Testing

The first step to getting into college is taking standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. While tests aren’t the most fun to take and study for, getting a good score can definitely give you an edge in the college admissions process. Lucky for you we’ve gathered the best tips and resources to help you achieve your best score.

ACT/SAT

• Concentrate on one- you don’t need both a good ACT and SAT score, figure out which test you are best at and study for it
• Register for a test date that is far enough away to give you plenty of time to prep
• Bubble in every bubble- the SAT no longer has a penalty for wrong answers, so go ahead and give it your best guess
• Practice, practice, practice- purchase a review book, or check out some of the links at the bottom of the page
• Answer easier questions first, then come back to the harder ones
• Keep track of time- make sure you are on pace to finish before time for the section is up
• Make sure you are bubbling your answers in correctly- this is a simple, but costly mistake
• Check to see if your calculator is approved for testing, and that the batteries are charged
• Relax, you don’t need a perfect score- you just need to aim to get a score that will get you admitted to college
• Bring some snacks on test day- it’ll give you something to look forward for the breaks

AP

• Be aware of what date your test is- be sure to clear your schedule the night before the test to get a good night of sleep
• Check with your teachers- many will hold review sessions in the weeks leading up to the exam
• Remember that for Free Response Questions, you don’t get extra points for being wordy and descriptive- save time and get to the point
• Become familiar with the format of your exam- each AP exam is different depending on the subject
• Form a study group with people from class to help you stay motivated

Resource Links