<p>I am a junior in high school, so I will be taking both the ACT and the SAT very soon. I am taking AP classes and I have good grades, but I don't know how to effectively prepare for these tests. My parents are both artists, so they don't have a lot of information on this, but I have big aspirations, and would like to be successful. I know that there are some study guides, but I've heard that many are ineffective or could even hinder the study process. If there is anyone who studied for there SATs and scored remarkably well, would you please share what program of method you used to study? Thank you.</p>
<p>I did not score well my first time. I am studying(just like you) for the October SAT right now, and have been studying for 4 hours a day for the past week so far… lol </p>
<p>Thegrant, it would have been helpful if you told him how you were studying! :p</p>
<p>SAT - I used the Blue Book (official book) for everything, Barron’s SAT 2400 and the SAT Critical Reading Workbook, Princeton Review for math and vocabulary, and online study (different vocabulary lists, questions on their website and other places). Practice, practice, practice. You will not be taking the new SAT so make sure to focus on vocabulary. Learning new vocabulary words is beneficial anyways, but knowing these new words will definitely help you when you take the test.</p>
<p>Even if you don’t know the meaning of the word in question, you can use process-of-elimination if you know the meanings of the other words. That definitely has saved me in some situations. A lot of people have issues with the CR section. Take the time to figure out what works for you, when you tackle the passage. Some people read it all at once and others go straight to the questions. </p>
<p>English is basically grammar practice, but ensure that you don’t make silly mistakes. </p>
<p>ACT - I used the Red Book and ACT 36. Most of my ACT study was really just SAT study. Since I was going straight from the SAT in March to the ACT in April, I didn’t have much time to switch material so I just cut out a middle man and didn’t focus too much on English and Reading. You just have to redesign your testing strategies because of the times. You’re doing a whole section in ~1 hour instead of having it broken up in 25 minute intervals. </p>
<p>I really focused on just Math and Science. ACT Math has concepts of trigonometry in them and the Science section is just a huge debacle itself. You really have to learn how to manage your time and decode the Science section. It’s tricky but once you figure out your own system, hammer at it. You’re analyzing the experiments and passages; you don’t have to understand them. </p>
<p>Good luck! </p>
<p>spending 4 to 6 hours daily is good. But take breaks between them.</p>
<p>The golden question!
First, figure out whether the SAT or ACT is right for you. You can ask you college counselor about this or just take a timed test of both and see which one works better. The ACT has a science section, higher level math, optional writing, and less time per problem. The SAT has more time per problem and (currently) writing is mandatory.
After you figure this out target your study to one of these!</p>
<p>GET THE OFFICIAL SAT BLUE BOOK (Or the real ACT red book). It is the holy grail of the SAT(or ACT)!!! This is a must-have!
Read everything in here. Take timed tests, but start with practice first.</p>
<p>Do the SAT/ACT question of the day everyday! <a href=“SAT Practice and Preparation – SAT Suite | College Board”>The SAT – SAT Suite | College Board;
<p>Buy the ‘Underground Guide’ to the SAT/ACT and read the entire thing- WORD FOR WORD. This book is amazing. I swear by it. The strategies are superb!</p>
<p>Check to see if you have any local prep courses. I do not really recommend kaplan- it is a waste of money! Check with your college counselor. </p>
<p>Get vocab flashcards- you can buy ones specifically made for the SAT/ACT</p>
<p>I would recommend the book hot words for the SAT. It’s great!</p>
<p>Read the newspaper every morning, or at least an article. It really helps!</p>
<p>Search for sample writing prompts and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>