You could spend a lot of time preparing for your SAT or ACT. But unless you have a study plan designed to help you get a high score, it may be all for naught. It’s not about the amount of time you spend studying – it’s about studying effectively.

So, what is the best way to prepare for your test? Here are several options worth considering.

Studying On Your Own

In some cases, studying entirely on your own is perfectly okay, and can help you reach your desired score on your SAT or ACT.

If you’re going to be studying on your own, it’s important to recognize that overwhelm can quickly set in. You’ll need to put together a realistic study plan and be motivated to follow it. You’ll also need to remain organized and disciplined as you study.

Studying on your own is also the most cost-effective method. But it’s important to recognize that a second pair of eyes is a good thing, as others can help you with your weaknesses or point out what you might be missing.

Working With A Tutor

Working with a tutor is a great option, as they can help you stay motivated and focused on the material you should be working on. It’s better to have a study plan tailored to you, so you aren’t wasting time working on stuff you already know well. A tutor will work hard to keep you on track.

One downside is that tutors can be expensive. Additionally, finding a skilled and qualified tutor will require some time and patience.

Here are some qualities to look for in a tutor:

• They’ve taken the test, and they’ve done well on it. This is proof they know the material.

• They know how to teach the material. Just because they got a high score on the test doesn’t necessarily mean they know how to teach others to do the same. Hopefully, they can demonstrate proof in the form of successes they’ve had with other students.

• Their excellent reputation precedes them. Other students are willing to give them great recommendations, or they have testimonials proving their ability. When you’re looking for a tutor, if possible, get a recommendation from another student.

Taking Classes

SAT and ACT classes equip you with the knowledge you need to succeed on your test and are worthwhile options. These classes will provide you with a solid foundation in the test material, which can also help when you’re studying on your own.

Not everyone learns best in a classroom setting, but if it’s where you feel most comfortable, then it might be a good fit for you.

As with other strategies, classes do have their drawbacks too. For one, they aren’t customized to your needs. Often, students are stronger with specific materials and weaker with others. So, you could end up spending a lot of time on content you’re already comfortable with, and not enough on items you need to spend more time working on.

Classes tend to vary significantly regarding skill level. If you’re thinking about going to prep classes, find one that caters to your needs.

Final Thoughts

Which prep strategy is right for you?

This largely depends on how motivated and organized you are, as well as what settings you work best in.

Some students feel too distracted at home to focus on their studies. Others find it difficult to learn and hard to concentrate in classroom settings.

Your budget may also be an important factor. Whether it’s hiring a tutor or taking courses online, there are some costs associated with study unless you’re going to be studying on your own. Some options, however, are still cheaper than others.

Take inventory of your tendencies, study habits, and resources. This will give you a good idea of which method is right for you.

Why is it that the SAT and ACTs feature boring content? Why is it that students can’t be tested on passages they would read with enthusiasm – passages about science fiction, fantasy worlds, sports, or other stimulating topics?

If you answered, “because students don’t require any skill to understand subjects that interest them,” then you’ve grasped the core of the reading comprehension conundrum.

There’s no denying that it takes more skill to fathom material you have no interest in, versus material you’re familiar with and fascinated by.

3 Ways Students Can Learn To Concentrate On Material That Doesn’t Necessarily Interest Them

The material students are required to read for their SAT and ACT exams may be boring. But sometimes, it is necessary for students to endure said passages to get to where they want to go.

So, how can students learn to focus on this material?

Prepare a variety of texts you’ve never read before. As you’re reading these passages, note when you begin to lose interest or focus. Do certain words trip you up? Are you having trouble understanding the context of the content? What is it about the piece that caused you to lose focus?

If you can identify what you’re having trouble with, you can begin to address the issue. You can have a dictionary at the ready if you don’t understand certain words. You can gain a better understanding of the context of the material by doing a bit of background research. There are always ways of overcoming comprehension challenges.

Learning new words can be difficult, but it can also be a lot of fun. There are many great resources out there, beyond the standard dictionary. You could install a screensaver on your computer that flashes new words and their definition onscreen. You could explore the Word Power section on the Reader’s Digest website. There are so many interactive and entertaining ways to learn these days, and these methods should be taken advantage of.

According to a study conducted by the Jenkins Group in 2003 (Mental Floss):

• One-third of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives.

• 42% of college graduates never read another book after college.

• 80% of U.S. families did not buy or read a book last year.

It’s surprising how little reading is encouraged today. But books contain a lot of useful information and may even hold the keys to personal growth and career advancement. Plus, the simple act of reading helps with comprehension. As you read more articles and books, you become a better reader. Students should be encouraged to read more broadly, choosing to study topics that interest them in their spare time.

Conclusion

In summary, students should be encouraged to identify when they’re having trouble with a passage, expand their vocabulary, and read more. These simple steps can make a significant difference in test scores too.

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When the format of the new SAT was announced some two years ago, a dramatic shift took place. Students who never considered taking the ACT flocked to this exam in record numbers. Many savvy pupils prematurely took the "old" SAT frightened of what was to come. Was this fear justified or just a knee-jerk reaction? After analyzing the new exam and developing strategies to combat the new format, I am convinced the fear is unjustified. Both exams are challenging, but with substantial preparation, each can be dealt with effectively.

The two exams are closer in format than ever before. They both contain a reading comprehension section consisting of either four or five long passages followed by ten questions each. The significant difference is the time element. A student typically can allow nine minutes per passage on the ACT and thirteen minutes per passage on the SAT. ACT success depends on speed while the SAT provides a more relaxed pace. Each exam contains an "English" section in which questions on syntax, punctuation, grammar, and word choice dominate the exam. The SAT section has 44 questions and is part of the overall reading score, while the ACT has 75 questions and is scored independently. The SAT has two math sections, one without a calculator and with one. The ACT has one long math section in which the use of a calculator is permitted.

Perhaps the most significant difference between the two exams is the Science section which is only on the ACT. Not really a test of hard science, it deals mainly with interpreting data and experiments. Many strong math students do not find this section particularly challenging. Each test has an essay as its final section, but neither is mandatory.

One of the major advantages of each exam is "Score Choice." The student decides if he wants to send his/her score to the colleges. This eliminates the trepidation over whether a lousy test day will kill your chances for acceptance.

My best advice- Take both exams! While most students seem to score about the same on each test, probably around 25% will do significantly better on one exam than the other. To maximize your score, you need reliable, professional preparation conducted by experts on the exam, not just people who managed to get a high score.

We at Academic Achievement welcome your questions and comments and look forward to working with you.