Studying for the SAT or ACT - How Do You Study For Them?

As I mentioned in my previous article on "Studying for the ACT or SAT and why it's important", it is very possible to study for these tests. Don't let others convince you otherwise. If you want that higher score, you've got to study. Many have asked me how exactly I studied for these tests. Here are some techniques I used that you can use, too, in order to improve your score.

Learn how to take the test

Both the ACT and SAT have very particular formats. If you know how to handle the tests themselves, even if you don't know the problems you might not necessarily get a bad score. For example, on the ACT wrong answers don't count against you. If you're a slow test taker and aren't able to complete every problem before time runs out, fill in answer "C" for the remaining problems. "C" is the most commonly used choice on multiple choice tests. If you leave answers blank, there's no possibility of getting them right where as if you guess you at least have a chance of hitting one or two. Where can you find more tips such as this?

Read books

There are thousands of books out there on these topics. They are filled with tips, tricks, study guides, and practice problems. I highly recommend either purchasing one (you can get them for as little as $17) or borrowing one from your local library. If you're low on cash but want your own copy to make notes in, check out Amazon or Barnes and Noble's websites for used copies. I highly recommend The ACT for Dummies if you're focusing on the ACT. It was both entertaining, humorous, and highly informative. I can imagine the SAT version is much the same.

Review basic algebra

If you're not a math person, like myself, review basic algebra problems. Many ACT and SAT books will include a number of equations you'll need to know. Geometry is another area you may want to focus on, as well. As long as you remember the equations for the test, you're as good as gold (and afterwards you can forget them all, like me).

Review English grammar

Reviewing your basic grammar rules will help immensely on the English section, especially if English isn't your strong point. As a college Engish major, I personally had no problems with the English portion of the test though reviewing basic grammar was helpful for me. There are some grammar rules that I studied during that time that I still remember today. English grammar is a huge subject, though, so which rules should you focus on? Again, this is a point where those ACT or SAT books come in handy. They'll often list important rules you need to remember for the test.

Take practice tests

This is probably the most important piece of advice for these tests that anyone can give you. If you take practice tests beforehand, you will improve your score substantially. You will know how the test works, what sort of problems you'll encounter, and you'll learn how to pace yourself. If you really hate studying, I recommend you at the very least take a practice test or two. When you get to the actual test, you will not regret it!

There's a lot of pressure riding on students to score high on these tests, but getting a good score is not impossible. If you take steps to improve the basic knowledge you're starting with, you'll do better than you expect. Myself, I was aiming for a 28 on the ACT and I thought even that was a little high. When I got my results back, I was shocked to find that I'd gotten a composite score of 31! I was so thankful that I'd studied and you will be, too!