So you are not happy with your latest PSAT or SAT score. Or you know you did well but believe you can score even better if you were better prepared. Most high school juniors and seniors feel this way after they get the results back from their first test. The sites below are offered as places to go for help. There is research supporting these (often costly) programs. But many experts believe that students can gain just as much by preparing on their own with the help of a teacher of tutor. There are many things you can do on your own to improve your score.
First, be sure to sign up for the PSAT in October. Take it as a sophomore to become familiar with the test format, and then definitely take it the Fall of your junior year as preparation for the SAT. You will get your test booklet back, and your answer sheet will give you both the correct answers as well as YOUR answers. You can go back and see what you did wrong. So the PSAT will not only give you an idea of what the SAT will be like, you will also recieve a great deal of valuable feedback about how you can improve between now and your first SAT.
Second, map out a test plan for the time between now and the Fall of your senior year. The PSAT is offered once a year. The SAT is offered 7 times a year, so there is no excuse for not taking them during your junior year. It is easy to register online with The College Board. Also look at your potential colleges' entrance requirements to determine which SAT II Subject Tests you should take. Remember you cannot take the SAT I and any SAT II tests on the same date, so plan accordingly. You can however take up to 3 SAT II tests at the same test date (they are one hour long each). This may not be the best strategy, but it is an option. But remember you must register approximately 6 weeks befoe the test date to avoid late fees!
You may also wish to consider the ACT, another standardized test that colleges will accept, preferably in addition to the SAT. The main difference is a Science section on the ACT, where the SAT contains Math or Verbal questions only. The ACT is comprised of the following sections:
There is one other major difference between the two. On the SAT, it may be advantageous to omit questions you cannot answer (or even eliminate one of the multiple choices). There is a minor deduction for incorrect answers. The ACT does not have such a penalty and therefore you should guess at every question. A note particularly for underclassmen, the SAT will undergo a change in test format beginning in March of 2005 for the Class of 2006.
And remember to send your scores to the colleges you are interested in. You can save some money by including the 4 digit college codes when you register for the exam. The College Board will charge you a small fee to send score reports thereafter.
Click On These For Assistance With Standardized Tests:
College Board
The ACT
Kaplan's Test Prep Services
The Princeton Review
Ace Prep Services
Power Prep Services
Test Prep Center
College Board Article on Test Prep
College Board's Test Prep Materials
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My MCAS Page
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