Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center is reminding parents that students entering their senior year of high school and still planning to take the ACT or SAT should develop a study timeline and strategy this summer.
“A student’s SAT or ACT score is a critical component of his or her college application package, and for that very reason, it’s so important to plan ahead to prepare well,” Huntington said.
Huntington Learning Center offers parents and students a step-by-step exam prep checklist for this summer.
12 weeks out
Develop a test prep schedule with the guidance of a tutor who specializes in SAT or ACT test prep. Take a full-length practice exam to get familiar with the exam. Huntington offers initial evaluations as part of its test preparation services.
Evaluate results of the exam to create a targeted study plan that will focus on weaker areas and capitalize on current strengths. Divide study schedule into major exam sections and subsections.
Start getting familiar with multiple-choice questions, response essay questions, fill-in-theblank questions, improving sentence/paragraph questions, and other question types.
8 weeks out
Register for the exam. The Sept. 21 ACT registration date is Aug. 23, and the Oct. 5 SAT registration date is Sept. 6. Get familiar with the length of each exam and each of its sections, the approximate time a student should allow for each question, how each exam is scored, and other important details.
Work on speed. Students must be able to quickly identify wrong answer choices and manage their time well during the actual SAT or ACT.
Continue to work on staying focused under pressure.
Take two or more full-length, timed practice tests.
Adjust studying to focus on weakest areas.
Review the ACT and SAT test-taking tips. 4 weeks out Home in on the weakest areas with timed “section exams” that concentrate on those areas.
Focus on practice questions that are the most difficult for the student.
Practice relaxation techniques to keep calm and focused during the exam.
Continue taking full-length, timed exams.
On the day of the test
Review the test-day checklist to make sure the student does not bring prohibited items to the exam and has everything he or she needs.
To schedule a diagnostic evaluation and SAT or ACT prep consultation, contact Huntington Learning Center at 1-800-CANLEARN or visit www.huntingtonhelps.com.