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 - Download the app "Bluebook" to a computer via this link: BLUEBOOK. Once downloaded, it will ask for your College Board username and password. Next, 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.
Given you have taken an SAT Diagnostic and an ACT diagnostic, performances can be compared via link: Concordance Table
PLAN YOUR TEST DATES CAREFULLY
2024-2025 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.
Use the best materials - See links: College Board Book (SAT) and Official ACT Study Guide, your only sources for authentic exams.
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 chunks - For 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.
ALWAYS Review - Your score will not advance unless you continuously refine your process by remedy of past mistakes. Review explanations of missed problems, redo missed problems where appropriate, and reflect back periodically on all missed problems .