Prep for SAT & ACT Exams
Say ‘yes’ to the test! Test anxiety does not have to be an option. Find out how to prepare to take college entrance exams with above average scores!
1. The SAT:
Embrace it. If you want to get into a university in California or anywhere else in the nation for that matter, you will most likely have to take the SAT or the ACT. The SAT is the most commonly taken test in America. It is based on a 600 to 2400 point scale and they test you on three single subjects; critical reading, writing and math.
Also, if you would like to spice up your college application or if you are interested in taking an extra subject test to prove your mastery in a subject you can take an SAT Subject Test. You can generally take any three of these subject tests on one test date:
English
Literature
Science
- Biology E/M
- Chemistry
- Physics
History
- US History
- World History
Mathematics
- Level 1
- Level 2
Language
- French
- German
- Italian
- Latin
- Modern Hebrew
- Spanish
Language with Listening
- Chinese with listening
- French with listening
- German with Listening
- Japanese with Listening
- Korean with Listening
- Spanish with Listening
Before you slam the books on knowing more about the SAT and SAT Subject Tests, know that these monster tests are easy to conquer. You will feel like a victorious knight yet, if you follow these simple steps:
When/ How to Register:
- It is recommended that you take these tests near the end of your junior year and the beginning of your senior year
- You can take this test more than once in case you are not satisfied with your original score
- Pay your fees on time and apply for a FEE WAIVER. For those students who qualify you can get this test free of charge with a fee waiver. See your high school counselor for more details.
| Prices | Tests |
|---|---|
| $57 | SAT Standard Test |
| +$26 | Basic Subject Test Fee (Per Registration) |
| +$26 |
Language with Listening Tests (Per test) |
| +$20 | All other Subject Tests (Per test) |
What to Bring:
- Your admissions ticket that you receive once you register
- A photo ID (school ID is fine)
- 2-3 No. 2 pencils
- 1 extra eraser (try not to need it so much, sloppy bubbled answers can sometimes be ignored)
- A calculator with extra batteries (make sure it is a permitted calculator by checking online)
- A wrist watch
- A bag/back pack to keep all of this stuff in
- A healthy drink or snack because you will have a break
These are the only items you’ll need so leave the iPod and cell phone at home or in the car. You can get into big trouble for taking those out during this exam.
For more information, to find great practice material or if you are ready to register for the SAT visit www.collegeboard.org
When / How to prepare:
Preparing for these tests is no simple task. You have to stay on top of your game if you want the best possible outcome. Here are a few tips on where and how you can practice:
- Visit the website, http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/
- Your college and career center or school counselor will most likely have practice books with great questions that help you prepare
- Join a practice group or after school program that is assisting students in preparing for these tests
2. The ACT:
This is your second test of choice and can be similar to the SAT but different in many ways. This test gives you a composite score with the highest possible score of 36. This means that it averages all of your subjects tested into one general score. The subjects tested on the ACT are English, reading, math and science.
It is recommended that you take both the SAT and the ACT because each test is unique and in some instances one may favor your testing abilities more than the other. Follow the simple steps below similar to the SAT preparation and you’ll do just great on this test as well.
What to Bring:
- Your admissions ticket you will receive once you register
- A photo ID (school ID is fine)
- 2-3 No. 2 pencils
- 1 extra eraser (try not to need it so much, sloppy bubbled answers can sometimes be ignored)
- A calculator with extra batteries (make sure it is allowed in by checking online)
- A watch
- A bag/back pack to keep all of this stuff in
- A healthy drink or snack because you will have a break to breath
These are the only items you will need so leave the iPod and cell phone at home or in the car. You can get into big trouble for taking those out during this exam.
For more information to find great practice material or if you are ready to register for the ACT visit www.actstudent.org.
How to Prepare:
- Visit the website to register, www.ACTstudent.org
- Your college and career center or school counselor will most likely have practice books with great questions that help you prepare
- Join a practice group or after school program that is assisting students in preparing for these tests