When and How Do I Prepare for the SAT and ACT?

The three hours and forty five minutes of SAT and ACT testing time tests patience, as much as knowledge.  However, developing mental stamina to endure the testing experience, as well as learning to perform under timed conditions, can come with effort and a little foresight.  First, reviewing previous test-taking experiences can help expose areas of needed improvement.  Then, students can predict if content review or test-taking skills building may be make more impact on a score.  How a student prepares after identifying needed areas can vary from test-prep classes to one-on-one tutoring to self-paced test practice using one of many published guides.  Then, when to start the preparation can depend on the student’s needs and how they can fit “one more thing” into an already busy schedule.