How to Prepare for the ACT or SAT (or Both)

Even though some schools have gone to “test-optional” admissions and no longer require the ACT or SAT scores with your application, other schools have not. Even among the schools that do offer that option, the ACT or SAT can be a prerequisite if you want to apply for certain scholarships.

So, how do you prepare for a test when you aren’t really sure what you’ll be asked? This is the kind of nerve-wracking question that ambitious high school students have faced for years. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Understand the Difference Between the ACT and SAT

When you understand what the ACT and SAT actually evaluate, you can make an informed decision about your options and play to your strengths. In general, the ACT will focus on English, reading, math and science, while the SAT will focus on reading, language skills and math. Both have optional essays.

Perhaps more significantly, the ACT attempts to measure what you’ve already learned, while the SAT looks to measure your verbal skills and logical thought processes.

2. Decide What Target Score You Need

By now, you probably have a list of colleges that you’re interested in attending. Look at each school’s profile to determine the SAT and ACT score ranges of the most recently admitted class and aim for a score that fits you comfortably in the middle.

Knowing this score can help you determine how hard you need to study and whether you need to adjust your expectations.

3. Schedule Your Study Time and Keep It Sacrosanct

By now, you’ve already accepted that you sometimes have to make sacrifices to reach your goals – and that includes giving up your spare time. When you’re prepping for the SAT or ACT, trying to cram all your prep work into a weekend or a few days before the test is a recipe for disaster.

You’ll do much better if you set aside an hour or two each day (including weekends) to pour over your prep materials – so don’t let anyone distract you from your goals.

4. Make Use of Online Resources

Practice really does make perfect, especially when it comes to standardized testing. You may have already engaged in preliminary SAT (PSAT) testing a few years ago, but it’s time to do another check-in to see how you would do today. You can also take a full-length practice ACT online. Both will help you gauge how much prep work you really need.

5. Test Yourself Under Controlled Conditions

Practicing these tests also helps you in another way: It can ease your nerves. The more familiar you are with the format of the tests, the easier it will be to cope with the stress of the real thing when the day comes.

There are tons of practice tests (most based on tests that were given in prior years) that you can use to simulate the real deal. If you time yourself on these, you’ll gain confidence that you can’t get any other way.

6. Consider Taking a Prep Class or Working with a Tutor

Some students can feel lost or overwhelmed when they study on their own. A structured preparatory class or a live tutor can make it easier to focus on your weak areas and find solutions.

Every college admissions journey starts with small steps, but every bit of progress will ultimately bring you closer to your goal.