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Preparing for the SAT/ACT
By Mike Pugh
The SAT and ACT measure what you have learned over the course of many years. While no amount of cramming can turn a 200 into an 800, organized preparation can go a long way. With books, videos, software and prep courses, you have options for getting the help you need.
Free Materials
Start with the free publications available at your high school for students taking the SAT or SAT Subject Tests. Taking the SAT features test-taking tips, as well as a sample test, the correct answers, an answer sheet and scoring instructions. Ask your guidance counselor for free materials.
You can also download some test prep materials and answer sample questions online, for free on the <a href = “http://www.fastweb.com/content/college-scholarships”>College Board Web site.
- <a href = “http://www.fastweb.com/content/college-scholarships”> SAT Prep Materials
- <a href = “http://www.fastweb.com/content/college-scholarships”>SAT Subject Tests Materials
Books
If you want more in-depth advice, and are willing to pay for it, practice manuals abound. Priced anywhere from $10 to $50, these books typically offer test-taking strategies, expert advice and practice tests. Many include a CD-ROM featuring sample tests and other interactive options.
When selecting a book, check the date of publication (the more recent, the better), reviews and the number of practice tests included. And check your local library to see if you can get access to the same books for free.
Software
The fastest growing segment of SAT/ACT preparation materials is CD-ROM software.
The key advantage to SAT/ACT preparation software is its ability to tailor a training program to your needs. You start with a diagnostic test that assesses your strengths and weaknesses. The program then creates a personalized course of study, featuring sample tests, hundreds of review questions, multimedia teaching aids, helpful test-taking strategies and progress trackers.
SAT/ACT software is priced around $25.
Traditional Prep Courses
Prep courses typically span a 10-week period, meeting once a week. The cost for these courses ranges from $500 to $1,000. There are a number of different prep course providers, including:
- <a href = “http://www.fastweb.com/content/college-scholarships”> The Princeton Review
- <a href = “http://www.fastweb.com/content/college-scholarships”> Kaplan
- <a href = “http://www.fastweb.com/content/college-scholarships”> Sylvan Learning Centers
- <a href = “http://www.fastweb.com/content/college-scholarships”>The World’s Best Prep Course, Inc.
Prep courses are typically led by highly trained individuals and consist of orientation sessions, class sessions and practice tests. Also included are home study materials such as books, flashcards and software. Prep courses are generally considered to be the most intensive form of SAT/ACT preparation.
When choosing a class, take into consideration class size (smaller classes = more personalized instruction), location, price and guarantees.
For example, the Princeton Review prep course guarantees a score increase. If you don’t achieve that increase, you’re entitled to additional free tutoring. The World’s Best Prep Course, Inc., offers a similar guarantee.
Online Prep Courses
New online test prep courses are springing up to accommodate students with increasingly busy schedules. Some companies currently provide SAT prep courses over the Web. A virtual mirror of traditional prep courses, features include lectures in RealVideo, practice tests, e-mail help, test-taking strategies and intensive practice exercises. Also included are physical study aids such as books and flashcards. As an added benefit, an online SAT course can cost significantly less than its offline counterpart.
In the end, it’s years of challenging courses and hard work that best prepare you for the SAT or ACT. But getting solid instruction and taking a number of practice tests can help. Choose the preparation materials that suit you best. Then go in there and give that test your best, most educated shot.
