Last month I talked about the opportunity to take an ACT/
SAT prep course – and yes, you can still sign up for the ZAPS course, but the
deadline to register is THIS Monday, February 13th. (Don’t forget to register online today 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. If you took the Pre-ACT or the PSAT (which I
am hoping that 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.
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