College Placement Testing: SAT vs ACT vs AP

SAT vs ACT | College Placement Tests | The Education Doctor

As high school students approach their junior year, the pressure to excel academically and prepare for college admissions intensifies. A crucial part of this preparation involves college placement testing, namely the SAT and ACT, as well as understanding AP scores. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the differences regarding the SAT vs ACT vs AP tests.

Understanding the SAT

Why Take the SAT in Winter of Junior Year?

For many 10th graders and their families, taking the SAT during the winter of junior year is a strategic move. This early attempt allows students to become familiar with the test format and content, providing a head start in preparation. Identifying strengths and areas for improvement early on can help ease the pressure in senior year when the stakes are higher.

What Are the Benefits of Taking the SAT Early in Junior Year?

Taking the SAT early in junior year provides valuable insight into a student’s baseline performance. It allows more time to prepare for retakes, align with application deadlines, and explore scholarship opportunities tied to scores.

The Cost of Taking the SAT

The financial aspect of the SAT can be significant. Exam fees, along with additional costs for preparation courses and practice materials, can add up. Understanding these costs and exploring options for financial aid, fee waivers, or low-cost preparation resources can help manage expenses while ensuring adequate preparation.

Debunking SAT Myths

Several myths surround the SAT that can mislead students and parents. One common myth is that the SAT is an insurmountable hurdle that solely determines college admission success. Another is that high scores are solely due to innate ability rather than preparation. In reality, consistent study, practice, and strategic preparation can significantly improve scores and reduce test-related anxiety.

What Resources Are Available for SAT Test Preparation?

Students can access a wide range of preparation resources, including official SAT practice tests, online courses, tutoring services, and mobile apps. These tools help build familiarity with the format and content while providing opportunities for targeted improvement.

Understanding the ACT

Essential ACT Information for Sophomores

Sophomores should be aware of the critical differences between the SAT and ACT. The ACT includes a broader range of subjects, including science, whereas the SAT focuses more on evidence-based reading and writing, as well as math. Understanding these differences can help students choose which test aligns better with their strengths and college goals. Early preparation, such as taking practice tests and engaging in targeted study, can make a significant difference.

How Does the ACT Differ From the SAT in Terms of Format and Content?

The ACT includes sections on English, math, reading, science, and an optional writing test, while the SAT emphasizes evidence-based reading, writing, and math. The ACT’s science section is a key differentiator, making it better suited for students confident in interpreting data and scientific concepts.

When to Retake the ACT

Deciding when to retake the ACT can be a strategic decision. If a student’s score is below their target or potential, retaking the test might be beneficial. It’s essential to consider factors such as improved preparation, changes in test-taking strategies, and whether additional study time could lead to better results. Retaking the ACT with a clear plan and targeted study can help improve scores and enhance college applications.

What Strategies Can Help Improve ACT Scores?

Students can improve their ACT scores by taking full-length practice tests, focusing on weaker subject areas, and using test-taking strategies like time management and answer elimination. Enrolling in prep courses or hiring a tutor can provide additional guidance.

More on the ACT and SAT.

Understanding AP Scores

AP Scores and College Admissions

Once AP scores are back, it’s crucial for college-bound juniors and sophomores to assess their performance. High scores can enhance a college application, potentially earning college credit and demonstrating academic prowess. Conversely, lower scores should be viewed as opportunities for growth and areas to focus on in future coursework or standardized tests. Integrating AP scores into a broader strategy for college admissions is essential.

How Do AP Scores Impact College Admissions and Placement?

AP scores demonstrate a student’s ability to tackle college-level material and can influence admissions decisions. Many colleges grant credit or advanced placement for high scores, allowing students to save on tuition and graduate earlier.

Are There Any Benefits to Taking Additional AP Courses Even if the Scores Are Not Perfect?

Yes, taking AP courses showcases academic rigor and a willingness to challenge oneself, which is often valued by admissions committees. Even if scores aren’t perfect, the effort and learning experience can strengthen a student’s application.

The Debate: Are SAT and ACT a Waste of Time and Money?

