3 answers
Kylie
Student
Bellevue, Ohio
2
Questions
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Is there any way to study for a SAT or an ACT? And how much do the scores weigh on your chance of getting into college?
I am a Junior in High school and I wish to know more about SAT and ACT Scores.
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3 answers
Shrungali Rathod
Asset Pricing Specialist
17
Answers
Dublin, California
Updated
Shrungali’s Answer
Hi Kylie,
ABSOLUTELY, you can study for the SAT or ACT! Here's how to study effectively for one or both of these exams:
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Format
The format is specific for both the SAT and the ACT:
SAT: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (with and without a calculator), and an optional Essay (no longer required by most colleges).
ACT: English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing section.
Pacing varies for every test, so the only way to get used to the format of the test is by doing timed sections.
2. Practice Tests
Make use of practice tests to see where you stand and then focus your studying in that area. Free full-length practice exams online are directly on the College Board website or ACT website.
Go over mistakes with a fine tooth comb and understand why the correct answers are correct.
3. Test Prep Resources
Online Resources: Websites like Khan Academy-for the SAT-offer personalized practice based on your strengths and weaknesses. ACT also does official preparation resources.
Prep Books: There are numerous books that supply strategies, practice questions, and explanations for both tests.
Tutors and Prep Classes: Some students especially benefit from one-on-one tutoring or structured prep classes.
4. Focus on Weak Areas
Give priority to areas where you do need the most improvement. For example, if Math has been your weak point, devote more time to that section.
5. Make a Study Schedule
Regular practice is key. Set up a schedule of study that allows for consistent review over time, rather than an all-in-one cram session.
6. Stay Calm and Confident
Try not to stress too much about the test day, but get some rest the night before and eat a good breakfast for energy.
How Much Do SAT/ACT Scores Affect College Admission?
It Depends on the College: The scores are important, but again, they are one part of the application. Many colleges also consider such factors as your GPA, extracurricular activities you have participated in, your personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Test Optional Policies: There are some schools that have now gone test-optional, which means it is not required to submit SAT/ACT scores. However, this can be a great supplemental part of your application if you get a strong score-especially when trying to get into competitive programs.
Other Factors: If your GPA is good, and if you have some good extracurriculars or a strong personal statement, slightly lower test scores will not be such a big hurt. If your GPA is more mediocre, a high SAT/ACT score can serve to offset this somewhat.
Anything else? Maybe more specific resources for practice or tips on a certain section of the test?
GoodLuck
ABSOLUTELY, you can study for the SAT or ACT! Here's how to study effectively for one or both of these exams:
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Format
The format is specific for both the SAT and the ACT:
SAT: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (with and without a calculator), and an optional Essay (no longer required by most colleges).
ACT: English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing section.
Pacing varies for every test, so the only way to get used to the format of the test is by doing timed sections.
2. Practice Tests
Make use of practice tests to see where you stand and then focus your studying in that area. Free full-length practice exams online are directly on the College Board website or ACT website.
Go over mistakes with a fine tooth comb and understand why the correct answers are correct.
3. Test Prep Resources
Online Resources: Websites like Khan Academy-for the SAT-offer personalized practice based on your strengths and weaknesses. ACT also does official preparation resources.
Prep Books: There are numerous books that supply strategies, practice questions, and explanations for both tests.
Tutors and Prep Classes: Some students especially benefit from one-on-one tutoring or structured prep classes.
4. Focus on Weak Areas
Give priority to areas where you do need the most improvement. For example, if Math has been your weak point, devote more time to that section.
5. Make a Study Schedule
Regular practice is key. Set up a schedule of study that allows for consistent review over time, rather than an all-in-one cram session.
6. Stay Calm and Confident
Try not to stress too much about the test day, but get some rest the night before and eat a good breakfast for energy.
How Much Do SAT/ACT Scores Affect College Admission?
It Depends on the College: The scores are important, but again, they are one part of the application. Many colleges also consider such factors as your GPA, extracurricular activities you have participated in, your personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Test Optional Policies: There are some schools that have now gone test-optional, which means it is not required to submit SAT/ACT scores. However, this can be a great supplemental part of your application if you get a strong score-especially when trying to get into competitive programs.
Other Factors: If your GPA is good, and if you have some good extracurriculars or a strong personal statement, slightly lower test scores will not be such a big hurt. If your GPA is more mediocre, a high SAT/ACT score can serve to offset this somewhat.
Anything else? Maybe more specific resources for practice or tips on a certain section of the test?
GoodLuck
Amy Brasser
sales
2
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Amy’s Answer
I will add also that the weight of the test score varies widely from school to school. While many schools may say that they are "Test optional" they may actually be "test preferred". Research the individual schools you are interested in and look at the percentage of students that are admitted without submitting test scores. If it is a very low number, then it is better to submit your test scores. Many larger, state schools are moving back to requiring test scores.
Above advice about test prep is very good! Khan Academy is a GREAT resource for SAT prep. The move in 2024 to all digital SAT is a very different testing experience. Use your PSAT performance as a starting point for understanding where you need to focus your test preparation and go from there.
Above advice about test prep is very good! Khan Academy is a GREAT resource for SAT prep. The move in 2024 to all digital SAT is a very different testing experience. Use your PSAT performance as a starting point for understanding where you need to focus your test preparation and go from there.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
335
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Good for you for thinking about this at this point in high school, Kylie. You have time to prepare before taking the tests in the Spring. Shrungali gave excellent advice. I would like to add / reiterate a few points:
- Learn strategies for the different types of questions. Knowing how you will approach questions will make you more confident and increase your accuracy without sacrificing speed. Khan Academy or the more reputable test prep companies will help you find the ones that work for you. Look out for gimmicks, though. If you are reading a gimmick, the test makers have read it also and programmed against it.
- Become very familiar with the test instructions before test day so you won't have to read them that day.
- Wrong answers won't detract from your score so, when in doubt, guess.
- Start practicing as early as possible and work steadily. This will give you time to encounter many different types of questions, develop good habits, and grow accustomed to the questions. This will help control your nerves on test day.
- Before test day, do at least one or two full tests in one seating to test your stamina. Don't worry if you get tired during a practice test. Knowing when you get tired will help you plan your snacks and other tactics to stay focused.
- Try both the SAT and ACT to see if you like one more than the other. Colleges take both and it is easier to prepare for one test versus two.
- If you encounter a difficult problem (or section), try to put it behind you emotionally. You might have gotten more correct than you thought, and staying upset will take away focus and energy from the problems ahead.
Good luck!
- Learn strategies for the different types of questions. Knowing how you will approach questions will make you more confident and increase your accuracy without sacrificing speed. Khan Academy or the more reputable test prep companies will help you find the ones that work for you. Look out for gimmicks, though. If you are reading a gimmick, the test makers have read it also and programmed against it.
- Become very familiar with the test instructions before test day so you won't have to read them that day.
- Wrong answers won't detract from your score so, when in doubt, guess.
- Start practicing as early as possible and work steadily. This will give you time to encounter many different types of questions, develop good habits, and grow accustomed to the questions. This will help control your nerves on test day.
- Before test day, do at least one or two full tests in one seating to test your stamina. Don't worry if you get tired during a practice test. Knowing when you get tired will help you plan your snacks and other tactics to stay focused.
- Try both the SAT and ACT to see if you like one more than the other. Colleges take both and it is easier to prepare for one test versus two.
- If you encounter a difficult problem (or section), try to put it behind you emotionally. You might have gotten more correct than you thought, and staying upset will take away focus and energy from the problems ahead.
Good luck!