9 Tips for taking the ACT/SAT

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1. DIAGOSTIC PLANNING

Hard work is wasted if it is not supplemented by smart work.  Preparing for the ACT or SAT without utilizing a cutting age diagnostic tool is like searching in the dark for your phone.  A cutting age diagnostic as employed by ShearCollegePrep will tell you exactly where you need to improve.

2. TIME

One of the most important things a student can do to improve their score on the ACT and the SAT is to recognize the importance of time. In preparing for the test, it is best to determine how much time a student needs for each question. ShearCollegePrep helps you in crafting strategies to understand and maximize the time that you have.

3. KNOW THE TEST

It is important to understand the test structure, and not just what the major sections of the exam are.  For example, do you know how the different sections of the reading portion are divided? Knowing those little structural details is what will push you to getting the score you desire.

4. SCANTRON

Check often that you are placing the answers on the correct number of the scantron.  As a student rushes through the exam, there are numerous places in which the scantron sheet may be mismarked.

5. EDUCATED ELIMINATION

You will come to questions you do not easily know the answer to.  When possible, eliminate answers that are clearly false and focus in on the one or two choices that may be correct.  By eliminating answers that are unlikely, you can maximize your chances of getting the correct answer.

6. PREREAD OR UNDERLINE MAIN IDEAS

There are a number of ways to answer reading comprehension questions.  One method is to read the questions first and then read the passage with knowledge of what will be asked.  Another method is to read the passage and underline the main points or items that appear to be important.  During test prep, students can practice to determine which methodology works best.

7. QUICK, PROPER, CHECK

In writing sections, it is important to plan quickly.  Be sure to have a proper writing structure including an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.  Through practice, determine your timing so that you will be able to go back and check for grammar and spelling on the actual test.

8. STAY CALM

Prepare aggressively. The more you have prepared, the more relaxed you will be when you take the exam.

9. THE THREE WORDS

The secret to doing well on the ACT or SAT can be found with three words: “PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE.”  The best way to do well on these tests is to work on it.  There is no mystery to score improvement.  Hard work yields superior results.

Desire

Focus

Be Happy