Summer is coming up, which means fun in the sun, traveling, barbecues, spending time with friends, and of course, relaxing. But did you know, summer is also a great time to prep for the SAT/ACT? Before you dismiss the idea, hear us out.
When the school year starts, you’re going to be busy with your classes, extracurriculars, and college application, all while having some semblance of a life. Adding rigorous test prep to that list of to-dos would be even more stressful. Spending dedicated time during the summer will have you feeling confident and ready by the time you need to take the test at the end of the summer. Learn about the new August SAT here. See upcoming ACT test dates here.
Below are 4 ways to study for the SAT/ACT this summer. The best part is that you can do these while out on your patio or on vacation.
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Pinpoint your weaknesses.
There are 35+ topics tested for on the SAT/ACT. We are sure that you don't need to focus on all topics with equal importance. There are some topics you're stronger at, and others you need to improve in. Figuring out which ones you're weaker at is a good first step to your test prep. You can do this by taking TestRocker's free diagnostic test - it will analyze your results and instantly tell you which areas you need to focus on. If you're not sure whether you should take the SAT or the ACT (or both), click here to find out in less than 3 minutes.
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Solidify your concepts.
Now that you know your weak areas, don't panic. Chances are that you learned these topics a long time ago, and you just need a refresher of the concepts. Don't just do random practice questions without understanding the concepts. Why? Here's a good example: a math problem asks you to answer a question about isosceles triangle ACD. Now if you can't recall what an isosceles triangle is, it is going to be a waste of time to attempt that question. TestRocker helps you learn (or relearn) the SAT/ACT concepts you're weak at through concept video chapter overviews. These videos include everything you need to know about each topic. Don't skip this step - strong conceptual understanding of the topics will lead to high score increases.
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Increase speed and accuracy.
Once you've got a good grasp on your concepts, use your test prep to increase the speed with which you answer questions. Start testing yourself with short, timed and targeted practice drills. You want to be able to answer questions in under a minute on test day. You also want to answer them correctly, so focus on accuracy and avoid careless mistakes. The more you practice, the better you will get. The secret is to do shorter quizzes or drills vs. attempt a full length practice test each time. TestRocker helps you with this step by giving you access to timed practice drills for every topic. Each drill comes with video explanations and time-saving strategies. Sign up for a free trial to see example video explanations.
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Read voraciously.
Read everything and anything that interests you. So much of the SAT and ACT is about reading comprehension and interpretation, so reading on your own is a great way to study. Choose any books and newspapers that you enjoy and read them with a critical eye. If you come across words that you don’t know, try to use context clues to determine the meaning. Check out some of our free SAT strategies for reading comprehension. You can also see how TestRocker's vocabulary game can be a great resource. Warning, it is addictive!
Test prep during the summer doesn’t have to be a dreadful experience. By spending a few hours each week preparing, you’re doing yourself a great favor. So get some studying in, relax, and enjoy yourself!
