Preparing for the ACT/SAT Exams

I am often reminded of the students that I and others have assisted or guided in workshops or through advice. Some of the students that stand out are those students that didn’t have a mentor, had low self-esteem or didn’t think that they could pass the exam or could even attend college.

I am especially pleased with Julian’s story. A student that wanted to attend college, but didn’t believe he could. At the time, Julian had just graduated with the “Class of 2008”, but during August of 2008, he had never applied for college or taken the ACT. But in my meeting with him, I felt he had a fire and desire to want to achieve and had the ability to do so. I advise him how to prepare for the ACT and to utilize the links on my blog, Planning and Preparing for College (Scholarships, Internships, Etc) located at http://www.ctherd.blogspot.com/ . He took the advice and took the ACT exam and scored a 21 on his first try which allowed him to be eligible for the TN Lottery and get assistances to attend college.

The reason the workshops were successful is because it taught students’ methods, techniques and to utilize practice exams to build up their test skills and speed. In the end, knowledge is powerful, if used properly.


Below are two technique documents (Math and Science) to be used as tips along with suggested websites to practice the ACT/SAT with:



Tips for Math and Science:

Math Problems

Scientific Methods


Practice Links:

March 2 Success Online Test Preparation
http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html (English, Math, Science and Reading)
http://www.actstudent.org/writing/sample/index.html
http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf
ACT/SAT
Online SAT Practice Test
Kaplan ACT/SAT
Number 2
Powerprep
4 Test
Sat Prep Plan
Test Prep Review
1000 Most Common SAT Words
Math Forum -- Math Tips
Peterson's Practice SAT/ACT Test Prep
Vocabulary Builder
Study Guide Zone -- ACT
Study Guide Zone -- SAT
Success Math


Below are the next scheduled ACT and SAT dates:

ACT:

Test Date: December 12, 2009
Registration Deadline: November 6, 2009
Late Registration Deadline: November 7 - 20, 2009


Test Date: February 10, 2010
Registration Deadline: January 5, 2010
Late Registration Deadline: January 6-15, 2010

visit http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html for additional registration dates.


SAT:

Test Date: December 5, 2009
Registration Deadline: October 31, 2009
Late Registration Date: November 1-13, 2009


Test Date: January 23, 2010
Registration Deadline: December 15, 2009
Late Registration Date: December 16 - 30, 2009

visit http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html for additional registration dates.