There is ongoing debate about the value of the SAT and ACT. Some argue that these tests are outdated measures of a student’s potential and question their worth given the cost and preparation involved. Critics highlight that standardized tests may not accurately reflect a student’s abilities or readiness for college. However, many colleges and universities still use these scores as a factor in admissions decisions, making them a significant component of the application process.

Conclusion

Navigating the landscape of standardized testing and AP scores can be challenging, but understanding the purpose, costs, and strategies associated with the SAT, ACT, and AP exams can make the process more manageable. By starting early, preparing effectively, and addressing myths and misconceptions, students can approach these tests with confidence and better position themselves for college admissions success.

How to Ace the ACT

Preparing to take the ACT can feel like a daunting task. The pressure to perform well and achieve a high score can make the test seem overwhelming. However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can significantly improve your chances of acing the ACT. In this guide, we’ll cover key tips on how to ace the ACT, focusing on both preparation and test-day strategies.

1. Understand the ACT Structure

To ace the ACT, you must first understand the test’s structure. The ACT is divided into four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. Each section is designed to test specific skills:

  • English: Focuses on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
  • Math: Covers topics such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and elementary statistics.
  • Reading: Tests your reading comprehension through passages and related questions.
  • Science: Assesses your ability to interpret data, understand research summaries, and analyze conflicting viewpoints.

Understanding the format and timing of each section is crucial. The ACT is a timed test, so practicing under timed conditions will help you manage your time effectively on the actual test day.

2. Create a Study Plan

Acing the ACT requires consistent and focused study. Start by assessing your strengths and weaknesses in each section. Then, create a study plan that allocates more time to the areas where you need improvement. Here’s how to structure your study plan:

  • Set specific goals: Determine your target score and break it down by section.
  • Use quality study materials: Invest in reputable ACT prep books, online courses, or tutoring if necessary.
  • Take practice tests: Regularly taking full-length practice tests will help you become familiar with the test format and improve your endurance. Review your answers to understand your mistakes and learn from them.

3. Master Time Management

One of the most challenging aspects of the ACT is the time constraint. Learning how to pace yourself is essential to avoid running out of time on any section. Here are some time management tips to help you ace the ACT:

  • Practice with a timer: When studying, use a timer to simulate the test environment. This will help you get comfortable with the pace you need to maintain.
  • Prioritize questions: On test day, tackle the questions you find easiest first. This will help you secure those points quickly and leave more time for the tougher questions.
  • Keep an eye on the clock: During the test, periodically check the time to ensure you’re on track.

4. Focus on Your Weaknesses

To truly ace the ACT, you need to address your weaknesses head-on. Whether it’s struggling with geometry problems in the Math section or analyzing scientific data in the Science section, dedicating time to improving these areas is crucial. Consider the following strategies:

  • Targeted practice: Focus on the types of questions or content areas where you consistently struggle.
  • Seek help if needed: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, tutors, or online resources to strengthen your weak areas.

5. Develop Test-Taking Strategies

Beyond studying the content, learning test-taking strategies can help you perform better on the ACT. Here are a few key strategies:

  • Eliminate wrong answers: Even if you’re unsure of the correct answer, eliminating clearly wrong options can increase your chances of guessing correctly.
  • Answer every question: The ACT does not penalize for wrong answers, so it’s to your advantage to answer every question, even if you have to guess.
  • Stay calm and focused: It’s easy to get flustered if you encounter a difficult question. Take a deep breath, skip the question, and return to it later if you have time.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Acing the ACT isn’t just about studying hard; it’s also about being in the best physical and mental shape on test day. Here are some tips to ensure you’re ready:

  • Get plenty of rest: Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep the night before the test to ensure you’re well-rested and alert.
  • Eat a healthy breakfast: Choose a breakfast that includes complex carbohydrates and protein, such as oatmeal with nuts or eggs and whole-grain toast, to fuel your brain.
  • Arrive early: On test day, give yourself plenty of time to get to the testing center. Arriving early will help you settle in and reduce any last-minute stress.

