Preparing for the SAT, SAT II Subject Exams, and the ACT
What is the best study strategy for me?The key to success on standardized tests is knowing which tests to take, when to take them, and how to study. This can seem like a daunting project – we can help! Make an appointment to meet with a High Bluff Academy college testing counselor. She will review your test scores and help you organize a study plan based around your particular needs. Below are a few FAQs to review before you come in.
When should I start preparing for the SAT and ACT?
Sophomores and freshmen should start reading more challenging material in their free time, both fiction and nonfiction, and work on building a stronger vocabulary. Most students will wait until their junior year to take their first test. If students are very busy with sports and activities, they should take their prep course during the summer before their junior year. They can take their first ACT in September and SAT in October. They should then continue to take practice tests and take their best test (either SAT or ACT) one more time in the spring. If time is not a problem or summers are already booked, then students can opt for weekday evening classes or Saturday classes which run throughout the year. We suggest taking both the ACT & SAT for the first time by March or April and taking one of them a second time in May or June.
Is it too late to take the tests my senior year?
No, it's not too late to take the tests your senior year.You can take SATs in October and November of your senior year. The University of California deadline for scores is December 31st and Cal State schools require scores by March 31st.
How do the SAT and ACT compare?
| SAT | ACT |
|---|---|
| 2/3 English; 1/3 math | 1/2 English; 1/4 math; 1/4 science |
| 10 sections, 10-25 minutes each | 5 sections, 30-45 minutes each |
| 1/4 point penalty for each wrong answer | no penalty for wrong answers |
| does not include science | includes a science reasoning section |
| includes a vocabulary-based section | does not include a vocabulary-based section |
| 25 minute essay | 30 minute essay |
| all questions have 5 answer choices | most sections have only 4 answer choices |
| extremely tricky questions, and false answers | more straightforward, less tricky |
| all scores sent on every transcript | you choose which score is sent |
What do these differences mean for me?
The test taking strategies needed for each test are different. On the ACT, students have more control over how they spend their time. For example, with 60 minutes to complete the entire math section on the ACT, students must know how to allocate their time wisely. On the SAT, the math is divided into three sections which may seem more manageable; however, if students finish early, they cannot work on any other sections. Another downside of the SAT is the added stress of deciding when to guess and when to leave a problem blank. With only four answer choices on the ACT, your chances of guessing correctly are raised dramatically.
Should I take the ACT?
The UC system will accept the SAT or ACT with Essay. Most other universities will accept either test, but it is wise to check with individual private colleges. If you are planning to take the SAT, we recommend trying the ACT because approximately 90% of the preparation is the same. Whether you choose to take the SAT or ACT, the most important thing is to be prepared. No single company has a monopoly on secrets to success; it just takes a lot of practice and an experienced teacher who can explain your mistakes to you. In addition, some of the private schools will accept the ACT in place of the SAT Subject Tests.
What is a "good" test score? The best answer to that question is to take a look at the student's GPA and PSAT scores and decide upon a realistic goal for that student. We usually begin by looking at some of the popular universities and the average scores of last year's freshman class.
| Type of college | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
Extremely Competitive(Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton) |
2000-2400 | 30-34 |
Highly Competitive(UCLA, USC, UCBerkeley) |
1800-2100 | 24-30 |
Very Competitive(UCSD, UCSB, Cal Poly, USD, UCI) |
1600-1950 | 23-28 |
Moderately Competitive(SDSU, ASU, UCR) |
1500-1800 | 20-25 |
Fairly Competitive(Cal State: Long Beach, Fullerton, Chico) |
1300-1650 | 17-23 |
What about the SAT II Subject Exams?
The University of California requires two SAT Subject Tests in any of the following areas: math, literature, foreign language, science, and history. This requirement will be dropped for the class of 2012 and later. The California State Colleges do not require them. The science and history tests are best taken immediately upon finishing the course as they rely on memorization of detailed factual knowledge. The math, literature and foreign language tests are skills based, so they are best taken at the end of junior year or beginning of senior year. If you did not take AP History, the regular American and World History courses do not cover the material you will need to know to be successful on the tests. Therefore, be prepared to study the early history on your own or in a prep class.
Many elite, private colleges require the Subject tests or recommend them. Some require two subjects and some require three. Information on this list should be verified by visiting the college's website.
For a list of schools requiring the SAT Subject Tests, click here.
How do I prepare for the Subject Exams?
First you should try taking mock exams in several different subjects before selecting your final two. Next, take a few private lessons to help you to familiarize yourself with the format of the tests you are taking. For the content based tests, you should review through the key concepts. For the skills based tests you need to practice a wide variety of questions so that you know what to expect. Our teachers will identify your weak areas and create a program of study for you.
| High Bluff Academy | Phone: (858) 509-9101 | |
| 12520 High Bluff Dr. Suite 140 | Fax: (858) 630-3606 | |
| San Diego, CA 92130 | info@highbluffacademy.com |
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