By: Jessica Cary ’16 and Natalie Birkhold ’16
The ACT and the SAT, among other formal tests are very important parts toward you college bound future. The ACT PLAN is a test normally taken sophomore year, as it is here at Prep. The ACT PLAN is preparation for the ACT test, which are both very similar to one another. It gives you an idea of jobs for your future and an idea of where you are in relation to others. The ACT PLAN includes a mathematics, English, reading, and science section. Scores from the ACT PLAN help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, more specifically the areas within a subject you need improvement versus the areas where you are confident. The ACT PLAN allows for career exploration and helps you think about plans for and beyond college.
Another test that gives you a look ahead is the SAT. The SAT test is a global college admission test. The SAT is taken junior or senior year. The SAT is not the only factor colleges look at but it is a very important factor. It helps colleges get to know you better before they accept you into their college. Colleges and Universities use SAT scores to make important admissions decisions. Students and colleges can use the information included in the SAT to select the right college that accommodates student needs and wants.
The SAT shows colleges what you know and how well you can apply knowledge. The SAT tests understanding of critical thinking, writing, and math. To prepare for the SAT and improve scores it helps to take challenging courses, and read and write outside of the classroom. Another way to prepare for the SAT is to take the PSAT. It sounds like a lot of tests but all classes at Prep are preparing students for all of these tests everyday thus it is important to stay on track and keep up. Cramming and short-term prep is not an option for success on any formal exam. It is important to get comfortable with the format of these tests and understand the type of questions one would see on one of these tests. These tests are a small look into your future and they help you get ready for college and beyond.