10 Steps to Starting Strong on Your SAT or ACT Prep

Last week, I filled you in on the 10 Reasons to Build a Strong Foundation when prepping for the SATs and ACTs. 

Now that we've established the importance of a strong foundation, I want to take a step back and break down what it really means to start—and start right.

So, here you go. My step-by-step guide to starting test prep (with or without a tutor or coach).

1. Understand each test's format. Before you even take a diagnostic, understand the basic format of the two tests. They are used for the same purpose, but are set up quite differently.  Read the basic section prompts so that you know what you'll be asked to do. Almost everyone going into the test has experience working with it, so it's still a valid diagnostic if you have a little background information.
2. Take a diagnostic of each test. Now, if you already have a really strong feeling as to which test you want to take, you can start with the diagnostic of that test. If you felt good taking it and your score matches up to where you think you're at, you don't need to take the other test. However, if you are in any way unsure as to which test might be a better fit, it is probably worth your time to take a full diagnostic of both the SAT and ACT and really evaluate how you felt and how you scored on each.
3. Score your diagnostics. Translate the scaled scores to percentiles to see which one was better. Based on the diagnostic results—how you objectively scored and how you subjectively felt...
4. Choose one of the tests with which to proceed. Pick a pony. Don't bother trying to prep both. Focus your time, energy, and attention on one of the two. 
5. Do not review wrong answers on either test. I know your curious, but there will be a payoff down the line.
6. Lay your foundation. Now's your chance to put last week's blog post into action. Do not miss this crucial step. If you missed last week's post, go back and read it for all of the reasons why building a foundation is so important. 
7. Review wrong answers. Once you've started to build a foundation in one of the test sections, go back and review your wrong answers from the diagnostic. What kind of questions did you answer incorrectly? Have you reviewed the relevant concepts in your study guide? Are you better equipped to answer questions related to those concepts now, or do you need to spend more time with them to feel confident?
8. Review the concepts relating to questions you answered incorrectly in the diagnostic. Spend as much time with them as you need.
9. Repeat steps 6-8 for the remaining test sections.
10. And, you're off!  By now, you've chosen a test, completed a diagnostic (your first full test!), established a baseline score, begun establishing your foundation, and started to address your weaknesses. Keep practicing to build your confidence and ability. 

That's it! 10 straightforward steps to starting your test prep right!

Now, keep going. 

If you find this post valuable, share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell me about your results, your challenges, and your gains. I want to hear about your experience.

If you are interested in my guiding you through this process via one-on-one coaching, be in touch!

Subscribe for E-mail Updates