First and foremost being prepared is key to your success when taking the ACT exam. We put together a TO DO LIST for what is needed leading up to and including test day. Keep this list available so you are ready to ace the test! NIGHT BEFORE TEST: Get a good night’s sleep! Pack all the needed supplies. MORNING OF THE TEST: Eat a healthy breakfast. Leave on time so you can arrive promptly to test center (arrive by 8:00am). ITEMS TO BRING FOR TEST: Bring a printed copy of your ticket to the test center. Bring acceptable photo identification. Bring several No. 2 sharpened pencils with good erasers. No other writing utensils allowed. Bring a permitted calculator. Be sure to read all the directions carefully. Manage your time well. Relax. You will do great! YOU GOT THIS!
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What Is a Mock SAT and ACT Exam?
Mock SAT and ACT exams are practice tests. These mock tests are given under the same timed conditions that a “real” SAT or ACT exam are administered. Mock tests follow the same administration procedures and policies as the actual tests. They are given so students understand what to expect under test-like conditions. It is a great way for students to get a “practice” run before the big day. Students can improve their test taking skills and experience how they will react under timed conditions. These are just a few of the many benefits of taking mock tests. Learn more of the many benefits of taking a mock SAT or ACT exam. Do you have a mock test scheduled yet? Sign up for one today!
Practice Makes Perfect
You know the old saying, “Practice Makes Perfect.” When it comes to the SAT and ACT, “practice” means a chance of attaining a great score. Practice SAT and ACT tests are also known as “mock tests.” These mock tests have many benefits. Reduces Test Taking Anxiety: The SAT and ACT are high stakes tests, which often produces a lot of stress. Taking mock tests helps a student reduce anxiety. Students can practice controlling their stress during these timed conditions. Taking this “practice” run really helps students overcome the many obstacles that they encounter on test day. Master Time Management Skills: The SAT and ACT tests are timed. Each section is timed and the timing varies per section. When taking a practice SAT or ACT test, students can learn how to manage their time wisely. They learn how to dedicate the right amount of time for each question. This practice teaches them an invaluable lesson that is needed for the big day. Understanding Their Strengths and Weaknesses: The results of these mock tests can be a crucial tool for the student’s success. The results highlight the student’s strengths and weak areas. This data should be used as the driver for their test prep program. Students can […]
4 Tips on Studying Independently for the SAT and ACT
I plan on taking the SATs this fall and winter. I am considering studying on my own, do you have any tips on how to prepare for these tests on my own? Studying independently for the SAT and ACT exams is a huge undertaking. It can be very overwhelming to do independently, however, it is possible. Here are 4 tips on how to get you started with a successful independent test prep program. Planning is Key: You will want to start your test prep with planning. This will create a pattern of success for you. Take the time to plan out your test prep plan for the week. When is the best time to fit in your test prep study time? Once you find the time that works best in your schedule, be sure to write it down. Mark it on your wall calendar, schedule it in your phone calendar. The more you document the less likely you will miss your study time! (Remember to set up a calendar alert a few minutes before as this will get you in the right mindset!) Positive Mindset: Having the right mindset is key to anything you do. We all know that studying for these exams can […]
What is the High School Placement Test?
My student is in eighth grade and wants to apply to a private college preparatory high school. Which test is right for my student? What is the difference between the High School Placement Test (HSPT), the SSAT and the ISEE? There are several differences in content between the HSPT, SSAT and the ISEE. The SSAT measures aptitude in synonyms, analogies, reading comprehension and writing skills (students must complete a 25-minute essay, which is not scored but is used as part of the admissions process). The math section measures aptitude in arithmetic, geometry, algebra, computations and various mathematical concepts. The HSPT measures a broader scope of skills than does the SSAT, particularly in the verbal component. In addition to synonyms, analogies and reading comprehension, the HSPT includes verbal logic, antonyms, grammar, punctuation, spelling and capitalization. The ISEE also has synonym recognition but it also has sentence completion. Like the SSAT, there is a 30 minute unscored written written essay. The HSPT math is similar to the SSAT math, and includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry and mathematical concepts. The SSAT can be taken multiple times per year, and scores can be combined from the separate tests. The ISEE can be only be taken […]
Comparison of the Current SAT and The Redesigned SAT
Have you been following the news about the changes to the SAT? If you haven’t, we have the breakdown here. Here is a comparison chart of the current SAT and the redesigned SAT that will appear in 2016. Current SAT vs. Redesigned SAT Category Current SAT Redesigned SAT Total Testing Time 3 hours and 45 minutes 3 hours (plus 50 minutes for the Essay {optional}) Components 1. Critical Reading 2. Writing 3. Mathematics 4. Essay 1. Evidence- Based Reading & Writing (Reading Test & Writing and Language Test) 2. Math 3. Essay (optional) Important Features 1. Emphasis on general reasoning skills 2. Vocabulary Focus (within limited contexts) 3. Complex scoring: a point for a correct answer and a deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no effect on scores 1. Continued emphasis on reasoning alongside a clearer focus on knowledge, skills and understandings that are most important for college and career readiness success 2. Greater emphasis on meaning of words in context and how word choice effects meaning, tone and impact. 3. Rights-only scoring: a point for a correct answer but NO deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses will have no effect on scores Essay 1. Mandatory & is […]
Ready, Set, PLAN!
