How To Study For The ACT And SAT Exams

There is no secret trick to getting a high score on the SAT or ACT exam, but there are ways you can get ready for these tests.

Generally speaking, most first-time ACT and SAT takers should start studying for these exams about three months before the big day.

You must put your best foot forward by preparing for the test to get the highest score you can. But what’s the best way to prepare for the SAT and ACT exams?

How do you prepare for exams? How can you update your vocabulary? These are just some of the questions you may have as you think about taking the test and what you can do to boost your chances of making it.

Tips On How To Study For The ACT And SAT Exam

Once you’ve decided between the SAT and the ACT, the next step is to start studying.

We hope this will help you plan and prepare well for these exams. These are just a few of the many ways to prepare for exams.

1.Get Familiar With The Details.

The first thing you should do is decide which test to take. This will require understanding the difference between the SAT and ACT.

When it comes to the ACT and SAT, both exams are widely accepted by U.S. colleges, which often prompts students to ask: Which test should I take?

Some students ask this question hoping to go for the easier one but trust me they are out of luck because these are both very high-stakes and tough tests.

“Most students still have a preference, but they are two hard exams.”

While the SAT and ACT are similar, they have a few differences. For example, the ACT includes a science section, but the SAT does not. The ACT also includes questions about geometry, while the SAT typically doesn’t.

The SAT had long been seen as more of an aptitude test whereas the ACT has been more closely associated with testing students on their understanding of their high school curriculum.

Although recent changes to the SAT have lessened that distinction, “even still, I think the ACT is a more curriculum-based assessment,”

Now you have an idea of what they both are, you can now make decisions on which to write or both.

Before choosing between the two, college applicants should take a practice test

Once you’ve made that decision, familiarizing yourself with the test structure, instructions and type of questions you will be asked will save you valuable time on test day.

Gaining exposure to both tests can also help students know what to expect,

2.Have Enough Practice

Setting goals as a Student can help keep students on track.

Set aside time to take actual, full-length practice tests. Use a timer to get accustomed to the time limits, and try to pace yourself so you have enough time to get through all the questions.

After each practice, always go back to your answers and solve the ones you failed and the ones you skipped.

When taking the practice test, focus on those specific areas you think you need the most work on, rather than taking a large-scale approach, investing time in subjects you’re already good at.

Remember, Just because you have two tests to study for doesn’t mean you have to study more than your ability. Don’t study harder, study smart.

Start Reading

Start by setting an easily attainable reading goal – such as reading just one book per month or 20 pages a day.

In addition to online resources, there are a number of books with exams from past years that can help you study.

If you’re curious about other helpful resources you might buy, ask your high school counselor for recommendations.

4.Hire A Tutor

If you’re having trouble preparing for the SAT or ACT by yourself, a private tutor can help.

When you’re struggling to understand an answer or grasp a concept, having a live instructor available to explain it can make a big difference.

For even more focused personal attention, working with a tutor may be a better choice for you.

By identifying your areas of weakness, tutors can hone in on exactly what you need to improve your test score, but this kind of individualized instruction can be expensive.

5. Work Your Memory

Developing top-notch study skills is one way of combating the so-called forgetting curve.

Skills such as starting early, paraphrasing, and active learning can help you avoid last-minute cram-a-thons and hopefully help you remember what you studied for longer than one week.

The SAT exam lists formulas for you at the front of each math section, but the ACT exam does not, so it’s important that you master all the basic math formulas and concepts.

6. Boost Your Vocabulary

One of the easiest ways to build your SAT skills and improve your score is to bulk up on your vocabulary. Strong vocabulary will help you on the reading, writing, and essay portions of the test.

Beyond that, a strong vocabulary will also help you in interviews and college essays.

Also, you can strengthen your vocabulary and comprehension skills by reading challenging books and articles.

Each time you come across an unfamiliar word, highlight or underline it and then look up its definition.

This habit can help improve test scores—and will be a bonus to you.

7. Study On The Go

There are several SAT and ACT prep apps available which makes it easier for you to have access to study everywhere you go, you can as well keep track of your progress.

Practice only pays off if it’s done consistently, so do what’s necessary to stick to a regular schedule of test prep—no matter where you happen to be.

Frequently Asked Question

1. What is the easiest way to study for the SAT?

Although you can prepare for the SAT many ways, College Board, the creator of the SAT, believes these are four of the best ways: starting early, taking at least one full-length practice test, paying attention in your high school classes, and knowing what to do

2.Is the ACT harder than the SAT?

The SAT and ACT generally cover the same topics. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships.

Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT or ACT is harder than the other.

3. What type of math is on the SAT?

Questions on the SAT Math Test are distributed among these three topics with 19 Heart of Algebra questions, 17 Problem Solving and Data Analysis questions, and 16 Passport to Advanced Math questions.

4. What subjects are on the ACT?

The ACT contains four multiple-choice tests—English, mathematics, reading, and science—and an optional writing test.

5. Can you use a calculator on the SAT?

You can only use your calculator on the portion of the test labeled Math Test – Calculator.

Conclusion

Finally, The best way to know how to study for the SAT and ACT is by taking full-length practice tests to assess your capabilities.

Testing your knowledge and determining the questions you’re likely to find the most challenging will give you a better chance at preparing and scoring well.

We hope you enjoyed this article.

Good luck!