I’m 21 years old and I will be taking the ACT and the SAT next year before applying to colleges next fall. I was homeschooled grades 10-12 and although I graduated with a 3.8 GPA, I have have trouble remembering almost all of the stuff I learned. Biology, Math, Reading and writing, etc. I did not take chemistry or physics but I might take the chemistry or physics subject test and I will be taking chem and physics in undergrad. I can’t remember anything I learned. I understand it may sound odd. But everytime I even think about taking one of the tests, I get stressed out. I feel hopeless. What should I do? Some people have suggested I take classes at a local community college but I work a full time job and I do not have time for that. Should I buy textbooks? Should I buy SAT and ACT study guides? Should I use Khan Academy? I need advice. Thanks for any answers.
I would advise you (if you were my child) to take a sample test or two and see how you do. Then at least you know your weak spots, if there are any. From there I would advise one on one tutoring. My d did a class and had pretty much no change in her scores. Son did one on one tutoring with a fantastic tutor and upped his ACT score by 6 points. She focused more on how to take the test vs teaching him the concepts. You may need more of the latter. But again, you won’t know your knowledge gaps until you take a test. I’d start with one of each test as some people just naturally do better on one versus the other. Both my kids did far better with the ACT; others we know scored higher on the SAT. Best of luck to you!
Agree with above. Start with the ACT and SAT prep books published by the ACT and the College Board. Take a practice test for each holding yourself strictly to the time limits (the ACT generally is more straightforward, but gives you less time per problem). If you do better on one vs the other, focus on prepping for that one. One on one tutors are hit and miss. Most of the commercial guides provide strategies and tactics on how to take the test, but for some people they need a tutor to bring the lessons home.
On subject tests, there is no need to take them unless they are required or perhaps “recommended” by a college you are targeting. If you have not taken chemistry or physics, there is no reason and IMO foolish, to take the subject tests. It serves no purpose. If you are thinking about getting college credit or placing at a higher level, you would need to take the AP test. Even if you could test well, there is a huge difference in mastering the subject between taking an actual course vs prepping for a test. Brushing up on those subjects is another matter if you want to familiarize yourself with them before taking them on in college. Then perhaps taking an adult education course might come in handy.
I am someone who would advise you to start at community college and skip the tests altogether. If you’re planning to go to college full time, go to community college full time instead. If you cannot afford that, how will you afford the four year school?