Preparing for the SAT and ACT

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The SAT I and the PSAT are different from the tests you have taken in high school. No extra credit or partial credit is offered. To get a high score you must make good choices. Below are some tips to help you when preparing and taking the test.

Know the format - Become familiar with the questions that appear and practice answering them.

Learn the directions - You need every second during the test to answer questions. Therefore, don't waste time on the day of the test reading directions. Become familiar with the directions by reviewing the students guide and books designed to help you raise your score.

Predict the answer - Before looking at the answer choices, predict the answer and then scan the answer choices to see which one fits.


Skip around - Within a given section you can skip around and answer the questions in any order that appeals to you. If you are getting stuck on a question skip it; you can go back to it later if there is time.

Pace yourself - A lot of questions are given to you in a short period of time. To get through a section, it is important that you don't spend too much time on any one question. Wear a watch and keep track of the time for each section.


Be careful with the answer grid - Be careful when placing your answers on the grid. You can write in the booklet, therefore you might choose to circle your answer before you transfer your response to the grid.

Look for quick points if you are running out of time - Some questions can be answered more quickly than others.

The most obvious choice on difficult questions is almost always wrong - But it usually is not that far off. Look for the answer that is closest to the correct choice.

The correct answer to multiple choice reading comprehension questions are usually carefully worded opinions - Choices that use extreme words (only, always, never, all, none) are rarely correct. If those words are proceeded by a word like "not", it is almost always correct.

When you are asked to compare fractions, turn them into their decimal equivalents by dividing the top number by the bottom number (use a calculator).


Memorize vocabulary words using mnemonics-phrases that remind you of a word's definition.