Multiple full-length practice tests should be on test-takers' holiday break agenda.
WINTER BREAK CAN SEEM like an illusion. You might think that the world stops when school does, but every passing day brings your ACT or SAT exam closer.
Instead of panicking and ruining your vacation with worry, set aside an hour to create a plan that will keep your test prep progressing.
• Create a review plan: Begin your vacation prep by realistically assessing how much work you need to do. By this point, you have hopefully completed a practice test or two under simulated exam conditions. If not, take one now, and then finish reading this article—remember that you cannot decide on a plan until you know the true size of the project.
Also pay attention to the exam version that you will be taking. Studying for the radically redesigned SAT may be enlightening, but it may not be a wise investment of your time if you are sitting for the SAT in January.
GET five tips for SAT and ACT procrastinators.
Simply reviewing your score is not sufficient. Look at each subject area and question type to gauge your performance on each section of the test.
Are you struggling with vocabulary questions? Reading comprehension? Algebra? Missing one or two questions in an entire section, or incorrectly answering only the most difficult questions, may mean that you can focus your attention on other areas.
If your practice score is significantly below your target result (as defined by the admissions standards at your top-choice schools), plan for multiple hours of studying – per day – over winter break. If you treat your vacation as an extension of school, with test prep replacing your normal class and homework schedule, you will be on track.
A medium-intensity plan may involve three to five practice tests per week, plus several hours a day to focus on target areas. While this may not be an ideal way to spend winter break, keep in mind that this next ACT or SAT exam may be your last chance to strengthen your college applications.
CHECK OUT free apps to help jump-start SAT and ACT studying.
• Set aside time for homework: As you develop your prep plan, remember to set aside time for any homework that you have been assigned over vacation. Completing your homework in a timely manner is important, as it will help you ensure that your prep schedule suffers minimal interruption. If you procrastinate on class work even as you bear down on test prep, you may find that your last days of winter break are utterly consumed by finishing homework assignments.
Scientific studies, as summarized in this advice column for graduate students in psychology, have shown that regular repetition is much more effective than cramming. Two 10-hour days per week will be much less effective than five days of four-hour study sessions. Remain current on your homework so that you are able to maintain a steady review schedule.
HERE ARE four ways to set realistic SAT or ACT study goals.
• Take multiple practice tests: Just like engaging in regular repetition, completing frequent practice exams is one of the best test prep methods. Each practice test should be taken in a single sitting, just like the actual ACT or SAT exam. Work in a quiet place with only those items that you will have during the test (i.e. a calculator, pencil and scratch paper). Adhere to all timing stipulations. Your goal is to become familiar with the "feel" of the exam—when you sit for the actual test, you will, mentally, just be working through yet another repetition.
The regular repetition of practice exams is also useful for building stamina. More than three hours of intense mental effort is challenging to sustain. Just like runners prepare for a marathon, you will want to build your mental stamina before your actual test day.
During the school year, it is easy to fit 30 minutes of vocabulary practice in between classes and band practice. Completing a full practice exam, however, is a task that most people can only tackle on weekends. Thus, over winter break, you can do the daily practice that will truly shape your ACT and SAT skills.
When building your plan, keep in mind that you will likely have competing demands for your time. Work with your parents to clarify when you will be needed at family functions. It is also a great idea to make time for friends or general relaxation. While it is all right to take a day off here or there, try to review for the ACT or SAT on most days. After all, quality prep time is a precious commodity.
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2019-2020 MOCK ACT/SAT TEST DATES
VIENNA, VA AREA:
Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 7/27/2019, 10/12/2019, 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
SAT - 8/3/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/30/2019, 2/15/2020, 5/23/2020
WARRENTON, VA AREA:
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ACT - 7/20/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/9/2019, 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020
SAT - 7/27/2019, 9/21/2019, 11/16/2019, 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
RICHMOND, VA AREA:
Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 7/27/2019, 10/12/2019, 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
SAT - 8/3/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/30/2019, 2/15/2020, 5/23/2020
CHARLOTTE, NC AREA:
Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 7/20/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/9/2019, 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020
SAT - 7/27/2019, 9/21/2019, 11/16/2019, 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
We also offer one-to-one mock testing at our offices. This consists of a full-length practice test for your child. Tests include: ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, and SAT Subject Tests. We provide the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, calculator, and pencils.
We can send parents a practice test as well, to administer to their student in-home. We will send out a free practice test packet along with proctoring instructions. Parents must send the answer sheet back to us via email or mail.