Students and their families consistently have questions about taking the SAT or ACT. They are always looking for helpful tips and hints on improving their scores. Here’s a quick list of tips that can really make a difference.
- 1. Did you know you could order something called Question Answer Service (QAS) or Student Answer Service (SAS) from College Board? The QAS is a very valuable tool for improving your SAT score because you receive a copy of the actual test you took along with your answers to all of the questions. QAS is available this year at the October, January and May testing dates. SAS does not provide the actual questions, but it does send you a list of question types and difficulty levels, along with a description of how you answered the questions. The SAS is not available at every test session, so this year if you take a November, December, March or June test in the United States you will be able to order this service online or by mail.
Why would you order the QAS or SAS? If you are planning to repeat a test and have at least eight weeks in between test dates, the information offered could help you develop a great study plan that addresses your weaknesses specifically. In addition to these services, all students have access to a free, online score report on collegeboard.com. Using the online report, you can access a copy of your essay.
- 2. Ask your guidance department to give you copies of the free practice test booklets that they get from College Board and ACT. These booklets are abbreviated versions of both tests with the answers in the back. They are designed in the same manner as the real tests and the format is identical. Then what’s the difference? The test booklets have half the number of questions as the real SAT or ACT so they take half the time to complete. If you can’t decide which test is best for you, taking one each-an SAT and an ACT, grading them and comparing results will give you insight into the content and style of each test. Compare your results and use this information to determine which test will work best for you or plan to take both tests to improve your chances.
- 3. Pacing and Fatigue can be issues on the SAT or ACT because of the extended time of testing. Including the Writing portion, SAT is three hours and 45 minutes, while the ACT is four hours and 25 minutes. Practice at least two whole tests, timed the way the tests really are before you sit for the real test. That means you turn off the computer, put the cat out, and remove the headphones. Simulate testing conditions by having a parent read the instructions like a test administrator and time you through the test.
- 4. Memorize the test directions. They are the same from test to test. Every minute fewer that you spend reading the directions is one minute more to answer a question and raise your score.. Answer the easy questions first, mark the questions you’re having difficulty answering and return later if you have time. Easy questions are first then the questions become more difficult. Understand the scoring!
- 5. SAT: You get a point for a right answer. You lose a fractional point for a wrong answer. There is no deduction for omitted answers, or for wrong answers in the math section’s student-produced response questions. Remember, you can use the eliminate several answer choices-best answer approach!
- 6. ACT: No penalty for guessing. Although both College Board and ACT have a policy called Score Choice which allows a student to withhold their scores and only release the scores they want to colleges from multiple test dates; some colleges have specific policies requesting all test scores. Be sure to check with your college on their policies before your apply so that you comply with their rules. You can look at their online sites to get this information.
Remember, set up a study schedule to prepare for the SAT and ACT and stick to it. Follow these helpful tips and you will be on the right track to improving your scores!