7. Use Practice Resources Wisely

One of the best ways to prepare for the ACT is by using practice resources. ACT prep books, online quizzes, and full-length practice tests can help you get accustomed to the format and types of questions you’ll face. Additionally, many students find that taking official ACT practice tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare, as it provides an accurate representation of what to expect.

8. Stay Positive

Finally, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial to acing the ACT. Believe in your ability to succeed, and don’t let anxiety or self-doubt undermine your performance. Visualize yourself succeeding, and approach the test with confidence.

Conclusion

Acing the ACT is a challenging but achievable goal. By understanding the test structure, creating a strategic study plan, mastering time management, and addressing your weaknesses, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember to stay calm, confident, and focused on test day, and use the best ACT tips and strategies to your advantage. With determination and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a top score on the ACT.

Does Your State Require the SAT or ACT to Get Your Diploma?

ACT and SAT requirements | Compass College Advisory

Are There ACT and SAT Requirements in Your State?

Did you know that some states require a standardized test such as the SAT or the ACT in order to graduate from high school? Or that others simply provide the exams for free without requiring students to take them?

Make sure you double check your state requirements to avoid studying and taking both tests! See below for our map and list of testing requirements by state. 

We also recommend that students check with their school’s guidance counselors. Within states, schools’ specific testing policies can vary from district to district. 

ACT and SAT requirements | Compass College Advisory

States with SAT requirement 

States with ACT requirement 

States where a test is not required 

 

  • Arkansas 
  • Florida
  • Kansas 
  • Minnesota 
  • Texas
  • Maryland
  • Pennsylvania 
  • Iowa
  • California
  • Washington 
  • Oregon 
  • Missouri 
  • Alaska
  • Minnesota
  • New Jersey
  • Georgia
  • Virginia
  • New York
  • New Mexico
  • Arizona
  • South Dakota
  • Washington D.C.
  • Maine

States where either is required

  • Ohio — SAT or ACT required; district determines which test
  • Oklahoma — SAT or ACT required; district determines which test
  • South Carolina — SAT or ACT required
  • Tennessee — SAT or ACT required (districts may provide either SAT or ACT or allow students to choose)
  • Idaho– SAT or ACT Required 

Even though it may be required to take a specific standardized test in your state, it is still a good idea to prepare for the test that is the best fit for you. If your state requires the ACT but you perform better on the SAT, we recommend you take that test as well.

 

It is important to stay on top of this information as early as possible so you are  not overwhelmed with the preparations for the test. Our FREE College Tool Kit includes a month by month junior year roadmap to help you navigate through junior year. 

Preparing for the SAT or ACT

How to get off the waitlist for college | Compass College Advisory
How to get off the waitlist for college | Compass College Advisory

Your teen has taken the practice tests and knows which one best represents their abilities. Congratulations! Now comes the hard part…preparing for the test. Keep reading for my top tips for preparing for the SAT or ACT. 

 

Preparing for the Test 

 

Independent Study

There are a number of ways that students can prepare for either of these tests. Whether they’re taking the SAT or the ACT, they could get a test prep book from the library or from one of the testing agencies to study on their own. I’ve had a number of students who are more disciplined and study on their own. I would recommend that they spend a specific amount of time going through the book and doing the practice tests. They should be going through the different sections of the tests and even on occasion, maybe on the weekend, sit down and go through the entire test for the amount of time of the real test. This extra step can help ensure they are prepared. Again, If your teen is disciplined in that way, that’s a great approach. 

 

Online Programs 

Another way to prepare is using an online service. My son used an online program and that helped him stay on task. The online program provided the practice test and scoring as well so he could see how he was doing. There were also video modules that complemented the material and practice that he was doing. It worked out very well for him and helped him improve his score. There are a number of these different automated online programs available. 

 

Getting a Tutor 

The third approach, which could be a bit more expensive, is getting a tutor. For a number of my students hiring a tutor was the best approach. You can receive tutoring either individually or in a class setting. This is also a great way to ensure that your teen is being held accountable. 

One of the things I want to encourage you to do if you decide to go that route is to interview the tutor. Below you will find some questions that I prepared for interviewing tutors. When it comes to working with a teacher or tutor, some of that learning comes through being able to connect with them. By interviewing the tutor, you can ensure they are a good fit for your family. 

