ACT/SAT Prep

Tackling College Admissions Tests

Two simple letter combinations that strike fear unnecessarily in the hearts of high school students around the country: SAT and ACT. If you plan to go to college, the unfortunate reality is that you have to take at least one (and in most cases both) of these tests. They are simply part of the college application process, and your results will be factored into the decision to accept or not accept you to the college of your choice.

Because college admissions tests are a necessarily evil, the best way to approach them is to be prepared. Understand what you’re up against so you’ll be ready when test day comes around. Though most of the focus on SAT and ACT tests occurs during your senior year, be sure that you have taken at least one of the exams during your junior year of high school. This will enable you to see what the test entails so you can prepare for retaking the test. You can take them multiple times to improve your score.

Q: What’s the difference between the SAT & ACT?

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
Measures: Critical reading, writing and math reasoning skills
Highest composite score: 2400
This test helps colleges see how much students have learned to this point and how they will perform in college.

ACT (American College Testing)
Measures: Content-based knowledge of English, math, reading and science reasoning.
Highest composite score: 36
This test measures how well students have mastered their high school curriculum. It not only assesses how much they know but how well they reason.

Q: Which one should I take?

Talk to the college or university of your choice to see if they have a preference.

Q: How should I prepare?

Unlike many of the tests you’ve taken in high school, you can’t cram for the SAT and ACT because they measure what you’ve learned over the course of many years. So if you’ve been paying attention and keeping up with your schoolwork, you should have a good base of knowledge from which to work.

Essentially the best way to prepare for these types of tests is to practice. That’s the easiest way to identify what you’re good at, and the areas you need to work on. Practice tests come with your registration packet and are also available online. You’ll get an idea of the types of questions you’ll be asked. You’ll also get a preview as to how many questions will be asked. Many schools even offer prep classes after school or on the weekends — to help you master the art of test-taking. During your sophomore or junior year, you can take the PSAT to practice.

Q: What should I do on the day of the test?

  1. Get plenty of rest – so you’re awake, alert and ready to go.
  2. Eat breakfast – so you have the energy and stamina to make it through the day.
  3. Be comfortable – dress in layers so you’re not too hot or cold in the testing room.
  4. Come prepared – so you can focus on the test and not on the fact that you forgot something. Be sure to bring:
    1. Your test center admission ticket
    2. A proper id
    3. 2 #2 pencils with erasers
    4. A watch
    5. An acceptable calculator
    6. Snacks (optional but suggested to get you through the grueling day!)
  5. Answer easy questions first – to build confidence and rack up more points
  6. Watch your time – don’t get hung up on a question you don’t know the answer to. Relax and move on to the next question so you can make sure you finish.
  7. Guess smart – rule out wrong answers to increase the odds that you’ll choose the right one.
  8. Check your work – if you’re lucky enough to have time left over, it never hurts to check your work.
DeVry University is accredited like other top schools. Check it out.