Preparing for the SAT/ACT Test Leads to Higher Scores, Better College Admission Odds

As the expression goes, knowing is half the battle, and for the SAT and ACT tests this could not be more true. The earlier your teen begins preparation for their standardized test, the more time they will have to acquire the test-taking strategies and skills necessary to achieve their highest possible score. As the following article describes, starting SAT or ACT test prep early allows students the highest range when it comes to actually choosing the college that they will eventually attend.

Sharpen your pencils for college entrance exams

No matter which test a student chooses to take — dependent on where they apply to college — preparation is key. “It’s important for kids to become familiar with the format of the questions,” said Jackie Mosconi, a counselor at South High School. “Practice tests really help kids know what to expect.” Some students also enroll in ACT/SAT test preparation classes, through community education programs, private companies or with tutors. Most students typically sit for the exams three times in hopes of raising their scores, which can be a factor in obtaining scholarship money or gaining acceptance to a college. “The average increase in test scores after a prep program is two points, and that can make a difference if your first score is an 18,” she said. ACT scores range from 18 to 36; SAT, from 600 to 2400.