One of the many hurdles on the road to college is standardized testing. Some colleges have moved to test-optional applications, but several states such as Florida require an SAT or ACT score to apply to a public college. If you do well, it’s always in your favor to submit test scores. My clients often have so many questions about the testing process, when to take the test, if they should prepare first or try it cold, which test to take, how much to study and how to sign up.
With a few tips, you can be successful with the testing process:
- You will want to make the most of each testing opportunity by preparing first. NEVER take the test cold without studying. If you already did- it is OK! Follow these steps from this point forward for success.
- Consider your PSAT or PREACT score. Did you do well? Theses scores are a good indicator of your baseline score and how much prep you will need. If you scored below 1100 or 24 you will want to carve out a good amount of time to study.
- Go on the College Board and ACT sites to see the testing schedule, plan your study schedule and get signed up for your first test. The tests are offered about six times a year, so you will want to sign up early. You can take the test as often as you want, but more than three or four times does not usually improve your score much.
- Colleges accept either the SAT or ACT scores- they have no preference, however, most of my clients do prefer one over the other. If you did well on the PSAT study for that first. Otherwise, study for the ACT. Once you have taken both you will know which to focus on.
There are many ways to prepare for standardized testing. With a little planning you can achieve your highest possible score:
- Think about how you learn best. Is working on the computer, reading a book or working with a tutor best for you? There are many great books and websites that can help you prepare. However, a few sessions with a tutor may give you a needed edge and be well worth the cost.
- If you choose to study on the computer a great option is to import your PSAT scores into Khan Academy for free targeted practice sessions. You can also access full printable practice tests on the College boards and ACT test sites.
- The bookstore is full of great resources to help as well. Take some time to scan the books for the style you like. I recommend choosing a book that focuses on strategies rather than full test practice, as those are overwhelming, and you can find lots of them online.
- If you have the option, I strongly recommend scheduling a few sessions with a tutor. There are many testing strategies a good tutor can teach you and they can show you which areas to focus on.
Whatever method you choose you will want to carve out 2-3 hours a week of practice testing and evaluating your answers. You can do 20 minutes a day or a few longer sessions. The more you practice the better you get. The effort will pay off in big ways with admission into your dream school and great scholarships to help afford it. Think of it as a part-time job with a huge lifelong bonus.
Once you have a study plan the most important thing is to maximize your study time. You can get the best score possible once you learn a few key strategies.
- It can’t be said often enough to plan to practice for 2-3 hours a week for 6-8 weeks. As you do practice tests you will begin to see patterns in the type of questions asked such as “best evidence” questions and “most nearly means” questions. Test makers repeatedly look for the same skills, and you can use this to your advantage.
- Keep track of the areas you need to strengthen. Use the practice tests or by using the Khan Academy practice site https://www.khanacademy.org/ it will present questions in your areas of need. You can also use practice tests at Accuplacer. Sign up for an account and do practice tests in learn-as-you-go mode. Although these tests are created for the Accuplacer exam they cover the same topics as those on standardized tests in an easy-to-learn format. https://practice.accuplacer.org/login
- Build on your strengths, don’t worry so much about what is challenging. While practicing and during the test keep a positive mindset and don’t let thoughts like this is hard get in your way.
- Skip difficult questions, keep track on your scantron, and then go back so you do all the easier ones first. They do not deduct wrong answers, so the more answers the better. To increase your odds if you need to make a pure guess between the four choices choose the same letter every time. Since it is timed, you want to keep going.
Studies show if you can keep a strong attitude and a positive mental mindset, you can increase your score by 20 percent. Talk back to that negative voice and nail that test!