The SATs and College Testing

Many kids would rather not think about tests until the very last minute. For them, being prepared means having a No. 2 pencil. But, because SATs and ACTs are so important, planning ahead is crucial. Get tips, practice tests, and advice to help your teen be prepared — mentally and physically — when the big day arrives.

College Testing These pointers will help you and your teen wade through the alphabet soup of admissions testing. SAT or ACT? SAT and PSAT Fast Facts The Scoop on SAT IIs Parents' Guide to Standardized Tests The SAT Is Not Like Your School Tests Practice Alone Is Not Enough Eleven Tips to Help You Prepare for Tests Top Ten Test-Taking Tips Printable SAT Tips What to Do the Week Before the SAT Poll: Do SAT's Really Measure Intelligence? Changing for Improvement Learn which test taking habits need changed to improve your SAT score. To Change Your SAT Score, Change the Way You Take the Test Changing the Way You Take the SAT Knowing What to Do on the SAT — and Doing It How Much Can You Raise Your SAT Score? Taking the SAT: Improvement Comes in Stages How Your Brain Can Get You into Trouble How to Gain (or Lose) 30 IQ Points — Instantly! The SATs: Scoring Stay one step ahead with these tips on how your SAT test will be scored. How the SAT Is Scored Blanks Cost You Points Guessing Does Not Hurt Your Score When You Should Always Answer a Question Leaving Questions Blank The SATs: Time Management Use your time wisely while taking the SATs with these time management tips. Speed Versus Accuracy Getting a Good Score Without Finishing Never Sacrifice Accuracy for Speed Don't Rush, but Don't Linger When Time Is Running Out Don't Finish Early The SATs: Questions Learn how questions are arranged and how much time to spend on each one. SAT Questions Are Arranged in Order of Difficulty How Much Time Should You Spend Per Question? Types of Questions and Answers When You Guess, Beware of Your Hunches The SATs: Sections Take the time to familiarize yourself with the different SAT sections. The SAT Essay: Basic Principles The SAT Proofreading and Editing Section: Basic Principles Typical Errors on the SAT Proofreading Section Introduction to the SAT Reading Test The SAT Sentence Completions: Basic Principles The SAT Reading Comprehension: Basic Principles Introduction to the SAT Math Test Expert Advice Read what leading authorities have to say about college admission tests. "I'm an eleventh-grader. When should I take the SAT?" "My daughter did well on her SATs. Does she need to take them again?" "What do I need to score on my SAT to get into a pre-med program?" "Our daughter's SAT scores weren't good. Should she still apply to a four-year college?" Going to College Follow these tips to keep your child on the right track when he goes off to college. Parents: Help or Hindrance in Choosing a College? Ten Tips for Writing the College Essay Avoid the Seven Deadly College Application Mistakes Checking Out Colleges via the Internet More on College Preparation