Changes to the SAT have been in the news lately. Starting in the Spring of 2016, the SAT is going to be very different than the test that would-be college ballplayers are taking this year. No matter what year you are taking the SAT or the ACT, it is important to get some practice. As a reminder, we’ve re-posted this blog to explain why.
For those of you who are getting ready to take the SAT or ACT tests, you know the dates are coming up fast. We already know you can compete with anyone on and off the field but we’re here to remind you why your preparation should include taking practice tests at least a couple of weeks before your actual test date.
Practice tests:
1. Help you see if you are studying the right things.
You have a lot going on with sports, school, and the rest of your life. You don’t have time to waste before the test date to study things that won’t improve your score or that you already know. A practice test can help you find what you’re good at and what you still need to work on, so you can focus on topics that will improve your score.
2. Let you practice your approach.
When you take a practice test, you can see the words and format that are used in each section. We know you think about your approach with each at bat or when you are in the field. It’s no different off the field. You can improve your test scores by making a plan about how you will approach each type of question. The best way to figure out what works best for you is to practice.
3. Can save you time during the official test.
Anyone taking the SAT or ACT “cold,” meaning without any practice, will have to take time figuring out how the test works, what kind of answers are needed, and how things change between sections. If you’ve already taken a practice test (or 2), you won’t have to waste time with any of that. You’ll know how to get through the test with the least amount of wasted time, just like you’ve learned how to run the bases without extra steps that slow you down.
What if you don’t have the money to take a course or pay for a book to take practice tests? No problem! Free practice tests are available for both the SAT and the ACT. Take advantage of them and be ready to do your best.
