
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... ​​​
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SAT Diagnostic <<Click this link to download BLUEBOOK, the app that contains digital SAT practice tests.
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This app requires a college board username. Create one at www.collegeboard.org or text Jim at 518 727 7105 for assistance!
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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.
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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 . . .
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2025-2026 SAT ACT Test dates and deadlines << Click this link for a test calendar.
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Plan on one to two months.
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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 . . .
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Many students need to work out the bugs on attempt #1 in order to settle in better on attempt #2.
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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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About 10% of colleges REQUIRE you to submit an SAT or ACT score.
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About 10% of colleges are TEST BLIND - they do not take test scores into account.
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About 80% of schools are TEST OPTIONAL - you do not have to submit a score, but it can boost your application.
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Google any school's status in regards to test requirements. Example: Google "SUNY Albany SAT optional"
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Figure out what scores your college selections are seeking.
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Example: Google "SUNY Albany SAT Score" to reveal the score range of previously accepted students.
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For TEST OPTIONAL schools, submit your score it meets or exceeds their range, and withhold your scores if you fall far short.
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​​Dig deeper into what the SAT/ACT means for TEST OPTIONAL schools.
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Every college must publish a "Common Data Set," which provides vast info on previously accepted students.
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A college's Common Data Set will state what percentage of accepted students submitted a test score.
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The higher this percentage, the more important it is to submit a test score to a TEST OPTIONAL college.
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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:
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Stick to one exam - Alternating between SAT and ACT prep dilutes your efforts and expends more energy than may be necessary.
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Take practice tests - For the SAT, start with digital tests via this link: BLUEBOOK For ACT, start here: Official ACT Study Guide.
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Review your tests - Analysis of past mistakes is the true path to gains. Keep a photo log of missed questions and review it constantly!
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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.
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Work in small chunks - For example, one ACT reading passage takes 9 minutes. Doing one per day makes practice very doable.
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Work in large chunks - To build endurance and perfect your overall process, take full timed exams especially as test day nears.