SAT Preparation

Introduction to SAT / PSAT / ACT Preparation

Wherever you fall in your middle school or high school career, there is more to school than homework and extracurriculars. Especially when you consider an eventual college degree, you need to keep standardized tests in mind: the PSAT, the SAT, and the ACT.

Each test serves a different purpose (and requires a different set of skills), but virtually all accredited colleges will insist on seeing a score from the SAT or ACT. While the PSAT does not count toward your college application, you may gain commendations or even a scholarship from it, in addition to the SAT preparation that it gives you.

SAT / PSAT / ACT Preparation FAQs

When should I prepare for the SAT, PSAT or ACT?

Even if you do not see a bachelor's degree in your future, much less a master's or PhD, consider taking one of these tests. If you begin early, even the PSAT might change your mind (and, via scholarship, your bank account) when it comes to settling for an associate's. Usually, the PSAT is taken in the sophomore or junior year, but students who are in ninth, eighth, and even seventh grade are permitted. The exam may only be taken once to count towards commendation or scholarship funds, though, which usually happens in your junior year. However, starting early allows you to evaluate exactly where you stand. The earlier and better you perform, the better you know whether you can subsist on online, self-motivated studying or whether you ought to enroll in a full classroom or distance learning course.

How do the SAT and the PSAT compare?

The PSAT parallels the structure of its parent test, the SAT, with vocabulary, math, and writing sections. The SAT, however, includes higher-level mathematics (Algebra II) as well as an essay question. The PSAT, scored on a scale that maxes at 240, also is less accurate than the SAT, which maxes at 2400. The PSAT is an important part of SAT preparation; however, the SAT deserves study and training on its own. Numerous test preparation companies offer test strategy books or courses. Determine your goals and study accordingly.

How do the SAT and ACT compare?

Often, students who perform poorly on the SAT may perform better on the ACT, and vice versa, though that is not always the case. The ACT's writing section, for example, is optional; also, the ACT divides the verbal section into two equally-weighted parts, reading (comprehension) and English (grammar and mechanics). It also includes a section on science. Each ACT section is graded up to 36, with the scores being averaged to get the final result (36 is a perfect score).

This more comprehensive approach tends to require better front-end preparation. While there are online practice tests-likewise for the SAT-the best practice tends to be studying up front, sitting the test, deciding whether to study on your own or in a test preparation course, and then sitting the test again. Both the ACT and the SAT, however, include a penalty for wrong answers. This discourages guessing; contrarily, it encourages proper study and preparation. Do not hesitate to prepare the most that you can. Spending the resources to perform well might even qualify you for extra financial aid toward your college degree.

SAT / PSAT / ACT Preparation

Student Center > Test Prep > SAT / PSAT / ACT


collegeboard.com
Official site of the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and the AP (Advanced Placement) program.
Sections include: Tests ; Test Registration ; Plan for College ; College Search ; Apply to College ; Pay for College.
- College Entrance Examination Board

  • SAT Test Preparation - (dead link)
    Sections include: SAT Registration ; SAT Question of the Day ; SAT II: Subject Tests ; SAT Dates ; SAT Codes

ACT
Official ACT Assessment Home Page.
"The ACT Assessment∆ is designed to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work...The tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science."

Greek and Latin Roots for GRE Preparation
Can also be helpful for studying for the SAT.
Includes common prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
By Jessica DeForest, Michigan State University.

SAT / ACT / PSAT Books, Software, and Courses


SAT Online
*Dynamic instruction from one of Kaplan's expert teachers.
*Extensive practice under test-like conditions, including full-length practice exams, quizzes, and more.
*A customized study plan to address your strengths and weaknesses.

*Kaplan's extensive home study kit, including hundreds sample questions.

This workshop is the perfect supplement for students looking for extra support in the basics of SAT preparation. It provides targeted strategies and practice to reinforce critical SAT content knowledge and test-taking skills.

SAT Classroom Course
*Customized preparation based on the results of a diagnostic exam determining your test strengths and weaknesses.

*Comprehensive course instruction using an effective, problem-solving approach. Targeted sessions help you build SAT-specific skills, which are then reinforced with homework exercises.

This workshop is the perfect supplement for students looking to maximize their SAT scores. It provides targeted strategies and practice to tackle even the toughest questions. The perfect supplement if you need that extra prep on the hardest sections so that you can get in to elite schools.

*Comprehensive course instruction using an effective, problem-solving approach. Targeted sessions help you build ACT-specific skills, which are then reinforced with homework exercises.
*2 Virtual Reality tests simulating the real ACT. Computerized feedback analyzes your strengths and weaknesses.

SAT PSAT ACT Deluxe Edition
Get the scores you need to get into the colleges you want! You have dreams for your future. Kaplan helps you achieve them. We've been assisting college-bound men and women since 1938, and we know getting into into America's top colleges has never been more competitive.

SAT & PSAT with CD ROM - Fall Edition
Kaplan's premier guide to the SAT and PSAT combines a comprehensive review of all the material on the test with our exclusive test-taking strategies. Including a state-of-the-art CD-ROM with hundreds of additional practice questions and a personalized study plan.

SAT & PSAT
SAT & PSAT combines a comprehensive review of all the material on the test with our exclusive test-taking strategies. This powerful combination provides the most effective way to prepare for this very difficult exam. With detailed knowledge of the test format, strategies for every type of question.

Procrastinator's Guide to the SAT & PSAT
Waited until the last minute to start preparing for the SAT? Fear not, procrastinator. Kaplan's SAT & PSAT Essential Review provides a targeted training of the absolute "must-know" concepts on the test.

Kaplan's premier guide to the ACT, ACT with CD-ROM combines a comprehensive review of all the material on the test with our exclusive test-taking strategies. Including a state-of-the-art CD-ROM with hundreds of additional practice questions and a personalized study plan.

Kaplan's comprehensive guide to preparing for the SAT II: Writing exam includes effective test-taking strategies, expert advice on the essay section, and the most realistic practice problems available. You will score higher on the SAT II: Writing exam.


SAT Verbal Workbook
Kaplan's in-depth SAT Verbal Workbook provides targeted training for the Verbal section on the SAT. No other guide offers you such intensive score-boosting verbal workouts. Featuring two full-length practice tests, SAT Verbal Workbook includes complete explanations, vocabulary lists and effective strategy.


SAT Math Workbook

Kaplan's in-depth SAT Math Workbook provides targeted training for the Math section on the SAT. No other guide offers you such intensive score-boosting math workouts. Featuring more than 8 tests' worth of math problems, SAT Math Workbook includes complete explanations, math strategies, and much more.
SAT Math Mania

SAT Math Mania is Kaplan's fast, fun, and furious guide to preparing for the SAT Math section. The math activities in this book are not the typical, dry SAT fare. Although they're designed to help you test more effectively, the activities in SAT Math Mania are engaging, entertaining, and downright rewarding.