Preparing for
SAT, ACT and
TOEFL Testing
By Kit Hudgins, BGGA Tutor
Standardized tests are an integral part of the college
placement process. Your test score can make or break
your acceptance into the college of your choice.
The whole point of the SAT and ACT is to show that
you are ready for college. If universities see you
can’t cut it on the test, then why would they accept
you into their program? Colleges are turning down
students every day. They want successful students
enrolled in their college or university.
the keys to the English portions of both tes ts and
are also areas that the essay graders look at when
scoring the essay portions of those test.
• Don’t skip the essay portion of the tests. Even
though the essays are optional, most colleges
want those scores. The reason for the essay is to
prove to schools that the students reading and
writing abilities are on at least a 12th grade level.
• It’s important to take the process seriously and be
thoroughly prepared for your test. The best way to
reduce test anxiety is to be prepared. Here are some
tips to be better prepared for taking your standard
tests. Stay positive with your attitude towards
standardized tests.
• Making sure the week of the test that you’ve taken
care of yourself in terms of your rest and diet. It’s
the same as preparing for a golf tournament.
• Preparation should begin three to six months
prior to test day. That includes studying, taking
practice tests, working on vocabulary, reading and
processing what you’re reading as well as honing
your reading and writing skills. • Every single version of the test that you take,
whether its SAT or ACT, is a different version than
you’ve had before. Some are considered difficult
and some are very easy.
• • The amount of study time depends upon the
student’s prior academic background and general
test taking abilities. Don’t overestimate your skills or underestimate
the test creators. The test creators are compelled
by the college system to continue to raise the bar
on academic performance.
• Don’t do test prep work after 10 p.m. on any given
night. • The more practice tests you take, the more you
know what you’re getting into. The sample tests
help demystify the real test. You can also learn
your strengths and weakness and where to focus
your study efforts.
•
•
Go to the test websites and work on sample
problems and read the scoring guidelines before
testing.
Understand the basic rules of grammar and
punctuation along with good vocabulary skills are
The ACT has a hidden element in the science section.
You can be stellar in the other two areas but the
science section is a zinger for most students. It has a
lot of chemistry questions.
Give standardized tests the same mentality you
use when preparing for a golf tournament. Taking
standardized tests takes practice just as you do for
your golf.
***You cannot graduate from BGGA’s academic
partner Montverde Academy without both an SAT
and an ACT score.