Are you entering your junior or senior year in high school? Are the SAT/ACT exams looming over your thoughts when you think of the upcoming school year? PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! We have some great tips to help you break down the process of taking the SAT/ACT exam and organizing your time effectively. The first step is to research the colleges or universities in which you would like to apply. The second step is to organize the list of schools in three categories: target, reach, safety. A target school is one that you would be happy to receive acceptance. This is a school that has your program and one that you could see yourself attending, such school may even be your top choice for a college. A reach school is one that maybe accepts a slight higher standardized testing score or a few more requirements than other schools (a higher standard). You would be applying to this school knowing it is a bit of a stretch but willing to take the chance anyway! Finally, a safety school is one that you feel you could attend if the other two categories fell through. This school may be a community college or a university with less […]
Worry Free Vocabulary Review!
Does vocabulary overwhelm you? Worry no more! A great way to review vocabulary for a standardized assessment, such as the SAT or ACT, is to practice in a fun, stress free way. Forget about drilling yourself with mountiains of notecards. Instead, choose 5 vocabulary words per week to focus on. These words can be found within your practice review book. Specifically, choose words that you did not recognize when completing the reading or writing sections. Don’t forget to check out the reading passages! They are filled with words that may fall onto your “unkown” category! Throughout the week use the words to create illustrations, word activities (crosswords), or bingo! This would be a great way to review with your friends, too! How do you study for vocabulary? Share your ideas!
SAT Summer Prep
Summer break is the BEST time to get ahead! While the SAT tests are offered throughout the school year, reviewing over the summer is extremely beneficial. As opposed to the hectic school year comprised of homework and extracurricular activities, the summer provides ample time to focus on preparing for this important test. Don’t worry — an enjoyable summer can still be had! Just spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour each day studying for the SAT test. Review vocabulary cards, practice math problems, work on developing your essays, and don’t forget about practicing reading comprehension! This little bit of daily focus and attention will go a long way! How are you preparing for the SAT?
How Much Do You Know About the SAT Exam?
Here is some SAT Trivia. How much do you know about the SAT exam? They have changed since we have taken them. See how many questions you can answer. 1. How many sections are on the SAT? 10 short sections: Mathematics: 3 sections, 70 minutes 10 Grid ins, 44 multiple choice. Writing: 3 sections, 60 minutes, 1 essay, 25 Sentence improvements, 18 error recognitions, 6 paragraph improvements. Critical Reading: 3 sections, 70 minutes, 19 sentence completions, 48 reading comprehension. Experimental: 1 section, 25 minutes. 2. What is the total testing time? The SAT total testing time is 3 hours and 45 minutes 3. Answer True or False. The SAT places more emphasis on reading comprehension than on vocabulary. The answer is TRUE. The SAT places more emphasis on reading comprehension. An extensive vocabulary is certainly helpful, but memorizing word lists is usually not the most productive use of a student’s time. Therefore practicing reading comprehension strategies is an important piece in your test prep program. How did you do on this quiz?
Tips for SAT Essay
The SAT essay tests your ability to develop and support a point of view about an assigned issue. Below are some tips to help you write an essay that successfully displays your ability to clearly develop and express ideas supporting your point of view. Read the assignment carefully: The assignment for the SAT essay contains a short paragraph about the issue from a specific author or book. Take your time with this section in order to gather your thoughts before you form a thesis regarding the assigned issue. Pace yourself: You only have 25 minutes to answer the SAT essay. Keep this in mind as your form your thesis and choose examples that support your thesis in order to use your time wisely. Stay focused: Your essay represents your opinion about an assigned issue. The quality of your essay is very important. Use a few well-developed examples to clearly support the position you took in your thesis and offer evidence that solidifies your position so that you can write a solid conclusion that ties your thesis and examples together. Also make sure you include a quote in your essay! Remember grammar and mechanics: Writing a quality SAT essay involves using […]
SAT Changes
The SAT Reasoning Test has gone through major changes in 3 areas over the last decade that impact the testing experience for students throughout the nation interested in attending institutions of higher learning. Below is a summary of the most recent changes to the SAT. Change 1 – Test subjects. The most recent version of the SAT, instituted in 2005, tests students in 3 areas – writing, critical reading and math – for a total of 171 questions to be answered within 3 hours and 45 minutes. There are 50 questions in the writing section, 67 questions in the critical reading section and 54 questions in the math section. Change 2 – SAT Scores. Score Choice was introduced in 2009. It gives each student the option to choose which scores, by test date, they send to colleges or universities in accordance with that institution’s stated score-use practice. Students still receive 3 scores and each section is still worth anywhere from 200 to 800 points, for a maximum score of 2400. It’s important to note that: Questions that are skipped don’t count either for or against a score. Points aren’t taken away for wrong answers on the math questions where […]