Good morning all!
I have been asked to present a brief overview about how to prepare New SAT and ACT tests for local high school students.
The problem is that my kids took the old SAT.
For the old SAT, the prep was simple - study vocab and do as many practice tests as possible and use Erica Meltzer’s book for grammar prep.
I am not familiar with the new SAT format at all.
My questions are as follows:
Is there a “blue book” of practice tests for the new SAT - and if so, is it any good?
Furthermore, are there any released tests for the new SAT and new PSAT kids can study from?
I also know Khan academy has some material on the new SAT - is that worth doing?
Regarding the ACT:
If any ACT experts out there are willing, please chime in on your best strategies for prepping for the ACT. We did some practice released ACTs but my kids preferred the old SAT over the ACT, so we didn’t focus much on ACT prep.
In general, however, I believe the same advice holds - do as many practice tests as possible, become proficient at taking the test in the allotted time, etc.
Thanks again!
So you’re basically asking someone here to do the presentation for you?
In all seriousness, yes, there is a new Blue Book for the new SAT, which includes 4 new tests. Khan Academy is a good resource for new SAT practice material and it also provides the same 4 tests for free. You can use 3rd party material, but that’s dumb because non official material does not capture the nuances and idiosyncrasies of the test accurately.
The format of the new SAT is radically different from the old SAT, so you better become familiar with it.
Regarding the ACT, you can find plenty of strategies on this site and Reddit. Just use the Search feature.
A bit of advice: it’s not just do as many tests as possible. You’re looking to waste significant time that way, if you are not familiar with the timing and formats of the ACT and New SAT. Your best bet is to do some searches for strategies. With strategies, students will use their time efficiently.
@mmk2015 thanks for the advice!
And yes - I would love someone to do the presentation for me - alas, I got roped in and couldn’t say no (long story).
You’re welcome! But if you really don’t want to do that presentation, go on Google. There are plenty of test prep companies and tutors who already put that kind of info together.
“Borrow” it.