Choosing the right college - Test Taking
Test Taking
My memories of taking the SAT include waking up early on a Saturday morning, only to walk into a very quiet, tension-filled room.
Now, 10 years later, I don't remember my exact scores, but clearly recall the stress that test created. The Web is full of information that can help you reduce anxiety, whether you're taking the SAT, ACT or PSAT.
Returning to College PowerPrep, you can get tips on how to improve your score, take a sample test and even order SAT or ACT training software. Testing dates are also available on the site for both the ACT and SAT. Each day, the site also features the ACT and SAT Tip of the Day.
For example, when I visited, the SAT tip outlined how to prioritize your attack on the test's math problems by completing easy problems first. Then, tackle problems where you're less sure of what to do, but at least understand the concept. Finally, if you've still got time you can go back and dive into the problems where you're totally lost at sea!
The College Board site is another good place to find helpful information on the SAT and PSAT. The Board, which administers the tests, calls itself "a national, nonprofit membership association dedicated to preparing, inspiring, and connecting students to college and opportunity." Here, you'll find test dates and actual sample SAT questions.
To learn more about the ACT, visit the test's official homepage at act.org, where you'll find sample questions, test strategies and test dates. You'll also discover a financial aid estimator that can help you deduce potential costs at various colleges.
Finally, many students are bound to have questions that can't be answered simply by skimming a web site. Fortunately, you can bring what ails you to the PrepDoctor. Here, you can e-mail any questions to the PrepDoctor, Richard J. Rome, a teacher and author of several test preparation books.
Choosing a College (Part 1)
Test Taking (Part 2)
Making the Grade (Part 3)