10.05 Plan to ace the ACT or SAT

If you are training to take the ACT or SAT tests, you're probably up to your ears in math formulas, critical reading, and every bit of the content and techniques you expect to be tested on.But wait! You're not done! Don't forget the crucial second step in scoring high on the standardized tests.

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Athena Advises

Train for timing! To get your best score, you need to train two aspects of timing. As soon as you get a grip on the content and how to answer particular questions, schedule time--lots of time--to train for timing.First, take complete sections. Time yourself mercilessly! That's the only way to develop a sense of how long you have to complete a section on the real test. After all, the task here is not to answer one question perfectly, but to move through the entire section. You get credit only for the questions you answer in the time available.Second, take complete practice tests. You need to develop stamina! These tests are almost four hours long, and you need to complete the final section with the same precision and accuracy as the first. If you have been granted accommodations for a disability, the duration is even longer. Only by taking complete practice tests will you develop those mental marathon muscles!Yes, this means you need to set aside several blocks of four hours to take individual practice tests. The best time is Saturday or Sunday morning, so that you are mentally fresh. One per weekend is quite enough, because you will be tired afterwards, and you have other things to do.How many practice tests should you take? As many as it takes to get your desired score! Planning ahead for this is itself a form of training for timing on a large scale.From practicing how much time to spend on a single problem, to how to get through a section, to mastering the duration of the whole test--you are learning time management.Planning ahead for this is itself a form of time management on a large scale. It's your life. Plan to succeed! Watch the video.Dr. Marlena CorcoranFounder and CEOAuthor of Year by Year to College, on amazon.com, amazon.de and many national amazon site