THE ROAD TO COLLEGE
A ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
#5 of 20:  February

You can’t just wing it – advance prep is key for these crucial tests.

by Martha Green Quirk, M.A.

College admissions tests are one of many factors a college considers when reviewing college applications. Since the SAT or the ACT is required by most colleges, you’ll want to do your best on these exams. That means test prep!

It’s a good idea to go into these exams knowing what they are all about. Take practice tests so that you understand the directions and are familiar with all parts of the test. Two good sites that provide free online practice tests are Number2.com and 4tests.com. TestPrepReview.com is a comprehensive source for free practice tests for many different exams.

By taking practice tests online and working with SAT and ACT practice books, you will learn strategies on how to take the tests as well as how to improve your scores.

Should I take the SAT or the ACT?

The SAT places more emphasis on the students’ higher-level critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills. It is made up of three sections, with a scoring range from 200-800 points for each section. You lose a quarter of a point for every wrong answer.

• Critical Reading – consists of short and long critical reading interpretation of passages that will test reading comprehension and sentence completion.
• Mathematics – covers three years of math through Algebra II. Topics include number and operation concepts; algebra and functions; geometry and measurement concepts (but no proofs); and concepts in statistics, probability, and data analysis.
• Writing – You’ll write an “on-demand” essay on a particular topic known as a “prompt.” You will be asked to take a position on a topic and defend it by writing a hand-written essay that will be scored on a scale of 2-12. Fifty objective/multiple choice items on grammar and usage in sentences and paragraphs are also included.

The ACT is a curriculum-based exam that measures your overall high school educational development in four sub-sections: English, math, reading, and science. It is scored on a scale of 1-36 points for each section. You will receive one composite score (average of the four subject scores). There is no penalty for wrong answers—just points for correct answers.

• English stresses the understanding of English grammar.
• Math emphasizes geometry with some algebra and trigonometry.
• Reading includes four passages, one each on prose fiction, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
• Science includes charts, graphs, and other data.
• The Writing Essay is optional, but you should take it, as many colleges require it.

Different tactics for the different tests

●  You should answer every question on the ACT, as there is no penalty for wrong answers.

●  Guessing on the SAT is not a great idea unless you can rule out one or two of the answers first.

●  If you are sure you don’t know the answer on the SAT, skip the question. More points are subtracted from your score if you get the answer wrong than if you leave it blank. This is not true for the ACT.

●  SAT questions are arranged in order of difficulty. Start with the easy questions on each section first. On the ACT the questions are not in order of increasing difficulty.

Strategies to help you get ready

By prepping in advance, not only will you have a better idea of what kinds of questions will be on the exam, but you will feel more confident knowing what the directions are and understanding them before you begin. Taking practice tests, attending a test-prep class, and studying test-prep material will make you feel more comfortable when the actual test day comes around.

●  The practice booklets provided by the test makers are your most reliable resource. You will be able to practice taking a “real” exam for practice that had been previously given as a test.

●  Read the directions for the tests in the practice books or on online practice test sites so that you know them “cold” when you begin the test.

●  Know how long each section is so that you can plan your time intelligently.

●  Sentence-completion questions require less time than the reading comprehensive questions, so answer them first.

●  When you read the reading comprehensive question, look at the answers before you read the passage so that you will know what you are looking for.

●  Try to remember roots of words or prefixes or suffixes as you work with the vocabulary words.

●  To be prepared for the math section of the test, you MUST know geometry and algebra formulas by heart.

●  After every five questions or so, make sure your answer bubble corresponds to the question being asked.

●  When you write your timed essay, include an introduction plus a couple of well-developed points that support your thesis or the argument. Keep the essay on topic and organized. Write an outline of what it is that you want to include. Prepare for this by writing essays at home under a timed situation.

●  Read, read, read! This is the best advice if you need practice on vocabulary and reading more quickly.

●  Build your vocabulary every day. Try to study flash cards or learn three new words a day. Know their origins and their roots as this will help you figure out the meaning of words you don’t know. The Princeton Review book, Word Smart, is a good resource.

●  Set up a schedule and devote 30 minutes a day to study for these important exams.

●  Take the practice test at home under real conditions. Be in a quiet room, time each section, don’t use a dictionary or resource books, have a couple of #2 pencils, and practice with the same calculator that you plan to take into the test.

●  Score your test when you finish. See if you can see patterns in your incorrect answers and find out why you missed them.

●  On the day before the test have all your tools and testing materials ready to go: #2 pencils, a calculator with new batteries, a good eraser, your admission ticket and required ID, and a watch. Leave your cell phone in your car!

 

 

Martha Green Quirk, M.A., has been active in the college admissions field for over 30 years. In 2008 she founded her own independent educational consulting company, College Admissions Consulting (CAC), in St. Louis, Missouri. She is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC).

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