Tests suck.
But as a high school student, preparing for college admissions tests like the SAT or ACT is critical for achieving your academic goals. Scoring highly on these exams can be a determining factor in gaining admission to your desired college or university and getting financial aid.
This article offers SAT and ACT test prep strategies to help you slay your exams and achieve your academic goals. We’ve broken it down into three simple categories: before, during, and after the big test day.
Keep reading to get our top prep options and tips!
Before the test: Best SAT/ACT test prep tips and strategies
It’s all about the prep. You must put in the work and take the time to develop a comprehensive study plan before showing up to take your ACT or SAT test. We cover all the bases — from prep classes and private tutoring to study guides and free practice questions.
Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively.
Create a study schedule
Creating a study schedule is important for effective preparation. Consider dedicating time to different test sections and focusing on areas you need to improve.
Is the math section getting you every time? Try building some extra time for this area into your study schedule. A typical study plan can range from one to six months, depending on the intensity.
Set up a schedule that works for you and stick to it.
Find and use the best study materials
The quality of your study materials can make a difference in how well you do on the SAT or ACT. Using sucky materials might mean you’ll miss out on key information or practice questions that can help you improve your test-taking skills.
The CollegeBoard provides official practice tests and study guides. Other resources are available from test prep companies like The Princeton Review and Kaplan. Khan Academy is also a valuable resource for free SAT prep materials.
Typical resources for study materials include full-length practice tests, quizzes, problem-solving exercises, and video lessons. You can find free SAT test prep questions and ACT test questions online, which is a good place to start.
However, investing in legit prep books or online prep courses — whether live online courses or self-paced — is the best way to go because they provide comprehensive and reliable content designed for SAT/ACT preparation.
Expert instructors create reputable prep courses and books with in-depth knowledge of the test format, content, and test-taking strategies. These guides can provide the most up-to-date test information and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Study each test section individually
Each standardized test has different sections to test different skills, so you’ll want to dedicate time to studying and mastering each one.
The SAT test has three sections: reading, writing and language, and a math section with and without a calculator. Each section has a set number of questions and is timed separately. The ACT test has four required sections: English, math, reading, and science. The ACT also has an optional writing section.
Start by reviewing each section’s format and content. Then, identify the areas where you need to improve and focus your study time. For example, students struggling with geometry questions should spend extra time practicing those types of problems.
When studying each section, practice using the same time constraints as the real test. Timing is a critical factor in doing well on the SAT or ACT, so developing a sense of how long each section takes you to complete can help you feel more prepared.
Work on your reading speed
Working on your reading speed is an essential component of effective SAT/ACT test preparation. Both tests have time limits, so being able to read and comprehend passages quickly is crucial.
Plus, the reading sections often include dense and challenging material that can be time-consuming to read.
Improve your reading speed by practicing with bite-sized, easy-to-read articles and gradually work your way up to more complex texts. Consider using a timer to track your reading speed and set goals for improvement.
You can also try skimming passages first to get a general sense of the content before diving into the details. Another helpful strategy is to practice active reading, which involves taking notes, summarizing main ideas, and identifying key details as you read.
Take many practice tests
Practice tests are a key element to any prep program. Taking practice tests can help you become familiar with the test format and identify areas for score improvement.
A typical SAT prep course includes one to three full-length practice tests. You should also take additional practice tests independently.
Keep track of your score reports from online tests or ACT/SAT practice tests to track your progress moving forward.
Study your mistakes from practice tests
So you didn’t get a perfect score the first time? You’re not alone.
Many test-takers are the same way. The average total SAT score was 1050 in 2022, marking the lowest test scores since the test format changed in 2016 (and that’s the actual test, not a practice test)!
The best thing you can do is try to learn from your mistakes. Reviewing your mistakes helps you identify areas to improve and develop better test-taking strategies.
One effective way to review your mistakes is to create flashcards with questions you missed or struggled with. This can help reinforce the correct answers so you don’t repeat the same mistake.
Another way to learn from your mistakes is to review the answer explanations in your practice tests. This can help you understand the reasoning behind the correct answers, and you can use this information for higher scores.
Come to the test prepared
On test day, you want to feel confident, prepared, and ready to tackle the exam. Here are some tips to help you arrive at the test center feeling your best:
- Get a good night’s sleep before the test so you’re well-rested and alert.
- Eat a healthy breakfast and bring snacks to eat during breaks to keep your energy levels up.
- Arrive at the testing center early to avoid rushing and reduce stress.
- Double-check that you have all the necessary materials, such as your ID, admission ticket, and approved calculator.
- Dress comfortably and in layers in case the testing center is too hot or cold.
- Bring a watch to keep track of time and pace yourself during the test.
- Stay calm and focused throughout the test, taking deep breaths and stretching during breaks to relax.
During the test: Best SAT/ACT test prep tips and strategies
Follow these tips to succeed on the SAT or ACT.
Relax and read questions carefully
Staying calm and focused during the test is essential. Take deep breaths and read each question carefully to ensure you understand what it’s asking.
Answer questions you know first
One great test-taking strategy is to answer the questions you know first so you don’t waste time on difficult questions and have enough time to answer all questions.
Answering the questions you know first helps you build momentum and boost your confidence, which can be helpful when approaching more challenging questions.
Practice the process of elimination
The process of elimination is a useful strategy for answering questions. Eliminate incorrect answer choices to increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
Stay neat and don’t leave stray marks
Keep your test booklet and answer sheet neat and organized. Avoid leaving stray marks that could confuse the scoring machine.
Use your time carefully
Use your time wisely during the test. Pace yourself so you have enough time to answer all questions. Keep an eye on the clock and move on to the next question if you spend too much time on another.
Don’t leave any question unanswered
Don’t leave any questions unanswered on the SAT or ACT! It’s better to make an educated guess than to leave a question blank.
There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so it’s worth taking a chance. Use any strategies you’ve learned during your test prep to help you make your best guess.
After the test: Take it again
Many students take the SAT or ACT multiple times to improve their scores. You can take the test multiple times and submit only your highest score to college admissions.
Consider taking the test again or signing up for multiple test dates if you want to get a higher score.
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