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PLANNING THE MOST EFFECTIVE TEST PREP PATH

The steps to working smarter, not harder.

Diagnostics/Planning: Services

ATTENTION JUNIORS: PLAN FOR THE CHANGE IN THE SAT

In March of 2024, the SAT will switch to a digital format, putting students in the class of 2025 in a transition year for the SAT.  Now is the right time to start considering the following issues in order to create the best path for success: 

  • How does the change in the SAT affect when I should plan my test dates?  Click for planning.

  • What are the major differences between the current paper SAT and the new digital SAT?  Click for comparison.

  • On to specifics, will the digital SAT pose new question types?  Click to compare, and see the diagnostic tests below for a closer look.



GENERAL PLANNING FOR ALL STUDENTS:

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... ​

  • Digital SAT Diagnostic - Download the app "Bluebook" to a computer, which will prompt you to enter your College Board username/password.  Click tab "Full Length Practice" and take SAT test 1.  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.

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

PLAN YOUR TEST DATES CAREFULLY

  • 2023-2024 SAT ACT Test dates and deadlines <<< Click this link for a look at all the possibilities first.

  • A strong stint of preparation lasts one to two months leading up to the exam date.

  • Consider life's competing commitments such as varsity sports, AP exams, and regents exams.  It's best to prep for an SAT or ACT during a time of year when there is least else on the plate.  

CONSIDER THE RIGHT NUMBER OF TEST DAY ATTEMPTS

Taking 2 to 3 attempts at either the SAT or the ACT is recommended for a few reasons:​

  • Many students need to work out 'the bugs' with their first exam attempt before perfecting their process on a second attempt.

  • In general, the more times you swing the bat, the greater the chance you hit the home run you are looking for.

  • Many colleges super-score: they'll mix and match individual section scores from different test dates if it yields a composite score higher than the score from a single sitting.

OPTIMIZE YOUR STUDY ATTACK

A truly effective study plan factors in the following points of advice:

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

  • 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. 

  • Review - Taking a test does not advance score as much as remedying the mistakes made.  Always review and redo missed problems. 

  • Work in small chunks - An SAT reading passage takes 13 minutes.  Doing one per day makes practice (and the review) 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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