SAT and ACT Test Hints

SAT

1.      The SAT test will take 4 hours (31/2 hours of peer testing time and 30 minutes for administration).

2.      Be on time for this test.  Be awake for the test.  Eat a good breakfast before the test.

3.      Bring at least 2 #2 pencils to this test.  Do not use mechanical pencils- they do not always scan correctly.

4.      You are penalized for answering questions incorrectly.  Unless you can eliminate answers down to two answers, do not guess on an answer.

5.      Wear a watch or pay attention to the clock in the room.  Pace yourself!

6.      The SAT I test has 3 sections. All sections are scored on a scale of 200 to 800.

a.                   Critical Reading tests Reading Comprehension and Sentence Completion in a multiple choice format.  70 minutes are allowed on 1-20 minute test and 2-25 minute sections.

b.                  Mathematics tests Basic Arithmetic, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and Data Analysis in a multiple choice and grid format.  70 minutes are allowed for 1-2o minute section and 2-25 minute sections.

c.                   Writing tests Grammar, Usage, and Word choice in a multiple choice format.   60 minutes are allowed for 1-25 minute essay, 1-25 minute multiple choice section and 1-10 minute multiple choice section.  The suggested essay format is to use an introductory paragraph that states what you think, three body paragraphs where you give three examples to support your introductory paragraph, and a concluding paragraph where you restate what you think.  This essay does not have to based in fact and is graded as a rough draft.  College may request to receive these essays.

PSAT        

·        The new PSAT is similar to the SAT I.  The Critical Reading tests reading comprehension, sentence completions and short reading passages.

·        The Math section tests basic Arithmetic, Algebra 1, Geometry and higher level content , but no Algebra 2. 

·        The Writing section is composed of a 25-minute multiple-choice section.

·        The PSAT test will be two hours of peer testing time, plus administration time.

SAT Subject Tests

The SAT II subject tests are single-subject, one-hour exams in a variety of school subjects. Up to 3 SAT II tests can be taken on a test date.  I encourage students to study for these tests by purchasing or borrowing a study guide.  Exams are multiple choice and are given in Literature, Math 1C, Math 2C, American History, World History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Not all colleges require SAT II’s.  Many selective colleges will require 2 or 3. College usually weight the SAT II tests as equal to the SAT I in the college application process.

ACT Test Hints

1.      Be on time for this test.  Be awake for the test.  Eat a good breakfast before the test.

2.      Bring at least 2 #2 pencils to this test.

3.      You are not penalized for guessing or for answering questions incorrectly.

4.      Wear a watch- time yourself so that you can answer all questions and pace yourself..

5.      Know the test and what to expect

  The ACT test has 4 sections and an optional essay:

·        English:  This test is 45 minutes and includes 75 questions.  That works out to 30 seconds per question.  In practice you should spend less time on easier questions and more on harder questions.  The test is divided into 5 passages, each with about 15 questions.

·        Mathematics:  The Math test is 60 minutes long and includes 60 questions.  Spend less time on easy questions and longer on tougher questions.

·        Reading:  This test is 35 minutes and has 40 questions.  The test contains 4 passages, followed by 10 questions.  When you figure out the time that you spend on the passages, this works out to about 30 seconds per question.

·        Science Reasoning: This test is 35 minutes long and contains 40 questions.  The test contains 7 passages, each with 5 to 7 questions.  Again, about 30 seconds per question with time given to reading the passages.

·        The optional Essay: The optional essay will last 30 minutes and consist of one persuasive essay that the student will write.  A statement is given, the student selects a position, and writes a standard 5 paragraph essay (thesis, 3 supporting paragraphs, and a summary).  The Colorado State ACT does not include this section.

Test Hints

1.      The Act does not test your long-term memory- the answer is in the test.  Read carefully and understanding the wording of each question is the key to this test.  If you really understand what the question is asking on the test, you can almost always answer it.  Ask yourself, “What is being asked here.”  Put the question into your own terms.

2.      ACT Mindset- Take Control of YOUR Test

-Answer questions if you want to (by guessing on the impossible questions rather than wasting time on them).

-Answering questions when you want to (by skipping tough, but doable questions and then coming back to them).

-Answering questions how you want to (by using unofficial ways of getting the correct answers fast) Mark up your test booklet, if you like- it is not graded.

Preparing for the ACT or SAT test

·        Any books by Kaplan, Princeton Review, or ACT/College Board are suggested.

·        Various ACT preparation software is available to students who prefer this methods of study.  Buy this only if it will be used.

·        I recommended the test prep programs offered at www.rmass.com. The cost of this 6-hour program varies, but is usually costs around $75. This program includes a test prep manual, basic test format of either the SAT/ACT tests, examples of questions asked, and the instructor will work sample questions with the class. The advantage is that it is scheduled and there can be no interruptions or excuses.