What you need to know to ace the ACT or SAT
General Test Tips
- Take both the SAT and the ACT: The tests are set up differently, so it may be to your benefit to take both assessment tests.
- Take the time to do some test prep. There are lots of options when it comes to preparing for the tests, including classes, self-help books and Internet sites.
- Take the tests more than once: Scores on these assessment tests generally go up the more you take them, so make plans to retake the test if you want to improve your score. According to www.act.org, 55 percent of students who retested increased their overall score!
- Pacing is critical: Map out each section of the test and know how long you have to answer each question. Answer the easy ones first, skip the ones you have difficulty with, mark them and go back to them.
The SAT and ACT tests are a required right of passage in terms of getting into college. But what’s the difference between the two? Which one do you need to take? Or, do you need both?
Like most other things in school, if you give it enough effort, the payoff can be great. Score well enough and it’s possible to earn some big-time money to put toward your college education.
While both the SAT and ACT are college entrance exams, there are some differences between the two. Check out the chart on the facing page to compare the two.
There’s really only one way to get ready for the ACT or SAT: practice. Registration books include practice tests, and you can find many more online or in preparation books. Schedule your test date far enough in advance so that you have at least two months to prepare—then you can set aside time each week to take a section of the practice test.
Some students also utilize professional test-preparation services, like The Princeton Review or Kaplan. These options are not cheap—they range from $79 for Princeton Review’s “ExpressOnline” preparation up to $3,399 for Kaplan’s private tutoring program—so consider the cost involved. Both companies offer both in-person and online services. Find out more online at www.kaptest.com or w.princetonreview.com.
Remember, the test will only take one day, but the time you spend on planning could pay off in a big way!
When and Where?
Listed below are the scheduled dates for the 2008 ACT and SAT tests. Sign up for the testing site most convenient for you when you register for the test.2008 ACT Test Dates
|
Test Date Feb. 9, 2008** Apr. 12, 2008 June 14, 2008 |
Registration Deadline Jan. 4, 2008 Mar. 7, 2008 May 9, 2008 |
(Late Fee Required)
Jan. 5–18, 2008 |
For more information, go to www.act.org
2008 SAT Test Dates
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Test Date Jan, 26, 2008 Mar. 1, 2008 May 3, 2008 June 7, 2008 |
Registration Deadline Dec. 26, 2007 Jan. 29, 2008 Apr. 1, 2008 May 6, 2008 |
(Late Fee Required)
Jan. 4, 2008
|
For more information, go to www.collegeboard.com
ACT vs SAT
| ACT | SAT | |
| The ACT is an achievement test to determine what you have learned in school. | What kind of test is it? | The SAT is a reasoning test that assesses your ability to use and apply knowledge. |
| Four multiple-choice tests: English, Math, Reading and Science | What does the test cover? | 10 sections: Critical Reading (three sections), Math (three sections), Writing (three sections), One experimental section that is used to develop questions for future tests. (It does not count toward your score, but is presented to look like the rest of the test.) The SAT does not include a section on science. |
| No. If you’re not sure of the answer, go ahead and take your best guess! | Is there a penalty for wrong answers? | Yes. The SAT deducts a quarter of a point for each wrong answer. If you aren’t sure of an answer, it’s better to leave it blank. |
| The writing portion of the ACT is optional. | What about essays? | The SAT involves a 25-minute essay based on a prompt. |
| Two hours and 55 minutes. | How long does the test take? | Three hours and 45 minutes. |
| Each section is scored on a scale from 1-36. The highest possible score on the test is 36. | How is the test scored? | Each section is scored on a scale from 200-800. The highest possible score is a 2400. |
| $30 (Add $14.50 if you take the writing section.) | Cost | $43 |
| Yes. Check with your guidance counselor for details. | Are fee waivers available for students who cannot afford the test? | Yes. Check with your guidance counselor for details. |
| www.act.org | How do I find out where and when to take the test? | www.collegeboard.com |
Get Test-ready on the Web:
www.collegeboard.com
www.act-sat-prep.com
www.actstudent.org/testprep
www.kaptest.com
www.number2.com
www.testprepreview.com
What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
Sounds more like alphabet soup, right? Actually the letters stand for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. But the most important thing for you to know is why you should take it.The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that serves as a sort of practice test for the SAT college entrance exam. To gain extra practice, you can even take it twice: once in the fall of your sophomore year and again in the fall of your junior year.
The National Merit Scholarship Program uses the PSAT/NMSQT scores from your junior year to determine if you are eligible for National Merit scholarship opportunities.
For more information about the test, check with your high school guidance counselor or visit www.collegeboard.com.
