Getting ready for the SAT or ACT can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can maximize your score and reduce test anxiety. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly how to prepare effectively.
Understanding the SAT vs. ACT
SAT Structure:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (2 sections)
- Math (calculator and no-calculator sections)
- Optional Essay
- Scored out of 1600
ACT Structure:
- English, Math, Reading, Science
- Optional Writing
- Scored out of 36
Which test should you take? Take a practice test of each. Most students perform similarly on both, but some find the ACT's faster pace or science section challenging.
Creating Your 3-Month Study Plan
Month 1: Diagnostic and Foundation
Week 1-2: Baseline Assessment
- Take a full-length official practice test under timed conditions
- Score it thoroughly
- Identify your weakest areas by section and question type
Week 3-4: Content Review
- Focus on your two weakest areas
- Use Khan Academy (free, official SAT prep) or ACT Academy
- Review fundamental math concepts, grammar rules, reading strategies
Month 2: Skill Building
Week 5-6: Targeted Practice
- Do 30-minute practice sessions 5 days/week
- Focus on specific question types you struggle with
- Keep an error log: why did you miss each question?
Week 7-8: Time Management
- Practice pacing for each section
- Learn when to skip and return to difficult questions
- Take 2 more full-length practice tests
Month 3: Test Refinement
Week 9-10: Advanced Strategies
- Review all errors from practice tests
- Memorize high-frequency vocabulary (SAT) or science reasoning shortcuts (ACT)
- Practice stress management techniques
Week 11: Final Practice Test
- Simulate test day conditions exactly
- Wake up at the same time
- Eat the same breakfast you'll have on test day
Week 12: Light Review
- No new material
- Review your error log
- Get plenty of sleep
Section-Specific Strategies
SAT/ACT Math
Calculator-Allowed Sections:
- Plug in answer choices for algebra problems
- Use your calculator's graphing features
- Don't overthink—if it seems too complex, there's probably a shortcut
No-Calculator Section (SAT):
- Master mental math tricks
- Know perfect squares up to 20²
- Practice factoring quickly
Common Math Concepts to Master:
- Linear equations and systems
- Quadratic equations (factoring, quadratic formula)
- Functions and graphs
- Basic trigonometry (SOH-CAH-TOA)
- Statistics basics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation)
- Percent, ratios, and proportions
Reading Section
Before You Read:
- Skim the questions first (don't read answer choices)
- Underline what each question is asking for
- This gives you a roadmap for active reading
While You Read:
- Read actively: underline main ideas, circle transition words
- Note the author's tone and purpose
- Don't get bogged down in details—you can return to them
Answering Questions:
- Always eliminate obviously wrong answers first
- For "best evidence" pairs, use the evidence lines to check your first answer
- The correct answer is ALWAYS supported by the text—no outside knowledge needed
SAT Writing / ACT English
Grammar Rules to Master:
1. Subject-verb agreement
2. Pronoun agreement and clarity
3. Modifier placement
4. Parallel structure
5. Verb tense consistency
6. Comma rules (no Oxford comma on SAT!)
7. Semicolon and colon usage
8. Possessives vs. plurals
Strategy:
- Read the sentence aloud in your head—many errors "sound wrong"
- "NO CHANGE" is correct about 25% of the time—don't avoid it
- Shorter is usually better (conciseness)
ACT Science
It's Not Really About Science:
- 90% reading graphs, charts, and tables
- 10% basic science knowledge
- You don't need to be a science genius
Strategy:
- Skip the paragraphs initially—go straight to questions
- Only read the passages when questions specifically ask about them
- Practice interpreting different types of graphs quickly
Test Day Strategies
The Night Before
- ✅ Pack your bag: admission ticket, photo ID, pencils (#2), calculator with fresh batteries, approved snacks
- ✅ Set 2 alarms
- ✅ Lay out comfortable clothes (dress in layers)
- ❌ Don't cram—light review only
- ❌ Don't stay up late
Morning Of
- Eat a protein-rich breakfast (not too heavy)
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring a water bottle and energy-boosting snack for breaks
- Do a light warm-up: 5-10 easy practice problems
During the Test
Pacing Guidelines:
- SAT Reading: 13 minutes per passage (5 passages)
- SAT Math: 45 seconds per question (no-calc), 1 min 25 sec (calc)
- ACT: Faster pace—35 seconds per question (English/Reading), 1 minute (Math/Science)
If You're Running Out of Time:
- Fill in ALL bubbles (no penalty for guessing on SAT now!)