Before interviewing the tutor your teen should first ask themselves a couple of questions. The first is determining how they learn best: would having a one-on-one tutor or a tutor in a class setting allow them to learn best? They should also identify why they need a tutor. 

 

When interviewing the tutor possible questions to ask: 

  • How will you measure your student’s progress throughout their session together? 
  • What kind of homework will they do in between sessions? 

 

(This will allow your teen to plan their schedule and make sure that they have the right expectations around what they should be doing in between time because not only will they be preparing during sessions but also between their time together.) 

 

  • Can you provide a demonstration of a typical session? 

For example, if they have a difficult math homework problem from school can they share it with the tutor and then have the tutor demonstrate how they would explain solving that problem? That can be a way to ensure that the tutor’s teaching style aligns with your teen’s learning style.

 

  • What kind of training have you  had in terms of tutoring?

I know a lot of tutors do professional development. Many of them take the test themselves to make sure that they understand what their students are going through. 

 

Some other questions that parents should also consider would be their cancelation policy, how much they charge, their availability over the holiday break and also asking for references from other parents. By talking with other parents you can get a good sense of how that tutor works, learn about how they engaged their students, as well as their test score results. 

 

If a tutor says they usually help their students get a certain increase over their practice score, then that may give you some indication around their success. Of course it may vary with your own teen. I wouldn’t set the expectation of going from a 22 to 30, but at least getting a sense for how they’re going to engage with your teen. Also, check to see how they will follow through on checking in on the student’s progress between sessions. 

 

If you decide to use a practice book or an online course, then certainly it could be similar in regards to finding out about the best book or program for your teen by reading about past success stories. Any case studies or testimonials available online would be a great resource to check out. 

 

At the end of the day, it’s going to be a two-way street in terms of your teen participating and doing the work. You don’t want to make the investment if they’re not going to follow through on their side. However, if they do follow through they really can achieve those great results. 

 

Have you signed up to receive my FREE College-Prep Toolkit? It includes a Junior Year Roadmap to help you navigate junior year and to know what your teen should be doing each month to stay on track. 

Get ahead and stay ahead! Get my FREE Toolkit.

Pros and Cons of ACT vs SAT: Why Taking Both May Be a Waste

taking both sat and act is biggest mistake

This article was originally published on February 20, 2017, and was updated in 2024.

When parents tell me their children are taking both the SAT and the ACT, my response often shocks them…

“Really? What a waste of time and money!”

On their own, the SAT and ACT aren’t a waste of time or money. But taking BOTH the SAT AND the ACT isn’t the right choice.

In fact, this ends up costing you way more money and taking up more time than it’s worth.

Preparing for college can be hard enough without the extra pressure of preparing for multiple entrance exams.

I wrote this article to not only help your teen avoid some of this stress – but to save valuable time and money, too.

Here are three reasons why taking both the SAT and ACT might be a big waste of time and money:

1. Colleges accept either test

Colleges don’t prefer one over the other! Yep – it’s true.

Decades ago, some colleges required the SAT while other colleges required the ACT. This meant college-bound teens in the 80’s would take either the SAT or the ACT based on where they were applying.

Now, college-bound teens can focus on taking the test that’s best for them because all colleges will accept both the SAT and the ACT – great news for high school students who have enough on their plate already!

2. Teens usually perform better on one test

Rather than taking both tests, I suggest students stick with the test that’s best for them. (More on choosing the right test later…)

Why?

It’s likely the score on one test will be higher than on the other.

Now you might be asking, “but won’t I want to be able to choose the better of the two results?”

But here’s the thing: some colleges request ALL test scores.

In those cases, a student may not want to reveal all of their results!

The best way to avoid sending unfavorable test scores is to take the test that will yield the highest score for the individual student.

3. Taking both tests takes too much time

Let’s say your teen is planning on taking both the SAT and the ACT. They also want to retake one or both tests.

There isn’t enough time!

The testing calendars don’t easily accommodate taking each test more than once.

