How to Prepare for College Entrance Exams: Tips for the SAT and ACT

Not sure where to begin with preparing for the ACT or SAT? Unsure which test you should take? There is much that takes place in college preparation, even as early as freshman year of high school. Knowing how to prepare for these entrance exams is key, and we're here to get started with our quick guide.

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Note that some colleges do not prefer that you take one test or the other; therefore, do not feel obligated to take one or both. If you are unsure which test to take, check the college admissions website or speak with your college counselor who can help your student navigate how to prepare for college exams. Follow this checklist to determine which test is best for you, if not both. Let's get started!

Which Is Better for You, the SAT or the ACT?

Depending on the school you're applying to, you'll need to decide this. One test is not preferred over another by the great majority of colleges. In the event that your potential school does require a particular test, you will be forced to take it. You still have the choice to finish and turn in an exam even if your school does not require the ACT or SAT. This allows you to select the test that best fits your skills and intended major in college.

Your career path should also influence the test you take. Here are a few examples to think about.

Science majors: The SAT lacks a specific science section, in contrast to the ACT. The ACT might be a better test to take than the SAT if you want to work in the sciences.

Majors that require a lot of writing: The ACT also includes a section specifically for writing, though it is optional. This section is designed to assess your ability to comprehend and assess complicated issues and convert your evaluations into in-depth analyses. The ACT might be a better choice if you think it will help your college admissions because of your major.

Majors concentrating in mathematics: The SAT forbids the use of calculators on specific math problems, where you must show your work. Therefore, the SAT may be more appealing to math majors who are looking to test their skills in this area.

How to Prepare for College Admission Tests

Depending on the test or tests you plan to take, there are different preparation requirements for college entrance exams. Generally speaking, you should spend one to two weeks before your test of choice studying every topic you will encounter. Before taking the real thing, students should spend 6–20 hours studying and taking a full-length practice test, according to the College Board, which administers the SAT. You can request comprehensive score reports for certain practice exams, which will highlight your weakest performance areas.

Additionally, tutors are advised. That is, if you are able to afford this extra assistance. There are tutors who specialize in SAT and ACT preparation. Remember that because these are standardized tests, all of the questions will be the same. As a result, studying with knowledgeable tutors who are familiar with the material will significantly improve your chances of receiving a high grade. You can search for test preparation books that contain study guides and practice questions if local tutors are too costly. These books are available "used" for a reduced cost.

Free test-prep resources, including practice exams, are available on the SAT and ACT websites. This will be the most efficient method for most people to get ready for the exam.

Make sure you eat a healthy meal, drink lots of water, and get a good night's sleep before the test. Additionally, you might want to pack water and a snack. Hunger or thirst can be a distraction during the several hours that each test lasts. Plus, you can paying someone to take online classes and then you can concentrate on your test preparation.

How to Take Entrance Exams for College

The SAT and ACT are administered in person. This implies that the test will need to be taken in person at a location while being supervised by a qualified administrator. Universities, testing facilities, and even your own high school can offer them.

Additionally, you should determine the best time to take the test. Every year, each test is administered seven times. Depending on your work or school schedule, you have many chances to attend an exam session.

• You should make sure you have enough opportunities to study and give yourself enough time to get your score because there are so many test dates available throughout the year.

• Find out the admissions deadline from the college you are applying to.

• The test should then be scheduled at least two months before that date.

Are Entrance Exams Required for All Colleges?

Standardized tests were once the main tool used by administrators for selecting new students, but these days, the process is more complex. Standardized tests are no longer regarded by many schools as the ultimate measure of a student's readiness. Because of this, these specific schools no longer require applicants to have a college entrance exam score. Even though they aren't specifically required, some students decide to take these tests anyhow.

Unfortunately, many students may not be able to take the tests in the first place due to a lack of time and resources to prepare for them. It's crucial to remember this, particularly if your school doesn't need these test results. Don't forget to inquire with your potential college about if they require SAT, ACT, or another test's scores  or no test at all before you decide to take a standardized test

Conclusion: Benefits and Drawbacks of Standardized Testing

When deciding whether to include an entrance exam in your college application packet, there are many factors to take into account. Throughout this article, we've outlined a number of points that will assist you in determining whether or not it's worth your time to take these time-consuming tests. Let's take a last look at some of the most important aspects now that we've reached the end:

Pros: 

• Reasonably priced

• Can be arranged to fit your schedule at different times of the year.

• Even though they are not necessary, almost all colleges take into account the results of the SAT and ACT.

• Get a useful indicator of your capacity for learning and memorization.

• Find strategies to enhance your comprehension of particular topics.

• With the shift to online testing, exams are getting shorter and easier to access.

Drawbacks:

• The only way to get higher scores is through costly tutoring.

• Tests are administered face-to-face under pressure, which could impair your performance.

• Poor grades might not accurately represent your level of comprehension of a subject.

• Since many colleges no longer require them, some students might view it as a waste of time.