As college entrance exams, the ACT and SAT play a crucial role in your student’s academic journey. Excelling on these tests can open doors to prestigious universities and scholarship opportunities. At Elevate STEM Tutoring, we believe that with the right preparation and resources, students can approach these exams with confidence. Here are some valuable tips and resources to help your student succeed on the ACT and SAT.
1. Understand the Format of the SAT & ACT
Before diving into study materials, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the format of each exam.
ACT Comprises four sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—with an optional Writing section. Each section has a set time limit, and the ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36.
SAT Includes Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (with sections for Reading and Writing & Language), Math, and an optional Essay. The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600.
Understanding the structure will help students manage their time effectively during the test.
Create a Study Schedule
A well-structured study plan is key to effective preparation. Here’s how to create one:
Set Goals Determine target scores for each section based on college requirements.
Allocate Time Break study sessions into manageable chunks, focusing on different subjects each day.
Include Practice Tests Schedule regular full-length practice exams to build endurance and familiarity with the test format. Focus on practicing strategies for test taking and time management.
Utilize Quality SAT & ACT Study Resources
Using the right materials can make a significant difference in preparation. Here are some recommended resources:
Official Prep Books The College Board (for the SAT) and ACT.org both offer official prep books that include practice questions and tests, as well as strategies and scoring guides.
Online Platforms Websites like Khan Academy (for SAT) and ACT Academy provide free practice questions, video explanations, and personalized study plans.
Flashcards Creating flashcards for vocabulary and math formulas can be a useful way to reinforce learning.
Focus on Individualized Needs
Identify specific areas of weakness through practice tests and targeted review. For example, if a student struggles with math, they should allocate more study time to that section. Working with a ACT or SAT tutor can also help provide personalized strategies for improvement.
Practice Time Management
Both the ACT and SAT are timed tests, making time management crucial. Here are some strategies:
Simulate Test Conditions Take practice tests in a quiet environment with the same time limits.
Learn to Skip If a question is taking too long, it’s okay to skip it and return if time allows. Focus on answering questions you find easier first.
Now, Later, Never Practice prioritizing easy questions on your first pass through, then question that will take a while on your second pass, and then work on problems you’re unsure of how to complete at the end ONLY if you have time.
Answer every Question ACT and SAT are fast-paced tests and you often don’t have time to complete every question. Make sure you put an answer for every questions even if you don’t have time to solve it.
Take Care of Mental and Physical Health
Test preparation can be stressful, so it’s important to maintain balance:
Regular Breaks Schedule regular breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout and give you brain time to process and solidify concepts.
Healthy Lifestyle Encourage a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep, especially in the week leading up to the test.
Test Day Tips
On the day of the exam, ensure you’re is well-prepared:
Get Plenty of Rest A good night’s sleep is essential before the test day.
Pack the Night Before Gather all necessary materials, such as ID, admission ticket, approved calculator, and snacks, the night before to avoid any last-minute stress.
Stay Calm Encourage your student to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to reduce anxiety. It can help to schedule multiple tests to reduce stress.
Conclusion
Preparing for the ACT and SAT can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and resources, students can approach these exams with confidence. At Elevate STEM Tutoring, we offer personalized tutoring services designed to help students excel in their test preparation. If you’re ready to elevate your student’s performance and unlock opportunities for their future, Schedule a Lesson Today!
