As a Sophomore, I am beginning to think about standardized testing and I’m confused. I usually don’t like the reading or grammar portions on tests. I can write essays but they’re not the best. I also have anxiety on test days very often and sometimes I have difficulty with timing. Should I take the ACT or SAT?
Hey Kristian! All of these things you mentioned can be worked on, and you thinking about standardized tests now as a sophomore is an excellent thing. First, I recommend you take the PSAT (I did this), it’s similar to the SAT and sophomores and juniors take it. You might already be doing that.
Anyway, you first should take an official ACT and an official SAT practice test to determine which test might work to your advantage. Prep scholar as four official ACT practice tests online–just google “ACT official practice exams” and download the PDFs. The College Board helpfully gives you 7 or 8 official SAT practice tests to use. Search on their website for them. Because of your worry about timing, try taking both exams in the timed settings you would have on test. Be relaxed, know that there’s no pressure riding on you with these particular practice exams, and just go straight in and take them. Before you do, though, just briefly read up on the format of both so you’re not in for a total shock.
Once you do this, score both exams and assess your weak and strong areas. The College Board has an SAT app you should download that scans your practice sheets and automatically scores it for you. They then provide answers AND explanations to every question, so you know what areas within math, reading and writing you need to work on.
The ACT is definitely harder in respect to time, but it’s nothing you can’t work to improve. Once you know your weak areas, and if you find you run out of time on them, focus on taking practice tests in those areas. Some people like to not time themselves when they practice so they better understand the content of each section, but I advise you to practice under time conditions each time, and evaluate all of your wrong answers, take note of careless mistakes. You could buy the ACT prep book, and I’m about to dive into “For the Love of ACT Science” to help with that section. The College Board has Khan Academy.
For Reading, mark up the passage. The ACT has much more straight forward reading questions, but again, you’ll only know what works for you once you take an initial practice exam.
All it comes down to is practice. Create a study schedule, and don’t give up. Know you are capable of success. For test anxiety, practice breathing exercises before you take the exam. You have plenty of time, but don’t wait until it’s too late. It’s rare for anybody to score amazingly without much study or practice (I kinda learned that the hard way).
I wish you well! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you for all of the advice!! I will try to set up scheduled tests for both and I will see which one I can do better on generally.