Getting into a good college depends on a lot more than your GPA. Your entrance essay, extra-curricular activities and standardized testing scores also tell a lot about you. They help a college to determine if you’re a good fit for their school. A great SAT or ACT score can be what sets you apart from all the other applicants.
So how do you get a great score that will help your admissions papers rise above the pile? The answer is simple: Get prepped! There are a ton of great tools on the market to help make preparation easier. They will give you an edge when it’s time to study.
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
The SAT underwent significant changes in 2005. So, preparing for this standardized test has gotten harder. The test no longer assesses how well students can learn and reason, as it used to. Now it tells how well they paid attention during their 3 R’s in high school. In an attempt to raise the curriculum levels at high schools across the nation, the new SAT tests students on math (including Algebra II), reading (vocabulary and grammar) and writing (an essay section).
SAT test preparation is a serious endeavor. It’s particularly important if your high school isn’t at the top of the education food chain. If you want to score well on the SAT and get into a good college, you need to take SAT test preparation seriously. Concentrated study and practice are all you need to help make your SAT testing a success.
SAT Test Preparation
The best place to start is finding a good study guide. There are lots of great SAT test tutorials on the market. They can give you tips, let you know what kind of material will be on the test, and also provide you with practice tests.
Here are some of the top SAT study guides that can be found at most bookstores:
While you can find free SAT study guides online, it’s worth the $20 to have a formal study guide. Not only do they provide you with real SAT practice tests, but they will give you more information, tips and help.
SAT Prep Classes
If you don’t study well on your own, consider taking SAT prep classes. These prep classes can also help you ensure a great score on the SAT so you only have to take it once. Some high schools hold SAT prep classes, but you can also attend these classes online.
Here are several of the top SAT prep classes:
The American College Test (ACT)
Just like the SAT, the ACT underwent a change in 2005 adding a writing assessment. However, unlike the SAT, you are not required to take the writing test. Some universities require that applicants take the writing test, though. Others don’t require the test, but they will accept the score. Find out if the universities you are applying to require the ACT writing test before making your decision.
The ACT covers four areas, plus the writing test. You will be tested on math, science, English and reading. Because the ACT covers more subject matter and tests a student’s ability to learn and reason, students tend to get higher scores on the ACT than the SAT.
ACT Test Prep
There are many ways to prepare to take the ACT, and several of them are free. Most high school counselors have the Preparing to take the ACT booklet. It contains free ACT practice tests with answer keys, test information, and sample writing questions and essays.
Here are some other ACT study guides you can find at your local bookstore:
The ACT website also offers free ACT practice test questions.
ACT Prep Courses
If you think a formal class would help you prepare for the ACT, consider taking an ACT prep course. These classes are designed to teach you about the test, give you test tips, and lead you through a practice test. They will help you know what to expect.
Here are several ACT prep courses available to you:
It is important to first find out which test(s) are required by the universities you want to attend. It’s possible you many only need to take one test, but it’s possible you may need to take both tests. If this is the case, schedule them several months apart so that you have time to prepare for both. Then you can really focus to do your best.
