Preparing for college admission exams can be an intimidating prospect, but with the right strategy and preparation, they can be a breeze.
In this quick guide, we'll share some of our favorite tips for preparing for the SAT and ACT.
Give yourself 3 months to prep and practice
It's best to start preparing for the SAT and ACT tests around three months in advance.
Familiarize yourself with the structure of both tests. Taking practice tests can help you understand what to expect, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and devise an effective strategy for exam day.
Take the test in 11th grade
By the spring of 11th grade, you should have learned most of the concepts in the test.
Taking the exam in your junior year gives you plenty of time to see where you stand and take it again next year, if necessary.
Don't skip questions
On both the SAT and ACT, a wrong answer is worth the same as a blank answer.
If you don't know the answer, your guess can still earn you points. Use the process of elimination, give it your best guess and don't leave any questions blank.
Keep an eye on the clock
Both college entrance exams are timed, and in order to answer all questions, you'll be expected to keep a brisk pace. For example, in order to answer all of the ACT reading questions, you will need to answer a question every 52 seconds.
Stay focused, don't let yourself daydream and stay conscious of the clock.