TEST-PREP SURVIVAL: ALL THE BASICS AND THEN SOME

By Molly Baab and Jennifer Hall

Standardized tests play an important role in the college admission process … and you can get through them! Read on and prepare for test success.

First Stop: Acronym City

When it comes to standardized testing, there seems to be an acronym waiting around every corner — and for juniors, the SAT, ACT, and PSAT play starring roles.
Not sure what’s what? That’s OK, here’s a summary:

ACT

Stands for: Technically, nothing, but it used to be the American College Test.
Test time: 3 1⁄2 hours, including the optional, 30-minute Writing Test
Sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (optional)
Scoring: A composite score of 1-36
Test dates: 6 times per year

PSAT

Stands for: Preliminary SAT. (That’s easy, huh?)
Test time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Sections: Math, Critical Reading, Writing Skills (no essay)
Scoring: 20-80 points per section
Test dates: October

SAT

Stands for: It used to be the Scholastic Aptitude Test, but in a shift away from “aptitudes” the College Board ditched the original meaning.
Test time: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Sections: Math, Critical Reading, Writing (mandatory essay)
Scoring: 200-800 points per section
Test dates: 7 times per year

Starting Out

To start out, many students take a practice PSAT during sophomore year, which is optional. Wondering why you would elect to take a test? The more you know about your exams, the less apt you’ll be to freak during the one that counts. As for the “real” PSAT, you’ll take that in October of junior year. (At an “ACT school” you’ll take the PLAN® during the fall of sophomore year.)

SAT vs. ACT

To figure out which test you should take, close your eyes, run your finger across the acronyms above, and see where it stops.

Just kidding!

The choice of whether to take the SAT or ACT used to be determined by your school/region. Today, however, most schools accept both SAT and ACT scores, which means that you can decide for yourself.

Although the tests are similar in many ways, there are also some key differences you should consider. On the SAT, the writing section is required, and the essay factors into your overall writing score. On the ACT you can choose whether or not to take the Writing section, which is a 30-minute essay. Another difference is the way that the tests are scored. On the SAT you’ll get a small amount deducted from your score for every wrong answer, which means you have to be careful about guessing randomly. On the ACT only right answers count — so it’s best to fill in a bubble for every question. The SAT tests only reading comprehension, math and writing skills, but the ACT also tests science. Don’t worry too much, though — you don’t need to know science facts. It really tests your ability to read and interpret scientific information.

Your Best Bet

Neither the SAT nor ACT is inherently easier or better, but by getting to know each, you can decide which fits your skill-set and test-taking style. If you’re still undecided about which to take, try a practice test for each. (There are plenty of free tests online, like the ones at Petersons.com.) If you find one less difficult, you can shape your prep plan accordingly — and you won’t have to take both.

Getting Ready

Once you figure out what you’re studying for, it’s time to get busy. Sadly, prep through osmosis (placing your book under your pillow) definitely doesn’t work. We know … it’s disappointing!

So with that out of the way, let’s move on to what you can do.

When to start

Start getting ready at least six weeks before the test. If you’re planning to take the SAT in April, for example, you should begin preparing in mid-February.

Giving yourself time enables you to zone in on your trouble spots and drill down with targeted prep. You don’t want to start too early, though, because you might forget some of the strategies you’ve learned!

How to prepare

Nowadays, you have a ton of options. Books and online courses introduce all the content you need to know, though you’ll need to stay motivated to work through it. Classroom courses keep you on track, but you don’t have the same flexibility when it comes to scheduling.

Choose what works for you — and what you’ll stick with.

Why you should do it

Unlike prep by osmosis, it has been proven that studying for the SAT or ACT will improve your score. Enough said!

Strategies

Regardless of how you prepare, certain strategies can help boost your scores. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

Relax
Stress is your number one enemy. Don’t cram — that will only add to it. Remain confident. If you’re not happy with your score, you can retake the test in the fall of your senior year.

Play detective
Even if you’re not sure about the correct answer, you can gain points by eliminating the wrong ones. If you’re working on a problem and know that answers A and C are not correct, cross them off and guess from the remaining choices. You’ll end up with a better shot at picking up points. That’s well worth it!

Avoid variables
Variables like “n” and “x” can really clutter up a math question. Turn these questions into simple arithmetic problems by making up a number for the variable and then solving the problem. Next time you see an “x” in a question, plug in a 2 instead. Choose the right answer by doing the same thing with each answer choice. You’ll prevent the small errors that can lead to the wrong answer.

The Write Stuff
While many students are less than pleased about the prospect of writing an essay, it’s definitely not the end of the world.

It’s quite possible that your performance on the writing portion of either exam can work in your favor. In other words, don’t assume that you’ll bomb it. Secondly, the writing section only accounts for about a ninth of your SAT score and the optional ACT essay isn’t even counted (though certain colleges require it).

Even if you’re planning on taking the ACT without writing, you should work on your writing skills — it’s good for testing and essential for college. The best thing you can do is read! Spending time with the classics — or even some good magazines — will enhance your ability to write organized, interesting prose.

Scheduling Your Exam
Plan to take the SAT or ACT for the first time during the spring of your junior year. This way, you can retake it if you’re not thrilled with your scores. Even better, if you reach your goal, you’re done!

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by testing — and by the college-admission process in general. However, as long as you stay organized and get prepared, it’s nothing to lose sleep over.

Planning for college, though a little intense, should also be an exciting time in your life. Enjoy it!

This article was provided by Molly Baab and Jennifer Hall at Thomson Peterson’s, a leading provider of live, online, and print educational solutions for students, families, schools and educators in the areas of test preparation, admissions, financial aid and career guidance. Thomson Peterson’s is a part of the Thomson Corporation.