Preparing for the SAT/ACT Test

First off, Happy New Year! A new year brings with it new opportunities and new challenges. If you’re a junior in high school, one of those challenges might be taking the SAT, the ACT, or both. These tests can be challenging, but they play a significant role in shaping your future.

I remember taking the ACT. It was a long and grueling day, exacerbated by the fact that I did absolutely no studying beforehand. Saying I was unprepared would have been an understatement. I showed up to the testing site with only one pencil and a banana. During most of the test, I couldn’t focus on anything other than how hungry I was and how sick and tired of answering questions I’d become.

Don’t be like me. The time to start preparing for these tests is now. With this guide, you’ll be able to show up on test day ready to present your best self.

Decide Which ACT/SAT Test to Take Before Prepping

Some students choose to take both tests because this provides more opportunities to showcase their skills. Additionally, prepping for one test is essentially prepping for both, and there are more test date options. However, this approach is also the most expensive, as registering for either test costs about $70.

My family couldn’t afford that option at the time, so I had to choose just one test. Back then, it was commonly believed that most states preferred the ACT over the SAT. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case. States and colleges have no preference for either test. If you decide to focus on one test, many students prefer the SAT because it’s about an hour shorter, allocates more time per question, includes built-in math reference sheets, and offers free practice resources through Khan Academy.

Familiarize Yourself

Now that you’ve decided which test(s) to take, it’s time to get acquainted with their formats. Both the SAT and ACT include reading, math, and writing/English sections, along with an optional essay. The ACT also has an additional science section, which tests your ability to interpret data and understand scientific concepts.

Take a Practice Test

Test yourself by taking a practice exam. Be sure to time it and simulate the actual exam environment as closely as possible. Afterward, analyze your results. Identify the sections that were most challenging, those where you performed well, and how you handled the length of the test. This insight will guide your preparation strategy.

Start Studying

Give yourself at least three months of prep time. This ensures you’ll have enough time to address challenging areas and build confidence. When studying, consider the following breakdown for allocating your study time, adjusting as needed closer to test day:

Subject(s)	Percentage of Study Time
Whichever sections gave you the most trouble	60%
The sections you feel decent about	20%
The sections you are the most confident in	10%
Test taking strategies	10%

Initially, focus on learning and mastering the material without worrying about timing. Once you’ve gained confidence, begin timing yourself to simulate test conditions.

Study Materials

The best study material you can use is the current ACT/SAT official study guide. However, this option costs money. For free or additional resources, consider the following:

• Old ACT/SAT test prep books, which are often available for free.

• Free textbooks with practice problems and solutions.

• YouTube channels that explain challenging topics.

• We Gotcha Tutoring’s practice problems.

Test Day

If you’ve been studying and feel confident, you should be more than ready for the test. Remember to bring extra pencils, a calculator, and snacks. Eat a nutritious meal and get plenty of rest the night before.

Try not to think of the test as a hardship but as an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and preparation. You’ve got this! And if you need additional support, We Gotcha Tutoring is here to help. Reach out to schedule a session today!

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