A high school junior who’s planning to take both tests twice during 11th grade could have a testing schedule that looks something like this:  

6 weeks of SAT prep

November – Take first SAT

January – Retake SAT

6 weeks of ACT prep

April – Take first ACT

June – Retake ACT

You know what I think when I look at this testing schedule?

Junior year is far too important to the spend majority of time prepping for standardized tests!

Don’t you agree?

And don’t forget about the SAT II

Your teen might also have a couple of colleges on their list that request 2 SAT Subject Tests.

The 20 available SAT Subject Tests are also referred to as SAT II — and they’ve only been around since 2005.

College Boards write the SAT Subject Tests AND the Advanced Placement exams. So, when students take an AP course, they’re preparing not only for the AP exam, but also for a similar SAT Subject Test.

If a student has AP exams in May, they’d be better off forgoing the May SAT and taking 2 SAT Subject Tests in June instead.

How to decide between the SAT and ACT

Ultimately, decisions about when to take the SAT or ACT and/or SAT Subject Tests must make sense for the teen’s test-taking abilities and college list options. That’s why doing your research ahead of time and getting to know both tests is essential.

And plenty of help is available for this process.

To discover whether the SAT or ACT would be the right choice (and how to ace either one!), don’t miss these articles:

What sophomores must know about the SAT and ACT
Best tips for Acing the ACT or SAT
When to Retake the ACT

Need a little more guidance?

For one-on-one support and other resources to help you or your child get into (or pay) for college click here.

Can Sophomores Take the SAT or ACT?

High school sophomores are in a great position to make the most of the college admissions process. Can sophomores take the SAT or ACT? Yes, they can, and it’s an excellent opportunity to get ahead.

can sophomores take the SAT
All colleges accept SAT and ACT for college admissions.

Now that the transition to high school is over, sophomores can be involved with those extra-curricular activities that matter to them, develop relationships with teachers just because, and use the summers to explore their own interests. Sophomore year is also a great time to plan for testing, either the ACT or SAT.

Will you score higher on the SAT or ACT?

If you know the answer to this question, then you’re already ahead of the class. Whichever test yields your higher score is the one to focus on in the upcoming months.

can sophomores take the sat | can you take the act as a sophomore | compass college advisory

If you don’t know which test you will score higher on, then you have a couple of options. One, you can take an SAT/ACT Comparison test. Students can take a comparison test themselves to get an idea of their score for each test. I suggest that students simulate the testing setting as much as possible by taking the test in a quiet space on a Saturday morning, using a timer to stick close to the timings for each section. When the comparison test is scored, the student gets feedback on whether the SAT or ACT is their higher score and tips on improving their score.

Another way to find out if the SAT or ACT is your better test is to compare scores from a practice SAT and practice ACT. Some high schools may even offer a PSAT and a pre- ACT during sophomore year. The scores from each test can be compared through this concordance table.

Set testing plan for Junior year

For 2017-18, both SAT and ACT are adding a summer testing date. I would suggest that seniors take advantage of these testing dates for college applications and scholarships. However, juniors may want to use the fall to start any test prep and schedule their tests during the academic year.

can sophomores take the sat

Test prep can be done using a book, online self-study or class, live class or private tutor (in person or online). Six to eight weeks of test prep is plenty of time. The key thing you want to remember with test prep is to do it consistently. For example, if you have a fall sport, then perhaps your best time to study is after the season ends since it may be difficult to study for the SAT or ACT along with having practices and games after school. Test prep can end about a week before your testing date.

In junior year, it’s best to allow for 2 testing dates in case a student wants to retake for a higher score. Taking 3 or more ACT or SAT shows a poor use of time and judgment. Beware that some colleges even penalize applicants who have multiple standardized test so please limit the test-taking. (The only time I recommend additional test-taking is for seniors who have selected a college that requires a certain score for scholarship purposes.)

What are your testing plans for junior year?

can sophomores take the sat | can you take the act as a sophomore | compass college advisory

PSAT Tips: Does the PSAT Matter?

psat

College-bound teens take the PSAT every year in mid-October. The PSAT is the test that high school juniors take to qualify for National Merit recognition, although more 9th and 10th graders are taking this test each year. In addition, the PSAT gives students practice and feedback for the SAT. After taking the PSAT, students will get a full report which details the questions they missed. This report can be a useful guide to prepare for the SAT.

