Proven approaches to maximize your scores on college entrance exams
The SAT and ACT are standardized tests used by colleges and universities to assess academic readiness for higher education. These tests evaluate your knowledge and skills in key areas while providing colleges with a common data point for comparing applicants. This guide introduces effective strategies for both tests and provides a structured preparation approach to help you achieve your target scores.
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | Reading, Writing and Language, Math (No Calculator & Calculator) | English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (optional) |
| Total Time | 3 hours | 2 hours, 55 minutes (without Writing) 3 hours, 35 minutes (with Writing) |
| Scoring | 400-1600 scale (200-800 per section) | 1-36 scale (average of 4 section scores) |
| Math Content | Stronger focus on algebra and data analysis | More comprehensive, includes trigonometry |
| Science | No dedicated science section | Dedicated science section focusing on interpretation of data |
| Pacing | More time per question | Faster pace, more questions in less time |
Both tests assess your ability to understand, analyze, and draw conclusions from complex passages. You'll encounter different text types including literature, social science, humanities, and natural science. Key skills include identifying main ideas, understanding relationships, and interpreting evidence.
The SAT Writing and Language section and ACT English section test your understanding of standard written English. Questions focus on grammar rules, punctuation, sentence structure, rhetorical skills, and organization of ideas within paragraphs and essays.
Both tests cover algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and some geometry. The ACT includes more advanced math concepts like trigonometry and matrices. The SAT has a no-calculator section in addition to a calculator-permitted section.
The ACT Science section tests your ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate scientific information. It focuses on data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints rather than specific scientific knowledge.
Develop a section-specific pacing strategy that accounts for your strengths and weaknesses. Know how much time to allocate per question or passage, and practice with a timer until this pacing becomes second nature.
Tip: If you struggle with time management, practice answering easier questions first, then return to more challenging ones with your remaining time.
Learn to quickly identify question difficulty and make strategic decisions about which questions to tackle first, which to spend more time on, and which might be better to skip and return to later if time permits.
Strategy: Mark questions you're unsure about and return to them after completing the ones you're confident in. This ensures you don't miss out on "easy points" due to time constraints.
Systematically eliminate incorrect answer choices to increase your odds of selecting the correct answer. Even partial knowledge can help you narrow down options and make educated guesses when necessary.
Best practice: Cross out eliminated answer choices directly on your test booklet to reduce confusion and prevent reconsidering options you've already determined are incorrect.
Since there's no penalty for wrong answers on either the SAT or ACT, always provide an answer for every question, even if you need to guess. Develop strategic guessing techniques to maximize your chances of selecting correct answers.
Remember: If you have no idea, choose a consistent letter for all guesses, which statistically may yield better results than random guessing across different letters.
Develop routines to prevent careless errors, such as misreading questions, calculating incorrectly, or filling in the wrong bubble on your answer sheet. These simple mistakes can significantly impact your score.
Tip: Periodically check that your question number matches your answer sheet location, especially after skipping questions or starting a new section.
This SAT/ACT Strategies Guide is a foundational resource within our comprehensive Career Program.
This guide integrates with our college planning resources, helping you understand how test scores factor into admissions decisions at different institutions. You'll develop a testing timeline that aligns with your college application strategy.
Connects with our diagnostic assessment tools to create customized study plans based on your starting point and target scores. The SageArk program provides structured practice materials and progress tracking to keep your preparation on track.
Works alongside our academic resources in math, reading, writing, and science to strengthen the underlying knowledge and skills tested on the SAT and ACT. This integrated approach ensures you're building both test-taking techniques and content mastery.
Connects with our college essay and extracurricular planning resources to help you develop a balanced approach to college admissions. You'll learn how to use your test scores as one component of a compelling overall application package.
Before using SageArk's SAT preparation strategies, I was scoring in the low 1200s and feeling overwhelmed by the test. The structured approach helped me identify exactly where I was losing points and develop targeted strategies for each section. After three months of focused preparation, I increased my score to 1480 and secured admission to my dream school with a merit scholarship.
— Mia K., Undergraduate at Stanford University
The best approach is to take a practice test for each and compare your results. Consider both your scores and your comfort level with each test's format. The SAT may be better for students who prefer more time per question and enjoy math and evidence-based reading. The ACT might suit students who work quickly, excel in science, and prefer straightforward questions. Remember that all colleges accept either test equally.
Most students benefit from taking the test 2-3 times. The first attempt gives you real testing experience and identifies areas for improvement. With focused preparation, many students see significant gains on their second attempt. A third attempt can be worthwhile if you're still below your target score and have specific strategies for improvement. Beyond three attempts, score increases typically diminish unless your preparation approach significantly changes.
Test anxiety is common and can be managed with proper preparation. First, ensure you're well-prepared through consistent practice, which builds confidence. Second, simulate test conditions during practice tests to build familiarity with the testing environment. Third, develop specific relaxation techniques (deep breathing, positive visualization) to use during the test. Finally, maintain perspective—remember that you can retake the test if necessary, and it's just one component of your application.
For test-optional schools, strong test scores can still strengthen your application, especially if they're above the school's published middle 50% range. If your scores are below this range, you might choose not to submit them and instead focus on strengthening other application components. Consider your entire application profile when deciding whether to submit scores. For students with strong academics but limited extracurricular opportunities, good test scores can be particularly valuable.
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