“Practice makes Permanent”

Standardized tests can be a very intimidating and overwhelming experience for any student because of the importance of the scores. The majority of academically strong colleges and universities consider these scores to be a large factor for admission. However, with the right attitude and preparation, this can be a much less stressful time in a student’s life.

You should definitely consider taking a class or getting a personal tutor. This will encourage you to spend time practicing for these exams. You will improve your scores on the SAT and ACT exams if you continuously practice. “Practice makes permanent” is something that truly applies to test taking because the way in which you practice will greatly influence your performance on these tests. Thus, practicing with a teacher will show your weakest points and the best way to progress in those areas.

Even though all of the questions will be different on the practice exams, you will begin to be able to recognize each of the sections and the directions that are included. You will better your skills in mathematics, rapidly read through the critical reading and learn the break down of the writing sections. You will become much more comfortable seeing these sections when you will be able to recognize the things that they are going to ask of you.

Another reason to be in a class or have a personal tutor is to have them explain the grading when it comes to these exams. There is a guessing penalty for wrong answers on the SAT. There is no penalty on the ACT for a wrong answer; therefore, you should answer all of the questions. A few helpful tips that seem to be quite effective are to do all of the easy questions first, skip questions that you are spending too much time on, and understand the amount of time that you have for each section.

When it comes to Test Day, feel confident from your preparation because you know how much time you spent practicing. Comfort level goes a long way when you see the exam; therefore, you should take a deep breath and focus on your goal of succeeding.

- Nick Scutari