The ACT (American College Testing), and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) tests are some of the most daunting parts of the college application process. These seemingly simple multiple choice questions can sometimes make or break your college applications. However, with a little effort, and by following these tips, obtaining a good score on these tests is very feasible.
- Figure out which colleges require each test. Some colleges may require both, some colleges may only require one, and some may require none at all! Just put in the time upfront to be sure you are prepared.
- Find out which test works better for you! If you love science, the ACT is probably for you! If you’d rather stick to the basics, the SAT is probably best. If you’re unsure, you can always take both.
- Register for the test as early as possible! Test centers often fill up fast, so the earlier you register, the better off you’ll be. Also, the closer the test center, the less tired you’ll be! Getting up early for the test is no fun already, but it’ll be even worse if you have to drive an hour away to test!
- Several weeks before the test date, utilize the free online practice resources like Khan Academy, or printable practice tests. These tests will allow the student to become familiar with the style and wording of the questions, which can be very useful to save precious time on test day.
- Practice for 10 minutes each day! Just a few minutes of practicing per day can mean the difference between an ACT score of 30 or a score of 32.
- The night before the test, be sure to go to bed early, and to prepare everything the night before to avoid the last minute scramble in the morning.
- On test day, be sure to eat a good filling breakfast.
- Bring several sharpened number two pencils, an eraser, a calculator, your student ID, a water bottle and your admission ticket to the test. Without an ID or admissions ticket, you will not be able to test, and you won’t get a refund!
- On both the SAT and ACT, you are not penalized for wrong answers. You are only given credit for the answers you answer correctly. When there is five minutes left in testing, if you have any unanswered questions, fill in the bubbles anyways! There’s a 25% chance that your answer will be correct!
- Relax! A test score does not define you!