Six Steps to Effective Test Prep

Sometimes students choose to study on their own for the ACT and SAT exams. This requires a lot of self-discipline, but it definitely can be done. In my work with students, I’ve found that our work follows these six steps:

Do A Complete Practice Test

Before you aim for that score you want, see where you're at right now. Get a test online, or in an official prep book. Take the test just as if it was official - no extra breaks, no extra time! Then score the test.

Analyze Your Mistakes

Don’t just look at your section scores. Look at the kinds of mistakes you made on the individual problems. See if you can find the same kinds of errors on more than one question. Work on eliminating those repeated mistakes.

Study One Section at a Time

Concentrate on improving in one area at a time. Go through one section of a practice test, working at your own pace. see how you can do better. Then, go on to the next section.

What Questions Do You Find Easier?

Notice the types of questions that you answer more easily. When you take the test, those are the kinds of questions that you want to answer first, and quickly. Then go back and work on the harder questions.

Take a Section Practice Test

When you feel ready, take a timed practice test. Do only the section that you've been working on. Score the section. When you get an improved score, repeat for the other sections.

Take another Complete Practice Test

Finished studying? It's time to check your progress! Take another complete practice test - no extra breaks, no extra time. Score the test, then you decide: Are you ready for the official test? If so, great! If not, think about your scores and try to identify what is getting in the way of the score you want: Do you need more practice? Or is it time to work with a tutor? You decide.