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Taking Practice SAT/ACT Tests: Why, When & How—And What to Do After

Posted by Kimberly Hewitt on Monday, February 27, 2023

 

 

30-Second Summary

 

Why This Matters

 

Despite test-optional policiesall students should take a practice SAT and ACT to inform their testing strategy.  Families need to know why, when, and how students should use practice testing as part of their SAT/ACT strategy.

 

The Main Takeaway

 

The three steps to developing your SAT/ACT testing strategy are:

  • Step 1: Determine whether to focus on the SAT or ACT, and establish your baseline score.  This is where practice tests come in.
  • Step 2: Set your target score based on your college and scholarship goals.
  • Step 3: Select your study strategy. 

 

What You'll Learn in This Article

 

You'll learn the importance of practice SAT/ACT testing, which practice test(s) to take, when you should take them, and what you should do with your scores—all depending on your individual goals.

 

Read On

 

 

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Topics: ACT, SAT, 11th Grade - Juniors, 10th Grade - Sophomores, 12th Grade - Seniors, College Admissions: Test Well, Anchorage, PSAT

PSAT & National Merit Scholarship Guide for Alaska Students

Posted by Kimberly Hewitt on Friday, June 03, 2022

 

NOTE: This post is targeted at juniors (10th graders as of May 1, 2022).  If you have already taken the PSAT (11th graders of May 1, 2022), check out this post instead.

 

Summer is an important time for rising juniors to learn about the PSAT and determine whether it’s worth preparing for the test to potentially qualify for recognition and funding under the National Merit Scholarship Program.  Alaska students earning Semifinalist, Finalist, or Winner status have access to generous scholarship opportunities at a variety of colleges. In this post, we’ll break down what’s on the PSAT, how the National Merit Scholarship Program works, and what rising juniors should do ASAP—ideally before August 15, 2022—to see where they stand.

 

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Topics: Financial Aid & Scholarships, ACT, SAT, College Admissions: Build Your Application Assets, 11th Grade - Juniors, 10th Grade - Sophomores, College Admissions: Test Well, Anchorage, PSAT

When to Prepare for and Take the SAT/ACT (Including PSAT/National Merit Info): 3 Questions to Help You Decide

Posted by Kimberly Hewitt on Tuesday, May 03, 2022

 

10th and 11th graders: Your SAT or ACT scores will likely play a significant role in your competitiveness when applying to colleges, with 88% of colleges placing considerable or moderate importance on students’ standardized test scores for admissions purposes.1  Given the importance of your SAT/ACT scores, how should you develop your testing calendar and plans?  In this article, we’ll review three questions to help you decide when you should prepare for and take the official SAT or ACT—including what sophomores should do over the summer to determine whether they may be competitive for National Merit recognition on their junior year PSAT.

 

Here's everything covered in this post:

 

First, let’s start with a high-level overview of SAT/ACT testing strategy.

 

 

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Topics: SAT Subject Tests, ACT, SAT, 11th Grade - Juniors, 10th Grade - Sophomores, 12th Grade - Seniors, College Admissions: Test Well, Anchorage, PSAT

PSAT Scores Are Out: Alaska National Merit Info & What You Should Do Next

Posted by Kimberly Hewitt on Monday, December 09, 2019

 

If you took the PSAT in October 2019 as either a 10th or 11th grader, you should have received your scores on December 10.  What do your scores mean?  How do they relate to the SAT/ACT?  How does the National Merit Scholarship Program work, and what are the Alaska qualifying scores?  And now that you have your scores, what should you do next?

 

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Topics: Financial Aid & Scholarships, ACT, SAT, College Admissions: Build Your Application Assets, 11th Grade - Juniors, 10th Grade - Sophomores, College Admissions: Test Well, Anchorage, PSAT

How to Compare Redesigned SAT, PSAT, and ACT Scores: Quick Reference Guide

Posted by Kimberly Hewitt on Friday, May 13, 2016


Earlier this week, the College Board released scores from the March 5 SAT—the first administration of the redesigned SAT—as well as long-awaited new concordance tables, which allow students to understand how their scores from the redesigned SAT, ACT, and old SAT compare in common terms.  Shortly after the College Board's announcement, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education announced the Alaska Performance Scholarship score requirements for redesigned SAT.  What does the new scoring system of the redesigned SAT mean for you?

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Topics: ACT, SAT, 11th Grade - Juniors, 10th Grade - Sophomores, College Admissions: Test Well, PSAT