Does the PSAT Matter?

Each fall, parents with 9th, 10th, and 11th graders ask me about the PSAT and whether their teen should study for the PSAT. As with most things in college readiness, it depends.

Let’s start with a general description of the PSAT to make sure we’re all on the same page. It’s considered a preliminary SAT exam and students often take it to get an unofficial look at the SAT. “Unofficial” means that this test is “off the record” for college admissions purposes. It’s rare that students would submit these scores for consideration in college admissions.

PSAT Tips for Different Grades

PSAT for 9th Graders
Most high schools do not offer the option for 9th graders to take the PSAT, although I have seen it offered at several independent schools. Typically, I do not recommend that students take the PSAT in 9th grade. It adds too much unnecessary pressure and anxiety. The 9th grade is such a transitional period that the year is better spent acclimating to the new school environment, making friends, and getting to know teachers.

PSAT for 10th Graders
Taking the PSAT in 10th grade can be a good idea if your high school offers that option. 10th graders who take the PSAT can get familiar with the format and determine their own level of comfort with the question types. The results would also closely project SAT scores. In addition to the PSAT in sophomore year of high school, I highly recommend that students also consider taking the pre-ACT. The pre-ACT is an unofficial preview of the ACT. Taking the pre-ACT would be an opportunity for sophomores to get familiar with the ACT format and determine their level of comfort with the question types.

The results of the PSAT and pre-ACT can then be compared, using an SAT-ACT comparison tool to determine if a student should take the SAT or ACT in junior year. It’s a waste of time and money to take both tests, so I highly recommend that students stick with one test . . . either the SAT or ACT! Sophomore year is an important year for students to discover their interests and further their academic preparation. Spending time to study for the PSAT or pre-ACT is not a good use of their time. Certainly, students may look at practice questions if they like, but I would not suggest prioritizing PSAT and/or pre-ACT test prep over homework assignments and reading for pleasure.

PSAT for 11th Graders
The majority of high schools in the US require that high school juniors take the PSAT. The PSAT is used in junior year as the qualifying exam for National Merit Scholarships. Even when students take the PSAT in junior year, they must still take the SAT or ACT to meet college admissions requirements.

I have recommended that my students study for the PSAT in only a few cases. When I recommended that my students study in junior year, they met these criteria:

  1. Had taken the PSAT in sophomore year
  2. Had scored in the 99%ile on the PSAT in sophomore year (Each state has its own National Merit Scholarship baseline so be sure to look it up for your state.)

Those students were in striking distance of qualifying for National Merit Scholarship, so it made sense for them to study for the PSAT in advance. Their study plan often included the completion of two or more practice tests before the test date and thorough reviews of reading, writing, and math.

Reasons to Study for PSAT

  • To get a higher score than last year
  • To have a chance at a National Merit recognition
  • To present stronger scores for a summer program application

Reasons to NOT Study for PSAT

  • Did not take the test last year
  • Scores from last year were below 750 for each section
  • Academic course load is demanding
  • ACT is the best test for the student

In most cases, students do not need to study for the PSAT. It’s an annual test that plays a marginal role in college admissions. If a student’s best test is the SAT, then they would be better off focusing their prep efforts on the SAT, instead. The best time to prep for the SAT is usually 8-10 weeks prior to the scheduled test date. If the PSAT date coincides with the SAT prep, then it’s a win-win.

Rule of Thumb: Test prep should never take precedence over maintaining a strong transcript whether a student is in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.

Please let me know your thoughts and/or comments on this topic.

What Parents Need to Know about Testing for College-bound Teens

There are 3 tests that are used for college admissions:

  1. ACT
  2. SAT 1 – Reasoning test
  3. SAT 2 – Subject Tests

Each of these tests is different.

