How long does it take to study for the ACT or SAT?
The simple answer is probably longer than you think.
The ACT or SAT are lengthy standardized tests, and there’s a lot of content to review. (Currently, the Digital SAT is shorter than the ACT.) Some of the content might be rather old, too, so you need time to refresh concepts you haven’t used in a long time. For example, there’s a decent amount of geometry on both tests (sometimes more on the ACT). So if you’re currently enrolled in Calculus BC, it might be three years since you’ve been doing anything with circles and trapezoids.
(If you’re thinking, “Carolyn, what is a TRAPEZOID???” then you know you might need to get studying, haha!)
That being said, I’d like to take a minute to reduce any anxiety you might be feeling about these tests. They’re not super hard. At all. (But they ARE super hard if you don’t study!)
There’s also a finite amount of content, so if you’re prepared, it’s not like you’re going to be surprised with anything on test day.
Now, the tests are definitely different. So make sure you’re taking the test that makes the most sense for YOUR brain. All schools will accept either ACT or SAT, so choose the test that is easier for YOU. (Let me know if you need some help figuring out which test is right for you, I’m happy to help.)
Keep in mind that preparing for the tests ahead of time can also minimize the amount of times that you take the test. I would NEVER recommend going in to take an ACT or SAT without studying. That sounds like torture. Also, you might fossilize some negative ideas about the test if you go take it without studying. And those negative feelings could increase any test anxiety unnecessarily. Would you go run a marathon without preparing first? I don’t think so, haha!
Try to start studying at least a few months before you want to go take the ACT/SAT. Studying over the summer is always nice, because you might have more head space to tackle the trickery of the test.
Wait, there are tricks on the ACT/SAT? Yes, absolutely. Tricks that are easy to fall for if you don’t recognize them. So that’s part of what studying is all about: learning the tricks of the test.
Some people believe that it takes talent to do well on standardized tests. Like you have to be some kind of math genius or something. NOT TRUE. Doing well on standardized tests is all about preparation. It doesn’t matter your starting point, if you study enough, and develop strategies/approaches that WORK for your brain, you are likely going to reach the range of test scores you want, eventually. If you want some help in developing strategies & approaches that work for YOUR brain, please call or email me so I can help you get on the right track:
+1.760.704.9226
Carolyn@holisticacademicdevelopment.com.
I’ve had students who go into the ACT/SAT with an overwhelming amount of confidence. They’re like, “I love math. I’m currently taking a college Calc class at my local community college, I have a 5.4 GPA, and I went to math camp last summer. Of course I’m going to ace the ACT/SAT!” These people are always sorely surprised when they don’t do very well without studying. The reality is, you might be great at math or reading or grammar, but you have to LEARN the test. Simple as that.
When is the perfect time to start studying for the ACT/SAT? Whenever you want! Start studying in 8th grade, 9th grade, 10th grade, whatever you want. However, when summer after sophomore year rolls around, you need to get into gear. Start studying so you can take the test a couple times junior year. It’s not a lot of fun to take the ACT/SAT during senior year. There’s a lot going on senior year, and by that time you’re already applying to colleges. So take it from me, start studying sooner rather than later!
I hope this information has helped clear up some of your questions, and fill out my contact form if you want to get started preparing for the ACT/SAT.
https://www.holisticacademicdevelopment.com/contact