- Use a consistent "guess letter" for rapid-fire guessing
- Focus accuracy over speed—rushing causes careless errors
Managing Test Anxiety:
1. Practice deep breathing: 4-count inhale, 7-count hold, 8-count exhale
2. If you feel stuck, close your eyes for 5 seconds
3. Remember: you can retake the test—this isn't the only opportunity
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Study Mistakes
❌
Only doing practice tests: Practice tests measure progress, they don't build skills
✅
Do this instead: Alternate between content review, targeted practice, and full tests
❌ Not reviewing wrong answers: Taking tests without learning from mistakes
✅ Do this instead: Spend twice as long reviewing errors as taking the test
❌ Studying subjects you already know: It feels good but doesn't raise your score
✅ Do this instead: Focus 80% of study time on weak areas
Test Day Mistakes
❌ Changing lots of answers (your first instinct is usually right)
❌ Spending too long on one question
❌ Leaving questions blank (on SAT especially—no penalty!)
❌ Misgriding—filling in the wrong bubble
Free and Paid Resources
Best Free Resources
1.
Khan Academy (SAT official partner): Personalized practice, video lessons
2.
ACT Academy: Official ACT prep with practice questions
3.
College Board Practice Tests: 10 official SAT tests
4.
ACT Practice Tests: 5+ official tests available
Worth-It Paid Resources
- PrepScholar: Adaptive online prep ($400-600)
- The Princeton Review, Kaplan: Books ($30-50) and courses ($600-1200)
- 1-on-1 Tutoring: Most expensive ($75-200/hr) but most personalized
My Recommendation
Start with free resources. Only pay for prep if:
- You've exhausted free materials
- You need external accountability
- You're stuck at a score plateau
Score Improvement Expectations
Realistic Goals:
- First-time takers: 50-100 point improvement (SAT) / 2-4 points (ACT) with 40-60 hours of studying
- Second-time takers: 30-70 point improvement (SAT) / 1-3 points (ACT)
- Third-time: Usually minimal improvement (<20 points SAT)
Score Plateaus:
If you're stuck at the same score after multiple tests:
- Change your study strategy (not just doing more of the same)
- Get diagnostic help from a tutor
- Consider taking the other test (SAT vs. ACT)
Superscoring Strategy
Many colleges "superscore"—taking your best section scores across all test dates.
Example:
- Test 1: 650 Reading/Writing, 700 Math = 1350
- Test 2: 700 Reading/Writing, 680 Math = 1380
- Superscore: 700 + 700 = 1400
Strategy: If a school superscores, you can focus on different sections each time you retake the test.
How Many Times Should You Take It?
The sweet spot: 2-3 times
- First test: Baseline (often nerves affect score)
- Second test: Usually biggest improvement
- Third test: Fine-tuning
Taking it 4+ times:
- Rarely yields improvement
- Some colleges may view it negatively
- Diminishing returns on study time
Test-Optional Admissions
As of 2024, many colleges are test-optional. Should you still take the SAT/ACT?
Submit your scores if:
- Your score is at or above the school's median (check their Common Data Set)
- Your GPA is lower than you'd like—a strong test score can balance it
- You're applying for merit scholarships (many require scores)
Don't submit if:
- Your score is well below the school's median
- Your GPA and extracurriculars are very strong
- You have test anxiety that consistently affects performance
Final Thoughts
The SAT/ACT is a learnable test. Unlike an IQ test, your score can significantly improve with strategic preparation. The key is:
1. Study efficiently, not just hard (focus on weaknesses)
2. Practice consistently (30 min/day beats 3-hour weekend cram sessions)
3. Learn from mistakes (review every wrong answer)
4. Simulate test conditions (take full-length practice tests)
5. Stay calm (anxiety management is a skill you can develop)
Remember: this test is just one piece of your college application. Don't let it consume your entire high school experience. Prepare well, do your best, and know that there are many paths to college success.
Good luck—you've got this! 🎯
