Hey. Next year I’m going to be a freshman, and I feel like now that I’ve finished my summer school course (which is basically all I have to do this Summer), it would be a good idea to start with test preparation for the ACT/SAT. I’ve been looking and some test prep programs, and I ended up stumbling across this website.
As of now, I have not gotten a B since 4th Grade. My goals are maintaining an extremely high academic standard and making it into the absolute best college I can to study computer sciences. Despite my grades, I feel like I will still need a LOT of preparation to get a high score on one of the ACT/SAT. I feel like my reading comprehension is lacking because I didn’t read many books as a child, so right now I’m trying to make reading a habit. Although I succeed at them, I feel like I still have a lot to improve upon in other subjects too. Luckily, I seem to have a very strong work ethic despite being entirely self-motivated.
Right now, I’m just wondering how I should start studying for these tests. I’m not really familiar with the SAT/ACT tests either. I don’t know anything much farther than their names…
Take a practice test for both and see where you fall
Khan Academy has great online free SAT test prep. Invest in an ACT practice book, or even rent one from the library. I would recommend either Kaplan or The Real ACT prep book. The only way to get familiar with these tests is to dive in and study them. Some people are naturally good test-takers, and some aren’t. Depending on where you fall, your parents may want to think about hiring a private tutor. However, remember that a lot of what is tested math-wise on those tests is content from Algebra 2, geometry, and trigonometry. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t quite grasp those concepts yet.
Since you’re a rising freshman, I really don’t think you need to prepare for the SAT/ACT for another two years.Test formats/requirements could change before you actually take the test, so I don’t think your studying now would be useful. Instead, you should devote your time to improving your reading comprehension by reading books and maybe preparing for your freshman classes with Khan Academy, etc so you can maintain a high high school GPA.
May be you very well know that, but let me write this. Admission to a good school is a lot more than high test scores and even maintaining good grades. Particularly, both rigor of classes and good ECs are almost as important. You need to carefully start planning your class schedule, particularly for 10th and 11th grade, making it rigorous and the one where you can still maintain good grades (while also being able to keep up with your ECs). Your ECs also need to be planned well - what do you like doing and can do well in. You want to find a couple of activities you can maintain, show some accomplishments in, and yet have time for rigorous coursework and maintaining good grades.
Students who take a very rigorous class schedule and do well in those classes (both requirement for top 20 or so schools) usually do not need a lot of preparation for SAT/ACT. I am not saying they don’t need to prepare, but something like summer after 10th grade might be sufficient.
AP history classes (world and/or US history) can give a big boost to your reading ability.
Don’t worry about test prep now at all. Your PSAT doesn’t count for anything until junior year. Testing before junior year is probably a mistake anyway, and some colleges want to see all scores. Keep your powder dry. Focus on good grades in rigorous classes and work hard at ECs that you like, whether in or out of school. A lot of what you need to know will be taught in your classes anyway. Start test prep summer before junior year.
If you want to do something, study vocabulary. That will always be helpful. Get a word a day calendar. Read books.