Good Luck!