Like many teachers, when I want my students to learn a new skill, I model it for them. Some experts advise teachers to complete their own assignments and take their own tests before requiring students to complete the same task. Since Vint Hill Academy offers test preparation, I thought I should “practice what I preach” by taking an SAT practice test because I never took it when I applied to college. Growing up in Iowa, I took the ACT. Getting into college “back then” was so different than it is today. I simply took the ACT once (without preparing for it), completed the required applications, sent in a nominal application fee, had my school forward my transcript, and got accepted. At the time, test prep classes and admissions essays didn’t even exist.

Practice Test 1
Before I began the test, I collected 3 #2 pencils, a calculator, a clock to monitor my time, and a bottle of water. I cleared my table of other items to simulate the actual test taking experience.

As an adult and educator, I have to say that I do know my own strengths and am aware of my weaknesses. Since the SAT deducts 1/4 point for each incorrect answer, I left many answers on the math sections blank rather than guessing.

My score did not surprise me. As an English teacher, I expected to do well on the Writing and Reading sections. As for Math, I have not formally studied it for over 20 years. I recognized most of the words in the questions, but had little idea how to go about figuring the answer once I got beyond basic algebra problems.

My Review Methods
Obviously, I needed to review math concepts, so when my business partner was preparing for a math SAT test preparation session, we worked through some math problems together. When I had no idea what to do, she explained to me her process and also defined many terms for me.

I also reviewed on my own by working through the section “19 Math Strategies” in Gruber’s Complete SAT Guide 2009, 12th Edition as well as “How to Crack the Math Section” in The Princeton Review Cracking the SAT, 2010 Edition. Specifically I focused on test taking strategies such as “hard questions = hard answers” (avoid obvious answers); “simple operations = wrong answers on hard questions” (eliminate answer choices that are the result of simple arithmetic on hard SAT math questions); eliminate the least or greatest number on questions involving “least/greatest”; when solving for problems, begin with answer choice “E” and work from the bottom up; do not fall for the “It cannot be determined” choice even if unable to solve the problem. In addition, I reviewed the chapters on basic math concepts and the more abstract algebraic concepts.

Practice Test 2
As before, I gathered my required materials before beginning the test. I easily completed the essay section, answered all questions on the English sections and attempted to employ the strategies I studied while completing the math sections. Because of my review, I was able to answer more questions; however, I worked too slowly and ran out of time on several of the math sections.

My Conclusions
With a limited amount of review and preparation, I was able to raise my math score 40 points from the first practice test using the strategies recommended by Gruber’s and The Princeton Review. In the reading sections, my score actually went down by 30 points. I attribute this decline to two causes: first, the actual subject matter in the reading sections was less accessible to me and, secondly, I answered every question and was penalized since I had more incorrect answers.
However, most colleges will calculate a student’s score using the highest score from each section if students have every test score sent. If I combine the best scores from both practice tests, I ended up raising my score a total of 170 points from the first try. This is a significant increase and one that demonstrates that it is worth preparing for a college entrance exam and that, with this additional preparation, it may well be worth it for some students to take admissions tests more than once.

This is the third entry in our blog series about preparing for the SAT and ACT tests. Today we’re reviewing books that help students prepare for the ACT test.

McGraw-Hill’s ACT 2010 Edition
$13.57 from Amazon.com

We recommend this book for students who have test-taking anxiety, and who will therefore benefit from taking practice tests that simulate the real thing.

• The guide includes a comprehensive explanation and introduction to ACT test, as well as strategies for achieving your best score.
• This is designed for students who begin studying well ahead of taking the test (at least 8 weeks); however, it can also be used with less review time.
• The book includes 5 practice tests plus 1 online test (full practice tests include test answers and explanations).
• The book is divided into chapters for each section of the test (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science Reasoning, and Writing) including general strategies and techniques, review of basic information, skills exercises, practice questions, and answers and explanations.
• The book also has 3 appendices, which address tips for the college selection and application process, grammar and punctuation rules, and an ACT vocabulary list.

The Princeton Review Cracking the ACT, 2009 Edition
With DVD, $21.09 from Amazon.com

We recommend this for students who prefer working online.

• The guide begins with test taking strategies – using a method they term “triage”, guessing and POE (Process of Elimination).
• Included are chapters on each test section which discuss strategies and give clues for how to improve your score; review basic rules, operations and vocabulary; and contain drill exercises.
• The book explains and recommends using a 4-step process on the reading section.
• Included are 2 practice tests plus 1 online test (full practice tests including test answers and explanations).
• Using the serial number of the book, you may register on their website to gain access to many additional online tools.

How to Survive the SAT [and ACT]
$10.17 from Amazon.com

This is a practical book that is recommended for students and families who are unfamiliar with the SAT/ACT and other facets connected with the tests. This is not a test preparation guide, but may be more informational for parents new to the college entrance process.

• Includes a compilation of stories, tips, and advice from hundreds of students who scored high and got into their top-choice colleges.
• The book addresses each section of the test, how to prepare, how much to study, when to begin studying.
• It also explains the differences in the SAT & ACT.
• Included are tips for last-minute preparations and test-taking day, as well as how many times you should take the test.

For more information about the ACT test, see the test’s official website: http://www.act.org/