How to Prepare for the SAT/ACT
One of the requirements to apply for college is taking the SAT and/or ACT. Both are different versions of standardizing testing that measures college readiness and tests students on the material they have covered in school. Although it may sound scary, there are many ways in which you can maximize your efforts in trying to get a good score!
Know the difference between the SAT and ACT.
Different colleges accept either one or both tests. It is important to do your research ahead of time and prepare for the appropriate ones. The SAT focuses mainly on math, english, and writing and is a timed test that takes 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete. The maximum score you can achieve is a 1600. On the other hand, the ACT focuses mainly on english, math, writing, and science and is a timed test that takes 3 hours and 35 minutes to complete. The maximum score you can achieve is 36.
Take classes.
The material that you will be tested on has already been taught in school. Finding an SAT/ACT bootcamp will better prepare you for both these tests. They are rigorous classes that provide you with tips, tricks, and lots of practice exams that will better prepare you. Some of the popular ones are Excel Test Prep, C2 Education, and Elite.
Practice.
The biggest piece of advice anyone who has taken these tests will tell you is to PRACTICE. There are SAT/ACT prep books from College board brands such as the Princeton Review and Barrons that are compiled of many exams similar to the real SAT/ACT. Taking practice tests regularly and timing yourself on each section will definitely help.
Both these tests are tricky, but there are also necessary in order to get into college. The good news is that you can take these tests an unlimited amount of times (however, colleges recommend 3 times). You can also report your highest scores individually. Giving yourself enough time to prepare can ensure a good turn out!
