PREPARING FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS

There's no doubt about it, the tests which are used in the college admission process are important, often more important than a lot of college admission offices would want to admit.  As is the case with any test, especially those such as the SAT or ACT, it is critical that you are ready for your test, and that you know what to expect.  Indeed, the best type of preparation you can do for either test is to become familiar with it: take practice after practice after practice.  Know the test inside out.  Understand the instructions and time limits for each section.  Understand the wisdom of guessing and learn how to make educated guesses.  Know the test!  Take your test with confidence and determination.

The booklet you receive with your registration materials (available in your high school), Taking the SAT I: Reasoning Test,  or Preparing for the ACT Assessment, contains a great deal of information about the respective test. It also contains a practice test. Again, taking practice tests before you actually take the SAT or ACT is an excellent way to prepare for the exam. Books of practice tests are published and are available at most book stores. 

Preparation usually means something different to each person taking the SAT or ACT. Some students do well on their own, using a book or computer program.  Others find a highly structured, one-on-one approach with a tutor more helpful.  For many college-bound seniors, preparation means taking a coaching course. Study carefully the claims made by coaching companies in their advertisements. Remember that on average, all scores increase on the second administration. There are countless claims and countless reports regarding coaching and test prep. Before you decide on taking a course, ask these questions: How much time do you have to devote to this course? How much work will be required outside of class? Are you disciplined enough to prepare for the exam on your own? Ask your counselor for advice on sorting through the preparation courses offered in your area. However you decide to prepare, whether in a course or on your own, remember that what will be most important will be the time you devote to preparation and the attitude with which you approach the test. Remember that there is no course nor any individual with a "secret" to success on the SAT or ACT.