SAT and ACT Summer Prep: TTA Experts Weigh In

Summer is the perfect time to dive into your SAT and ACT preparation! We’ve asked our TTA tutors to weigh in on some of your Frequently Asked Questions to launch the summer of test prep. You’ll notice some clear themes emerge, like the importance of practice tests and the benefits of one-on-one tutoring. By working with a Top Tier Admissions tutor, you will benefit from an individually tailored test prep program proven to improve your confidence and skills. Our tutors are in high demand, so don’t wait to book your SAT or ACT tutoring pack! 

For a student with no standardized test experience, what is the best way to begin SAT and ACT prep?

• The best way to begin preparation for the SAT and ACT is to dive right in and complete a full practice test. This gives students a sense of what they will be facing. Completing a full test also gives students a baseline for time, breadth of knowledge, and test format. This baseline will be a good reference point moving forward and a way to gauge improvement.
• Start by taking a sample practice test to establish a baseline and help determine which test better suits the student’s needs. If a student hasn’t had Pre-Calc, just note that the ACT has trig questions (more difficult than the few on the SAT) and also has questions about logs and matrices (neither of which are on the SAT).
• Take a timed practice test of each and then score them (ideally with a proctor).
• Take a diagnostic test to determine strengths, weaknesses, and preference. This will preferably be a released exam as opposed to a commercial simulation and done under conditions that are as realistic as possible.

TTA TAKEAWAY: The sooner you can begin preparing, the better!  Take a timed practice test ASAP to establish your baseline.

What’s your #1 tip for a student struggling with test anxiety?

• Practice, practice, practice and build your confidence over time.
• Anxiety can be minimized through practice tests. Once students gain confidence, anxiety will lessen, if not be eliminated.
• Learn and practice some anxiety-diffusing strategies like box breathing and visualizing success.
• Anxiety often stems from a lack of confidence, so practice and review with a tutor is key! There are relaxation techniques and some students even require medical intervention. But, simply having plenty of experience with the various parts of the exam usually goes a long way.  

TTA TAKEAWAY: Practice, practice, practice (especially under timed and mock conditions).

How should a student decide which test to focus on (ACT or SAT?)

• Take 1 or 2 practice tests from each and see how you do and how you react to the types of questions. The reading and writing sections are essentially the same but the math is not. Also, the ACT has a science section and the SAT does not, other than incorporating graphs and charts in some of the reading passages.
• Realistically, I would suggest students try a practice test for each, and focus on the one they score higher in percentile, or feel more confident taking. Since the two tests have different sections and emphasis, it is crucial for students to understand that, and to have a general idea on what they need to work on for each test to improve their score.
• Take cold-timed practice tests to see which one is a better match.
• If your primary strength is math, not reading, consider focusing on the SAT. If there’s no clear winner, decide which test you felt more comfortable taking and focus on prep for that test.

TTA TAKEAWAY: Take a diagnostic test for each to determine strengths, weaknesses, and preference.

What are the benefits of one-on-one tutoring vs. group classes?

• One-on-one personal attention is ideal because YOUR questions, concerns, strengths, and trouble areas can be addressed more easily.
• Almost too many to list. Private tutoring can be individually tailored to match a student’s strengths, weaknesses, goals, and learning style. There is generally much more flexibility and efficiency.
• While group classes have the benefit of pooling questions from all students, one-on-one tutoring allows the tutor to really observe the student’s problem-solving process and logic, and to provide guidance as necessary, as well as to dive into certain topics as needed.

TTA TAKEAWAY: A good tutor will focus on the skills and knowledge that the student needs as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach.

How do you predict the new, digital SAT will affect the standardized testing landscape?

• The digital SAT will have a shorter overall test time, but increased time available per question. Test scores will be available in days instead of weeks. These are all positive changes to reduce obstacles and barriers to test taking. I foresee there will be an increase in number of students taking the test.
• I don’t think it will make much of a difference beyond helping students become comfortable with the onscreen version, format, and relying on scratch paper vs the test booklet. Students should make sure they get plenty of digital practice.

TTA TAKEAWAY: Expect a shorter test and work with your tutor to establish new strategies.

Any words of encouragement for students diving into test prep this summer?

• The summer is an ideal time to begin practicing because there isn’t the day-to-day school pressure and responsibilities.
• Think of standardized tests as another hoop to jump through or as a weird and fairly boring game or sport to master through content review and a lot of targeted practice. If you are a rising junior, don’t get too stressed out about the tests but create your testing plan. It’s nice to have them out of the way by the end of junior fall, but most kids need to take them 2-4 times.
• Keep in mind that your score is based on a combination of skills and knowledge. You will have good days and bad days during your prep. If you graph your results, they will certainly not show straight-line improvement. But, if you keep at it, the overall trend will be upward.

TTA TAKEAWAY: Improvement won’t happen overnight—establish a summer plan and stick with it!

How should students approach the new testing format? Maintain what they’ve been doing or switch it up?  

• Do not worry or be afraid, start by diving in right away. Once you find out which topics or areas you need to review, tackle them one by one. Do not waste practice tests! You should be able to figure out multiple topics that you need to review after taking one. Take a break from practice tests and review those well, and do adequate exercises until you feel confident before taking another practice test. Also, be proficient at using your calculator for various tasks as needed, you do not want to waste time figuring things out during the actual test.
• Realistic practice. So, the biggest need is for accurate simulations of the digital test.

TTA TAKEWAY: Preparation is key. Be on the lookout for digital test simulations in the near future.

What should students expect on test day? Any test day tips (how do these differ for digital vs. in person tests?)

• Make sure you get enough sleep the day before the test. Make sure your calculator has enough battery. Have a light meal instead of being very full before the test to avoid any potential digestive issues. You do not need to be overly nervous. You can always retake the test. Stay calm. Give it all you’ve got; everything will be okay!
• Make sure you have everything ready to go the night before – calculator, ID, admission ticket, pencils, etc.  If possible, visit the testing center a few days before the test. Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes early on test day. Review your notes and focus on your successes not your failures – go into the test with a positive attitude!

TTA TAKEAWAY: Attitude is everything. Be refreshed, prepared and rested and the odds are in your favor for a successful test-taking experience!

When should students register for the SAT or ACT?

• It is always better to plan ahead. The registration deadline for SAT is one month prior to the test date, with the deadline for changing approximately 10 days prior. For ACT, the registration deadline is about 4-5 weeks prior to the test date. It is recommended to prep ahead and aim to take a test in the earlier months (August to October). That way if you are not satisfied with the score, you can still revisit the material and retake near the end of the year. 
• Students should leave themselves at least 2-3 months to prep and make sure that they have at least one “safety valve” test date to fall back on before their application deadlines in case something unexpected forces a last-minute change of plans. This is a proven stress reducer even if it is not actually needed.

TTA TAKEAWAY: Plan ahead and keep in mind, October is the last possible test date where scores are back for the early rounds of admission.

What are your favorite free resources for test prep?

• To complement your TTA tutors, check out the published materials from both the ACT and the College Board (SAT). Using actual released tests is optimal.
• College Board and ACT provide free full-length practice tests on their website. Once you have finished all free tests, you can consider getting practice tests from various publishers. 
• ACT.org and SAT.org

TTA TAKEAWAY: ACT.org and SAT.org are the clear winners here!