SAT and ACT

ACT and SAT standardized testing can be one of the most stressful parts of the college search process. You can reduce your stress level by familiarizing yourself with the tests and preparing for them. Further, realize that colleges use the test scores in combination with your grades, essays and references to determine if you would be successful at their school.
The test scores are only one part of the equation schools take into consideration when granting admittance.

Neither the SAT or ACT are intelligence tests. They are used to predict your level of academic success in college. Thus, enormous amounts of studying are not likely to improve your scores; however, knowing some test-taking tips can be useful. For example, knowing the format of the test and its time restrictions can help you determine the pace of answering questions. Here are some other things to remember:

Despite the fact that the ACT and SAT are more similar than ever, key distinctions between the tests still remain.
ACT prep and SAT prep are two different undertakings. Since colleges don’t really have a preference for one test over the other, high school students should plan to check out both tests before starting extensive ACT prep, or SAT prep. Choosing the test that aligns best with a particular student’s skills can be helpful but shouldn’t be stressful. About half of PrepMatters students do equally well on either test, so there may not be one test that’s better or worse. But if there is, students will certainly be glad they spent the time to discover it!

  •  Decide which test to take
  •  Decide on a test date
  •  Take the test as a junior
  •  Take the test as a senior
  •  Registering for the ACT and SAT
  •  Getting ready for test day
  •  Test day
  •  Don’t bring” list and other tips
  •  Timing is everything
  •  Some things to remember