ACT/ SAT Prep

Last week I talked about the opportunity we have arranged for students to take an online ACT/ SAT prep course – and yes, you can still sign up for the ZAPS course, but the deadline to register is tomorrow, Monday, February 12^th.  (Don’t forget to register online if you are interested!)  But today I wanted to highlight two other key (free) steps you can do to help prepare for the tests.

There are full length practice tests available for free online.  Download and take the test.  And yes… I mean the whole test…without distractions… without your cell phone or snacks or the TV on. :-)  Truly focus, set a timer and practice the true testing experience.  Is it hard to focus that intently for that long?  Probably, but that is why you are practicing it.  How did you do on the timing and pace of the test?  Will you need to go faster on the actual test?  Building the testing stamina will be incredibly valuable when you go to take the actual test, but remember the only way to get there is to practice in testing like circumstances.

Use your PSAT/ Pre-ACT results.  Hopefully you took the Pre-ACT or the PSAT and if you did, then put the results to use for you.  Go back and look at what you answered right or wrong.  Figure out where you are weakest and where your strengths are and how can you build on both to improve.  The PSAT allows you to connect your scores with Khan Academy for free tailored practice so take advantage of that too.  And, even if you didn’t take the PSAT you can still use Khan Academy – just sign up (for free) and take the sample test to have it help guide you to the areas where it could create a practice plan.  Of course, you can’t just get onto Khan Academy one time and have that be sufficient, but actually use it to help you develop your skills.

Test prep might not be "fun," but it will feel worth it if you go into the tests with more confidence.