Year 12/L6 ( Junior year in the US!) is the perfect time to begin your SAT and ACT Test Prep! If you are going  Year 12, you need to speak with an advisor and great a tuition plan for either the SAT or ACT test. The SAT and ACT are standardised tests that help universities evaluate candidates. The exams are multiple-choice and divided into sections that cover grammar, reading comprehension, and maths skills. Only one exam is needed for admissions, there is no need to take both the SAT and ACT. These scores can be crucial for your US university applications.

Here is how to begin:

Take a diagnostic test: Before you can start working towards a goal score, you need to know your starting point. Sitting a diagnostic test early allows you plenty of time to start working on your test preparation. Reviewing your test result will allow you to see where your strengths are and where you might be able to improve.

Prepare: The SAT and ACT are both multiple-choice based exams. The content and structure can be quite different from exams in the UK or international systems. Preparation is everything! Here at Vela Education, we would be happy to direct you to experienced tutors. A tutor can help you plan out your preparation, guide you through all the necessary techniques, and review practice tests. They can also work with your advisor to make sure that you feel supported throughout this process and achieve your desired outcomes.

Practice: The SAT and ACT are standardised tests which means that the format remains the same and the questions and scoring are consistent. The best way to prepare for a standardised test is to practice. Once you have a hold on the basic techniques and rules for each section, make time for multiple practice tests. These will help you to continue to identify areas of growth as well as help build stamina for the exam.

Book the test: At Vela Education, we recommend sitting the SAT or ACT at least twice. Students rarely hit their goal score the first time that they take the test. This can be due to many factors, but it is important as it allows the student to further understand how they perform in a test setting. Taking the test multiple times also allows for “Super Scoring”—which can improve your overall score and your chances of being accepted to your first-choice school.

Vela Education wants to help you achieve your goals when it comes to the US university admissions process. A lot of universities have gone test-optional over the COVID-19 pandemic, you can read our blog here to figure out if test-optional is right for you and what this really means. Vela Education is here to help you navigate this complex process, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.