Tips for Studying for Your SATs & ACTs: A Guide for High School Students

The SATs and ACTs are a huge part of your college admissions journey, and for many high school students, they can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry – with the right approach, you can tackle these tests and feel confident on test day. In this post, we’ll share practical tips for students to study effectively, as well as advice for parents on how to support their kids throughout the process.

1. Start Early (But Not Too Early!)

One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until the last minute to study. While cramming might work for a pop quiz, it’s not a good strategy for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Starting early gives you time to absorb the material, identify areas for improvement, and reduce stress as the test date gets closer.

For Students: Aim to start your preparation at least 3-4 months before the test. You don’t need to study every day, but setting aside time a few times a week for focused study sessions will give you a strong foundation.

For Parents: Encourage your teen to set up a study schedule. Help them break down the study material into manageable chunks and stick to deadlines. You can also help by making sure they have a quiet, comfortable place to study without distractions.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format

Both the SAT and ACT have different structures and formats. Knowing the test layout in advance can help you feel more at ease when you’re actually taking it.

For Students: Take time to learn the ins and outs of the test. Understand the types of questions you’ll face and how the timing works for each section. If possible, take a practice test under timed conditions to get a feel for the pacing.

For Parents: You can help by going over the test format with your teen and making sure they know what to expect. You could even attend an information session or read up on test details together.

3. Focus on Your Weak Areas

If you’re already scoring well in a particular section, it may not make sense to devote a lot of time to it. Instead, focus on the areas that need more attention.

For Students: Take a diagnostic test or use online resources to assess which areas need improvement. Then, focus your study sessions on those areas. Whether it’s math, reading comprehension, or writing, you can find resources to help you improve in specific subjects.

For Parents: Ask your teen how they feel about each section and listen carefully. If they’re struggling with a certain topic, suggest extra practice materials or even consider hiring a tutor for one-on-one help.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

The more practice tests you take, the better you’ll get at understanding the test’s rhythm and timing. It’s important to practice under real test conditions, so you can learn to manage the pressure of working against the clock.

For Students: Schedule regular practice tests throughout your study plan. Try to mimic actual testing conditions as much as possible—take the test in a quiet room, time yourself, and resist the urge to look at your phone or take breaks.

For Parents: Set a reminder for your teen to take regular practice tests, and consider offering a reward for completing each one. You could also help create a quiet, focused space for them to take these tests at home.

5. Don’t Forget Test-Taking Strategies

The SAT and ACT are as much about strategy as they are about knowledge. Learning smart test-taking techniques can boost your score without needing to study more material.

For Students: Some key strategies include:

• Eliminating obviously wrong answers: This can help you narrow down your choices and increase the chances of selecting the correct one.
• Skipping difficult questions: If you’re stuck on a question, move on and come back to it later.
• Pacing yourself: Be mindful of the clock. Don’t spend too much time on any one question.

For Parents: Help your teen by discussing strategies and reminding them that it’s okay not to know every answer. Sometimes, skipping a tough question and coming back later can help them manage time better and increase their chances of scoring higher.

6. Take Care of Your Health

It might sound cliché, but your physical and mental health play a huge role in your ability to perform well on the SAT or ACT. The brain needs proper fuel, rest, and exercise to function at its best.

For Students: Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and make time for physical activity. Regular breaks during study sessions will also help prevent burnout.

For Parents: Encourage your teen to take care of themselves. You can help by making sure they’re eating nutritious meals, getting enough rest, and taking time to unwind. A balanced life will lead to better test performance.

7. Review Your Mistakes

After each practice test, take the time to review your errors. This will help you avoid making the same mistakes on the real test.

For Students: Spend some time going over the questions you got wrong and understanding why you missed them. This will not only help you improve but will also increase your confidence.

For Parents: Help your teen with their review by sitting down together and discussing the questions they found challenging. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can help clarify confusing concepts.

8. Stay Positive and Manage Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is real, and it can affect performance. The more you stress about the test, the harder it will be to concentrate and do your best.

For Students: Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, to calm your nerves before the test. Keep a positive attitude and remember that the SAT or ACT is just one part of your application.

For Parents: Help your teen stay calm by offering words of encouragement and reminding them that their worth isn’t defined by a test score. Avoid adding to their stress by refraining from overemphasizing the importance of the exam.

How Parents Can Help:

As a parent, you play an important role in helping your teen prepare for the SATs or ACTs. Here are some additional ways you can be supportive:

• Create a Supportive Study Environment: Make sure your teen has a quiet, comfortable space for studying, free from distractions like phones, TV, or social media.
• Provide Motivation and Encouragement: It’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed or discouraged during the preparation process. Offer praise and positive reinforcement to keep their spirits high.
• Help with Logistics: Take charge of the logistical aspects, such as registering for the test, preparing the necessary materials (like ID, admission ticket, snacks), and ensuring they arrive at the test center on time.
• Be a Cheerleader: On test day, be the cheerleader your teen needs. Remind them that they’ve prepared and that you believe in their abilities, no matter the outcome.

Studying for the SAT or ACT can feel like a big task, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can take on the challenge with confidence. Start early, focus on your weaknesses, and practice as much as possible. And don’t forget that parents can play a crucial role by offering encouragement, creating a supportive environment, and helping with the logistics.

The SAT and ACT are just one step on the road to your college dreams. Stay focused, stay positive, and give it your best shot!

Need Extra Help? Consider Hiring a Tutor

If you feel like you’re hitting a wall with your preparation or simply want an extra boost, working with a tutor can give you a significant edge. A tutor can offer personalized guidance, help you target your weak spots, and provide strategies tailored to your learning style. Sometimes, all it takes is that extra bit of support to make a huge difference on test day!