Boosting your SAT/ACT Scores: Test Prep Tips and Academic Tutoring Resources

Introduction

Preparing for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT while keeping up with schoolwork can be challenging for many students. Striking the right balance between academic responsibilities and test prep is key to reducing stress and maximizing performance. 

Read through our curated tips and techniques to study for your SAT and ACT!

How to Develop a Study Schedule

Creating a study schedule for the SAT or ACT is very important to make sure you’re consistently preparing while juggling school and your extracurriculars. Follow the steps below to create an effective study schedule: 

1. Create a Clear Timeline
   Choose your desired test date, then schedule ample time for each section of the exam. This includes dedicated periods for SAT Math, Reading, and Writing, as well as ACT English, Math, Reading, and Science.
2. Set Achievable Goals
   Break down your study plan into achievable daily or weekly goals. For example, you can focus on specific sections like the SAT vocabulary or ACT grammar rules during individual study sessions.  Do not try to set goals you know you can’t meet.
3. Schedule Breaks
   Remember to schedule breaks to prevent burnout and maintain focus. Regular breaks can help you stay refreshed and motivated throughout your study plan.
4. Assess Progress Regularly
   By following a well-structured and comprehensive study plan, you can maximize your chances of success on the SAT or ACT. Remember to stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation, and don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers or fellow students when needed.

Sample SAT and ACT Study Schedule

Let’s say you’re a 12th grader preparing for the SAT. You decide to take the exam within three months, and your only free time from school and your extracurricular is 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM on the weekdays and 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM on the weekends. Your schedule would most likely look like this: 

In the final month of prepping, you can adjust the schedule and take practice tests weekly to refine pacing and build endurance. Focus on reviewing errors from these tests and reinforcing weak areas to ensure steady improvement. 

What are the Best Study Methods and Techniques for Test Prep?

Now that you’ve made time to prep for your SAT and ACT, what’s the most effective way of studying? Active learning and practice tests are just a few methods that can help you build confidence and improve your performance. 

Active Learning Strategies

Merely reading and memorization are definitely not enough for you to prep for the SAT and ACT. Instead, employ these active learning methods to handle any standardized tests. 

1. Use Flashcards for Vocabulary Building

Flashcards are a simple but effective tool for prepping for the SAT reading and ACT English sections. They encourage active recall and helps strengthen memory, and their interactive nature keeps studying fun and challenging. Whether you’re flipping through a physical deck or using a digital version, flashcards make it easy to study on the go and turn test prep into a more engaging and effective process.

A Few Tips for Creating Flash Cards

• Create your own flashcards to tailor them to your specific needs.
• Use them in both directions: recall the definition from the word and vice versa.
• Incorporate spaced repetition to revisit challenging terms periodically. Apps like Quizlet can streamline this process and track your progress.

2. Solve Practice Problems While Explaining Your Reasoning Out Loud

This active learning method forces you to articulate your thought process, which helps reinforce understanding. Hearing yourself explain things, especially when solving SAT math questions, can identify gaps in your own knowledge. 

3. Interactive Online Learning 

Our digital landscape offers a range of interactive tools to enhance your active learning. Interactive online learning transforms test preparation into a dynamic and engaging experience. Tools like gamified apps, virtual quizzes, and adaptive learning platforms offer real-time feedback and personalized study plans tailored to your strengths and weaknesses.

Here are a few great interactive online learning sites you can use:

1. Duolingo (great for vocabulary building and language skills)
2. Brilliant.org (excellent for logic, math, and problem-solving skills)
3. Grammarly (helps refine grammar and writing for English sections)
4. Edpuzzle (interactive video learning for comprehension and engagement)
5. CK-12 (free resources for math and science fundamentals)
6. Memrise (ideal for vocabulary building with interactive techniques)

Digital SAT and ACT practice tests are also readily available, offering students a convenient and effective way to prepare for these critical exams. These resources also often contain ACT and SAT practice questions With instant feedback and performance analytics, students can track their progress and boost their confidence and readiness for test day.

Do You Need an Academic Tutor to Do Well on the SAT/ACT?

The SAT and ACT are some of the most nerve-wracking tests you’ll take, playing a big role in college admissions. Tight time limits, an unfamiliar environment, and pressure to perform can be overwhelming, even if you’ve studied for months. This is where an academic tutor can help by providing personalized support, test strategies, and the confidence to succeed.

Personalized Support

An academic tutor tailors their approach to fit your unique needs, such as learning style. A tutor can create a study plan that targets the areas where you need the most assistance. This helps you comprehend difficult concepts more effectively and makes sure you’re not wasting time on material you already understand. Tutors let you learn at your own pace and adjust strategies as needed under their expert eye. 

Test-Taking Strategies

Knowing the material is only part of the equation for SAT/ACT success. Test-taking strategies play a crucial role in maximizing your score. Academic tutors teach proven techniques such as time management, question prioritization, and process of elimination methods. They help you understand how to approach different question types, manage tricky sections, and avoid common pitfalls. With the right strategies, you’ll be able to tackle the test more efficiently and confidently, even under time pressure.

Confidence to Succeed

Confidence can be the difference between a good score and a score that can get you into your dream college. But it’s understandable that the stress and pressure of even just thinking about the SAT and ACT can negatively affect performance. Academic tutors help build your confidence through regular practice, constructive feedback, and positive reinforcement. By simulating test conditions and providing consistent support, they help you feel prepared and self-assured on test day. This boost in confidence can significantly reduce test anxiety, allowing you to perform at your best.

Looking for the Best Test Prep Near You? 

At Cardinal Education, we specialize in providing the personalized support, strategic guidance, and confidence-building techniques that students need to excel on the SAT and ACT. Our experienced academic tutors work closely with each student to create customized study plans that target individual strengths and address specific areas for improvement. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we focus on what works best for you, ensuring that every session is productive and tailored to your goals.

Beyond just content mastery, our tutors and coaches are experts in teaching effective test-taking strategies. We help students develop the mental resilience needed to perform under pressure. With our help, you’ll gain the skills necessary to achieve your highest potential on the SAT or ACT.