ACT and SAT 101

Meenakshi Sathish  and Nick Stines
Staff Writer
      Some students spend their every waking moment memorizing SAT/ACT preparation book like it is a survival pamphlet; others chew gum every other minute because they read on the Internet that it acts as a simulant and improves accuracy. SAT and ACT season is cut-throat and can be the cause of stress for students nation-wide.
      In the recent years, the competition has increased, and students have to work harder and get better SAT and ACT scores in order to get into their preferred college. An ongoing study, which UCLA began in 1996, observes that freshmen students now are more likely to be studying in their dorm rooms rather than partying during the weekends. They are also more likely to get their Master’s degree. It can be overwhelming for students who are taking their College Board exams and entering college. But with hard work and a positive attitude, it is possible for students to achieve the grade they strive for and get into their dream school.
      Towards the end of the year, Stephanie Whiteside, Apex High School English teacher, offers her students advice and techniques to ace their exams. As a teenager, she would try all sorts of tricks and hacks (like eating multiple oranges the morning of the exam) to prepare for exams except studying. So, she made sure her students understood that in order to get a good score, the best option is to study.
      Jerry Seinfeld, American comedian, actor, writer, and producer, forced himself to write a joke every day and mark an ‘x’ on his calendar every time he did so that he was motivated to continue. This method, The Seinfeld “X” Technique, can be applied while studying for exams as well. Another strategy includes performing light exercises (stretching or treadmill jogging) to help the brain retain the information. Classical music has also been said to be helpful, but scientists recommend the music be played on low volume.
      After all the studying and preparing, the day finally arrives, and students are nervous to the core. Here are some ACT test taking tips, which can be applied to the SAT as well:

• English: With forty-five minutes on the clock, students cannot and should not read the passages word for word. Skip straight to the line the question is referencing; otherwise time will expire. The questions get harder as one moves into the later passages.
• Math: There are sixty minutes for sixty questions, so spend less than one minute on each question. This way, test-takers can answer the questions they know and have ample amount of time to answer the questions they need more time for.
• Reading: With thirty five minutes for forty questions, test-takers should give each passage around nine minutes. Do not read the entire passages; focus on the lines to which the questions make references. Otherwise time will expire. Keep in mind, the first and third passages are the easiest while the second and fourth are the hardest.
• Science: For this section, students are given the same amount of time number of questions as in the reading portion. Science is notorious for being the hardest section. It is the last core subject, and one is likely exhausted. Nine minutes per passage is ideal as the passages are difficult, stressful, and outrageously boring.
• Writing: With the prompt given, one of the three stances to take on the subject should be picked. A test-taker’s own stance can be picked that meets points of two or even all three of the stances provided. Test-takers will be expected to validate each of their points. The exam-graders are looking for the following format:​

                 1. Introduction
                 2. Point I
                 3. Point II
                 4. Proof against expected rebuttals
                 5. Closing/call to action
​              If one is able to follow this prompt, the graders will be pleased with the work. The more one                 writes, the more likely they are to score higher on the twelve point scale.

      If one considers all of these strategies, they will definitely score higher on the ACT and/or SAT test. A retake may be necessary, but that is okay. Not everyone will receive their desired score the first time. It is also very important to practice healthy therapeutic exercises if one is prone to testing anxiety. While important, a bad score on The ACT and SAT is not the end of the world. 

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