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PLANNING THE MOST EFFECTIVE TEST PREP PATH

The steps to working smarter, not harder.


TAKE A DIAGNOSTIC EXAM

Colleges only require one of the SAT or ACT.  Take one or more diagnostics below to assess which exam best suits you... ​​​

  • SAT Diagnostic <<Click this link to download BLUEBOOK, the app that contains digital SAT practice tests. 

    • This app requires a college board username.  Create one at www.collegeboard.org or text Jim at 518 727 7105 for assistance!

  • ACT Diagnostic << Click link to take this full-length ACT.  For grading, text a photo of the bubble sheet to Jim Addeo at 518 727 7105.

  • Concordance Table << Click this link to compare the strength of your SAT Diagnostic score and your ACT diagnostic score.

PLAN YOUR TEST DATES CAREFULLY

Set your SAT/ACT test dates carefully . . . 

  • 2025-2026 SAT ACT Test dates and deadlines << Click this link for a test calendar.

  • Plan on one to two months.  

  • It's ideal to prep when there's least else on your plate such as varsity sports, AP exams, and final exam.   

 

Plan at least 2 shots at the SAT/ACT since . . .  

  • Many students need to work out the bugs on attempt #1 in order to settle in better on attempt #2.  

  • Many colleges super-score - they'll pair your best sections from multiple test dates in order to create a highest overall composite score.

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SET GOALS THAT FIT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES

Know how your college selections factor in the SAT/ACT.

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Figure out what scores your college selections are seeking.   

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​​Dig deeper into what the SAT/ACT means for TEST OPTIONAL schools.  

  • Every college must publish a "Common Data Set," which provides vast info on previously accepted students.

  • A college's Common Data Set will state what percentage of accepted students submitted a test score.

  • The higher this percentage, the more important it is to submit a test score to a TEST OPTIONAL college.

  • Example: Google "University of Michigan Common Data Set 2022-2023" and scroll down to "SAT/ACT Policies"

OPTIMIZE YOUR STUDY ATTACK

Whether utilizing a prep program, or studying on your own: 

  • Stick to one exam - Alternating between SAT and ACT prep dilutes your efforts and expends more energy than may be necessary.

  • Take practice tests - For the SAT, start with digital tests via this link: BLUEBOOK  For ACT, start here: Official ACT Study Guide.

  • Review your testsAnalysis of past mistakes is the true path to gains.  Keep a photo log of missed questions and review it constantly! 

  • Be consistent - Build momentum by working every week in the 1 to 2 months prior to test day rather than scatter prep here and there. 

  • Work in small chunksFor example, one ACT reading passage takes 9 minutes.  Doing one per day makes practice very doable.

  • Work in large chunks - To build endurance and perfect your overall process, take full timed exams especially as test day nears.

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