PLANNING THE MOST EFFECTIVE TEST PREP PATH
The steps to working smarter, not harder.
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.