SAT and ACT

Parents and students alike sometimes get lost when thinking about what is SAT, ACT, here are some general points , so you can understand a thing or two about how can help yourself about those tests .

First, start thinking about the test as soon as possible. Get a registration bulletin and free sample test from the school counselor. Even as a freshman or sophomore, looking over the questions in the sample test will acquaint you with the kinds of things that will be expected by the test writers.

Second, are you taking the right courses at school? Be sure the right information is covered by the school curriculum because if the test is asking you something you are not learning in class/classes, what's up with that ! For example, there are specific grammar skills required by the ACT and PSAT, but many schools don't provide targeted grammar instruction. Let the curriculum coordinator for your school know how important it is for the test.

Third, plan your course-work well in advance. It can be a dissapointing to find out when it's too late that the college of choice has requirements that cannot be met by the student, and believe me, that is a disaster. For example, if a student's college of choice requires two years of a foreign language and you hasn't taken any by your senior year, there's a big problem.

Fourth, read the FAQ related to when a student should take the test. Develop a schedule for registering for and taking the test.

Fifth, help make sure that you are getting prepared for the test. It should begin at home. Reading is the best way for you to develop the vocabulary and reading skills that are required by the tests. Make sure your course-work is appropriate. Talk to the counselor about college applications and what the school does to prepare its students for the tests. Ask specific questions: Do you offer a special prep course? -like AVID courses- What materials are used? Has the teacher received special training? What kind of results do students get? What do students say after taking the course?

Students and Parents don't be affraid to ask!

Sixth, Most of you already feel pressure regarding the test, just keep in mind that the SAT and ACT are just part of the college application process. In addition to transcripts, many colleges consider recommendations, extracurricular activities, essays and interviews.

Finally, keep the last 24 hours before the test stress free. If the testing center is at an unfamiliar location, make sure you've made a trip there in advance so there isn't any undue stress trying to be on time or trying to find it. Stay at home so you can get a good night's sleep the night before the test. Get up with and fix a healthy breakfast.

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