RSC - Blog-137 http://www.collegeprepexpert.com Blog-137 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:58:49 +0000 http://www.collegeprepexpert.com/ en weekly 1 Blog Posting Advantages of Early SAT, ACT, and Standardized Test Prep http://www.collegeprepexpert.com/blog/sat-prep/advantages-of-early-sat-act-standardized-test-prep http://www.collegeprepexpert.com/blog/sat-prep/advantages-of-early-sat-act-standardized-test-prep#comments 2012-04-09 06:00:00 To many people, filling in tiny ovals on the SAT or ACT answer sheets is a standard rite of passage for high-school juniors.
 

Of course, preparing for those tests is a standard ritual, too, but it doesn’t have to start as late as junior year.

 

When to Begin SAT and ACT Prep

 

Students learn some of what they need for the college entrance exams in their high-school classes, but not everything. This is particularly true of the SAT, which tests problem-solving skills (unlike the ACT, which is more content-based). A good SAT/ACT prep program gives you test-taking skills you might not get in school.

 

Starting test prep in 10th grade – or a year before you take these tests – can be a huge advantage. At the very least, students should begin preparing for each test three months before they take it.

 


  1. Better scores. Taking the SAT a second time can raise your score 50 points, but SAT prep can likely raise your score 150 points or more.

  2. Better PSAT scores. SAT prep should help you prepare for the PSAT, too. Since this test comes early in your junior year (and at some schools, even sophomore year), you can’t study for the SAT three months out and be ready for the PSAT. Despite the old joke, the P in PSAT doesn’t stand for practice. There are real advantages to doing well on this test, including…

  3. Potential scholarships. Taking the PSAT in the fall of your junior year (but only in your junior year) can put you in the running for the National Merit Scholarship Award. Unlike other scholarships, you don’t have to hunt this one down and apply; all you have to do is get a good score on the PSAT.

  4. Better colleges. Starting test prep early leads to better test scores, and better test scores lead to better colleges, which lead to…

  5. Better financial aid. Top colleges offer the best financial aid, which is a big bonus when you’re battling sky-high college costs. Of course, you generally need good SAT or ACT scores to land at the best colleges.

  6. Not buckling under the pressure of standardized tests. As states shift to standardized tests (Michigan has made the ACT a graduation requirement) to measure everything from student improvement to teacher effectiveness, you’ll know what to do. You won’t panic under the weight of important year-end tests. By preparing for the college entrance exams early, you’ll be ready for your state’s standardized test when you need to be.


 

Additional Benefits of SAT and ACT Prep

 

Besides being ready for several of the most important tests in your high-school career, you’ll find benefits in the classroom, too. SAT and ACT prep lets you work on areas where you need help and review subjects you might have forgotten. Prep work keeps you focused on your educational and college goals. It’s hard to forget what you’re working for when you spend your time working on it. A good prep program keeps you organized, determined and focused on your goals.

 

It also puts you ahead of the competition in one of the most important contests you’ll ever be in – your future.

 

For everything RSC offers in the way of SAT and ACT prep, visit this page. It’s everything you need to boost your scores the way you want!


 


 
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