Standardized Testing

One of the most stressful parts of the college preparation process is taking the ACT or SAT.  This is partially because, along with GPA and class rank, they go so far in determining your eligibility for admission and scholarships.  That said, I want to stress that neither test is an intelligence test, and students should not attach too much significance to either a very high or a very low score (either their own or others’).  I know too many successful college graduates who had low scores, and several college dropouts who had high ones.  It’s only one factor used by colleges to evaluate your ability and potential for success.  So relax!

With this column, I hope to provide suggestions anyone can use to help maximize their score.  Doing your best, and making your score as close a representation of your ability as possible, is the aim.

Information specific to each test is best left to the experts (SAT – www.collegeboard.org and ACT – www.act.org ).  This column was written using information from both of those web sites, as well as my experience with students taking the tests.

Start with your high school counselor.  Check to see if there’s a test prep workshop planned, and see what additional resources they have.  Also, use the Internet (ACT and SAT sites first) to find both free and paid prep services.

How can I make sure I do my best on the SAT/ACT?

·        Relax

·        Get plenty of rest the night before the test

·        Eat breakfast

·        Dress comfortably and in layers – in case the room is hot or cold.  Prepare for either extreme, regardless what the weather outside is like.

·        Pace yourself, don’t spend too much time on any one question.

·        Know the instructions and format for each section –take practice tests and read what’s available on the ACT and SAT web sites

·        Answer the questions you know first

·        Check your work if time allows

·        Mark answers completely, erase changes completely

·        Read the questions before reading the passage. Then you’ll know what to look for

·        Be cautious of questions or answers that contain superlatives or extreme answers (e.g. always, never, all, only, etc.).  If they’re used, they require an absolute answer

Should I guess?

ACT says yes (http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/index.html ); SAT says only if you can eliminate one or more choices (http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/test_tips.html).

Can I use a calculator?

Yes.  But only one that’s okay with ACT or SAT (per their web sites), and you’re familiar with

Can I take the test more than once?

Yes. Most schools accept your highest score and either test, regardless how many times you take it. ACT says take the PLAN as a sophomore, SAT says take the PSAT for practice.

What should I take to the test?

·        Digital watch. Set at 12:00 (or 00:00) at the start of each section.  No alarms.

·        Calculator, see above

·        Photo ID and test admission slip

·        Several sharpened #2 lead pencils, not mechanical pencils.

·        Kleenex if necessary

·        Take snacks for breaks.  SAT encourages this, but it’s unclear if ACT allows it.

How soon will I get my score?

Submit your questions to lance@collegeanswerguy.com and visit www.collegeanswerguy.com and www.collegeprep101.com

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