We know it can be hard to get back into the swing of things each fall as your kids head back to school. But for high school students, it’s never too early to get a jump start on preparing for the SAT and ACT. Here are 5 tips you can start now to make sure you’re ready for these important college entrance exams:

• Know your test dates. Whether you plan to take the SAT, ACT, or both (which is our recommendation, by the way!) you’ll need to know when each test is offered so you can plan your study plan accordingly. You’ll want to have at least 6 weeks prior to a test date to implement a solid study plan.

 

• Figure out your strengths and weaknesses for the test. Is there a subject area you need to brush up on before the test? Do you generally struggle with test anxiety? Knowing what your potential problem areas are prior to the test gives you ample opportunity to work on improving those skills before the big day. If you’re unsure, taking a diagnostic test like the one offered by Club Z! and Z Prep! could really help.

 

• Think ahead. Start looking at colleges. Start thinking about possible majors or areas of study. Start thinking about scholarships and grant opportunities. A good score on the SAT or ACT can help improve your chances of getting into the school or major of your choice, and even qualifying for financial aid.

 

• Practice, practice, practice. Even if you’ve never seen a SAT or ACT test before, you can familiarize yourself with the layout, test questions, formatting, pacing, etc. by taking a practice test. Practice tests can be downloaded for free from the College Board web site, or the ACT Student web site.

 

• Don’t delay. Waiting until the last minute to register for a test, or even figure out which test to take, can add undue pressure and stress on an already potentially-stressful situation. Proper planning gives you peace of mind that you’ll do well on the test day.