The first step in optimizing your college entrance exam score is identifying your strengths and weaknesses on the SAT or ACT exam. Practice exams are available in books and online through a range of sources.
The SAT and ACT exams test a specific set of Critical Reading, Writing, and Math skills.
- Section I tests evidence-based critical reading skills, including vocabulary, reading comprehension, and reasoning in (65 minutes/52 questions)
- Section II tests writing skills or grammar, punctuation, structure, and spelling (35 minutes/44 questions)
- Sections III and IV test math skills of Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus in two sections (no calculator 25 minutes/20 questions, and calculator allowed 55 minutes/38 questions)
Once you’ve identified your strengths and weaknesses regarding the subject matter, map out a reasonable and achievable study plan. Just “going at it” will lead to frustration and giving up, but having a plan with specific benchmarks will allow you to pace your studies appropriately.
Having remediated your skills-based areas of weakness, take another practice exam. This time, after you have scored your exam, go back to each incorrect answer to determine why you got each one wrong. You will often discover that you rushed through and did not read the question carefully, misread the questions, jumped at a keyword in an answer, solved part of the problem but not all, or other test-taking-based mistakes.
Learning to identify these mistakes is the only way to learn how to avoid making them. Often these test-taking-based mistakes account for more wrong answers than skills-based errors. These mistakes come from years of taking different kinds of exams and the self-imposed pressure of the timed exam. All of these can be avoid these mistakes – it just takes time and practice.
The SAT and the ACT are marathons, not sprints. Like these longer races, they require steady and consistent training, not last-minute cramming. Working regularly for 8-12 weeks before your first real exam will yield the best results.
I use this methodology working with students with all sorts of skill sets and needs. They all improve – always in direct proportion to their commitment to the work. If you choose to work with an SAT/ACT tutor, don’t hesitate to contact me directly, and I will be happy to talk you through the process.