ACT ≠ SAT

The ACT is more of an achievement test and more aligned with knowledge gained during the high school years. SAT 1 is more of an intelligence test. As a rule of thumb, I’ve found that my students who are strong readers tend to fare better on the SAT, especially with its vocabulary. Students who do not read as much outside of school tend to do better on the ACT.

The SAT 2 is an hour-long test in a specific subject area. Here are the available subject tests:

  • Literature

These tests tend to match with an Honors or Advanced Placement course. For example, if a student is taking AP US History then they may want to consider the SAT Subject Test in American History for college admissions purposes. (Note: The AP tests are typically used for college placement, but not college admissions.) I recommend that students take the corresponding Subject Test at the end of the course, in May or June. For students who are interested in STEM fields, I strongly urge them to consider taking the Math Level 2 Subject Test soon after they complete Pre-Calculus.

Students will typically take the ACT or SAT in junior year. I do not recommend taking these tests in sophomore year and certainly not the senior year.

Testing Game Plan for Best Score

The best game plan for students is

  1. Determine which test you will focus on at the end of sophomore year. It is NOT necessary to take both tests. Colleges will accept either test.
  2. Take the ACT or SAT for the first time in the winter of junior year. This will give your teen time to get adjusted to a more-demanding junior year schedule and have time to study before taking the test.
  3. Leave time in the spring of the junior year to retake the ACT or SAT, if necessary.

Once the testing is completed, more time can be spent on developing a solid college list and writing application essays! What’s your teen’s game plan for acing the ACT or SAT?

Check out our 4 Tips to Help your Teen Study Better!

How to Ace the SAT: Last-Minute SAT Advice and Best Tips

When it comes to acing the SAT, a positive mindset can be just as important as your study routine. As the saying goes, “If you think you can, you can.” This principle is backed by research, especially when it comes to test-taking. If you’re feeling anxious and telling yourself, “I’m not going to do well,” that self-doubt can negatively impact your performance. To help you manage anxiety and boost your confidence, here are some of the best SAT tips to follow, especially as the test day approaches.

1. Visualize Success to Boost Confidence

One of the most powerful last-minute SAT advice tips is to mentally prepare yourself by envisioning success. According to Dr. Driscoll, teaching yourself to think positively about the test can make a significant difference. Imagine yourself in a challenging yet exhilarating situation—whether it’s scoring a goal in soccer or reaching the top of a mountain. Then, transfer that feeling of accomplishment and confidence to the SAT testing room. With practice, this mental exercise can help you feel more confident and focused when it’s time to take the test.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Environment

Reducing stress on the day of the exam is crucial for avoiding last-minute jitters. Sian Beilock, a researcher on cognitive performance, suggests that unfamiliar settings can increase anxiety and hinder your performance. If possible, visit the test center beforehand to familiarize yourself with the environment. Knowing exactly where you’ll be taking the test can help you feel more at ease, allowing you to focus solely on the questions at hand.

3. Write Down Your Worries Before the Test

Another effective strategy for how to ace the SAT is to clear your mind of any anxieties right before the test begins. Dr. Beilock recommends setting aside 10 minutes to write down your worries before you start the exam. In a study with ninth-graders, students who engaged in this writing exercise performed just as well as their less anxious peers. On the other hand, anxious students who didn’t write down their thoughts performed worse. By expressing your concerns in writing, you can free up mental space, allowing you to concentrate fully on the SAT.

4. Prioritize a Full Night’s Rest

One of the best SAT tips that cannot be overstated is the importance of getting a full night’s sleep before the test. Many students, especially teens, are used to staying up late and may not realize how much this habit can affect their performance. A well-rested mind is more alert, focused, and capable of tackling challenging questions. Make sure to go to bed early the night before the SAT to give your brain the rest it needs to perform at its best.

5. Fuel Your Brain with the Right Breakfast

What you eat on the morning of the SAT can also influence your performance. A nutrient-rich breakfast, particularly one that includes oatmeal, can give you the sustained energy needed for the test. Oatmeal is known to provide a slow release of energy, helping to keep you focused and alert throughout the exam. This breakfast tip is one I’ve followed for years, even making oatmeal for my children during their elementary school testing periods, and the benefits have been consistently proven.