How to Score High on the ACT, SAT & PSAT
Tips you need to know by a former 35 scorer
It’s around the time of the year when high school juniors (and some proactive sophomores) start taking the ACT for the first time.
You’ll also start seeing the inevitable influx of advertising from tutors, testing services, and test prep boot camps claiming that they will “increase your child’s score by [insert some number greater than two] points, for the low, low price of $ [insert some absurdly high number here].
The problem with these testing services is that most of them are hosted by tutors and teachers that took the ACT years ago; back when it was drastically different from what it is today. Even the ones that ensure that their teachers have taken the most recent version of the test are flawed; every student’s approach to studying is different, and no study plan or program is going to work for everyone.
I firmly believe that the best way to study for this test is not through a test prep program, but by yourself; through disciplined study and a proper goal and plan.
Introduction
So, why should you trust me? After all, for someone decrying test prep services for their lack of expertise, I certainly haven’t given you a lot of qualifications to suggest that I know what I’m talking about. So, before I go into my tips for studying, let me give you a basic introduction to myself.
I am a high school senior, currently enrolled in the IB program. The first time I took the ACT was in junior year, and I scored a 33. Unsatisfied with this score, I took the test again the summer afterwards and scored a 35. My increase in 2 points was not done through some test-prep service; rather, I used free online test prep materials and KhanAcademy to boost my scores.
Now, with that out of the way, how can your child get the score they want? Well, it all starts with a goal, and a plan to achieve that goal.
(Disclaimer: Although this passage focuses on the ACT, the study tips are also applicable to other standardized tests, like the SAT or PSAT. Additionally, this guide is meant for people of all abilities and score goals; although I increased my score from a 33 to 35 with these study tips, the same tips will work for somebody to increase from 22 to 24).
Setting a goal
The first step to helping your child get their goal score is, well, to first make a goal score. Sounds pretty obvious, doesn’t it? But so many students go to take the ACT saying “I want a good score”, without any indication of what “good” means. A 27? A 32? A 36?
Unless you set a goal score or at least range where you want to score, it will be impossible to increase your score. So, firstly, sit down with your child, and look at his previous scores.
If this is your child’s first time taking the test, have him take a practice test; a wealth of them can be found for free online. Then, set a goal score. An important part of this is to be realistic. I don’t mean to sound harsh here, but if your child is consistently scoring a 17, a goal of 34 is just setting both of you up for disappointment.
There is no problem with aiming high, but know your child’s limit. Generally, aiming for an increase of 2–5 points is pretty reasonable. Then, it’s time to make a plan. Your child does not have unlimited time; I know that throughout high school, I had to deal with homework, extracurriculars, and other responsibilities.
So it’s important to set aside time to study and prepare for the SAT. So now we have a plan and have set up some time to work on improving our score. But what exactly will we do to prepare?
Studying
The best resource for studying for the SAT Math section is Khan Academy SAT prep. Now, yes, the ACT and SAT are 2 different tests, but the problems they have are very similar; studying for one will improve your score in the other as well.
Firstly, have your child start off with a practice test, and have Khan academy give him math and reading personalized practice problems. With this, they should be able to start developing their skills, with both their timed tests and regular problem sets. I suggest having them do around 20–30 problems a day for both reading and math.
In addition to Khan Academy, I would suggest taking ACT practice tests. When you start practicing Khan Academy, they will have to take an SAT practice test; however, you can find an online converter to find out what their score would look like on the ACT. Around once a week, I suggest taking one practice test for the ACT when they have free time.
With the practice they are doing, their score should start going up slowly. Don’t be worried if it doesn’t immediately jump up, or if it occasionally goes down; some tests are harder than others, and your child’s progress will not always be linear.
However, if after many weeks, you do not see a change in your child’s performance, you might want to evaluate their study habits, and whether they are actually focusing when they study.
The ACT Science section
Now there is one big difference between the ACT and SAT, and it is something that may trip your child up. Unlike the SAT, the ACT has a science section, and since Khan Academy focuses only on SAT, it will not prepare your child for this section.
However, never fear! The science section is not as difficult as it may seem. Firstly, one does not need to know any advanced science concepts beyond what they will learn in high school. Instead, the section focuses on your child’s ability to comprehend and analyze scientific reports. In essence, it is just another reading section.
If your child is having a hard time with this section, you can have them take the science section on some practice ACT tests to help get comfortable with pacing and format.
And that’s it! With a disciplined plan, knowledge of the test, and, most importantly, diligent preparation, you can also increase your child’s score on the ACT.
I hope what I have written in this article is helpful, and wish you and your child the best in your test-taking endeavors.
