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Best method to studying for SAT and ACT at the same time?

I am planning to take the ACT in September and SAT in October and I would like to know how I can study for both simultaneously and receive the best scores I possibly can. Any advice? Have any of you done the same before? #college #testing #ivy-league #sat #act

Thank you comment icon If you are trying to study for both tests simultaneously, I would recommend focusing mainly on the math of SAT, reading of SAT, and grammar of ACT. The math of the SAT is much more complex than the ACT, therefore, knowing those skills will help with the ACT. Additionally, the SAT reading is more inference based while the ACT reading is more text based. This means that the ACT reading section will be easier because most of the answers will be in the passage, while in the SAT you will have to infer. The ACT grammar contains more of the grammar skills needed than the SAT practices. Nikhil

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Grace’s Answer

Note: I was an SAT tutor and eventual Center Director at a tutoring place for over 2 years.


1) READING COMPREHENSION IS KEY. This has become all the more relevant with the changed to the SAT recently. They will ask questions about the meaning of the word in a passage based upon context. Rote memorization of vocabulary (though useful in its own right) will only take you so far.
2) There are calculator and non-calculator sections for the math (I forget if it's for both tests, but definitely at least one of them). It'll be to your benefit to know the math so that the calculator is an enhancement, but not a crutch.
3) Take practice tests. There are more than enough resources available from both College Board and ACT with very real exams. Being able to answer the questions correctly doesn't mean much if you can't complete the exam on time.
4) When taking practice tests, make sure to finish BEFORE the time is up. Chances are, due to nerves and triple-checking your work on the day of the test, you will take longer to finish the test. If you can complete the sections at least 5 minutes before, it'll serve as a good buffer.
5) The essays are optional, but not really. Make sure to write the essay with a solid intro, body paragraphs, and conclusion (even if it's brief). Again, make sure you save enough time for yourself at the end to proofread. Speed-writing will cause the silliest of errors. Taking 3 minutes to read over and fix them can help you.

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Sagit’s Answer

Study a little bit every day. This is the best way to prepare. It's all about how your brain works. You want to move the information from your short term memory to your long term memory, and your brain sorts that out through repitition. And write everything down on flash cards so you can look at them throughout the day.

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Kelsey’s Answer

My top recommendation for either test is to take a timed practice test - this will make you more familiar with the question format and help you learn to pace yourself so you don't run out of time.

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Shawn’s Answer

The most important thing is mental stamina. You need to be focused for the entire test, including breaks. Mental lapses are usually the problem for most students. I agree with the tips of others. You must practice, but you need to make sure sure that you work on your focus.
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Rachel’s Answer

You will need to focus on stress and time management. In order to manage stress you have to manage your time wisely. <span style="background-color: transparent;">You have to set a routine for yourself and stick to it for the most part. Once you get into the groove of a routine it will be much easier for you to manage your time and have enough time for everything you need to do (including relaxing). Make yourself to-do lists on a weekly basis, use Google calendar or a planner to keep track of events, deadlines, and due dates. In addition to setting a routine and sticking to it, plan out relaxing activities into your day. Or set aside a time, after everything is done for the day, that you can have "me" time. I have also personally found it essential to not only find time for myself but also make use of that time in a way that is best for me and my holistic wellness. I have found the HeadSpace app to be an essential tool in helping me relax and generally feel more relaxed throughout the day, Guided meditation, even if you have a busy schedule, will make you feel more at ease and relaxed throughout the day as a whole (not just when you have the time to relax and focus on that "me" time).</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Set a routine.Use Google Calendar.Set aside Me TimeWrite weekly to-do lists and use a planner.Find a peaceful and restful activity that will help you feel relaxed.</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Here is how to be successful in them:</span>


  1. <span style="background-color: transparent;">Stay on track - do assignments early, finish things a head of time, and be aware of all of your deadlines</span>
  2. <span style="background-color: transparent;">do all the the assignments and read all of the coursework required- do not cut corners</span>
  3. <span style="background-color: transparent;">use Google calendar to keep track of deadlines</span>
  4. <span style="background-color: transparent;">communicate with your professor early if something comes up</span>
  5. <span style="background-color: transparent;">do not be afraid to ask for an extension if you need one</span>
  6. <span style="background-color: transparent;">study, and study a lot! you don't have regular class sessions so you will need to put in more work at home.</span>
  7. <span style="background-color: transparent;">Do your best and genuinely try hard to give it your all.</span>

The best way to score high on the test is to Google search an online program or book that will help you study. Once you find an online lesson plan for success you can use it as a road map for studying. Otherwise, find a book to help you study and spend 45 mins a night reading through it and studying. Depending on when you test is, the first thing you will want to do is organize a studying schedule for yourself. Target studying certain sections of the test and divide them up by the weeks/months you have until you have to take it.


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Emma’s Answer

HI! So, I have taken both and you will excel at one over the other. The tests are just built differently for people who think differently. I thrived on the ACT despite studying more for the SAT. That being said here are some studying tips. Take a practice test of both and see where your weaknesses are. Then keep practicing on those weaknesses. A good way to study is read a book every week and then write a book report and present the book report to someone. Russian classics will prepare you well or if you really want it to ease your way in you can start with the NYT book reviews.
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