Prep for ACT/SAT

[naturalmom]

I've read that it's a good idea for a student to take a sample test of each of these to determine where their strengths lie...but will that plan still work if they haven't gotten all their math in yet? Ds finishes algebra this summer - I can't see him scoring well on the math section of either test.

I saw another thread that recommends doing test prep for an hour/day from 10th grade onwards ...how does that work if geometry is being taken in 10th?

[Laurie4b]

I've read that it's a good idea for a student to take a sample test of each of these to determine where their strengths lie...but will that plan still work if they haven't gotten all their math in yet? Ds finishes algebra this summer - I can't see him scoring well on the math section of either test.

I saw another thread that recommends doing test prep for an hour/day from 10th grade onwards ...how does that work if geometry is being taken in 10th?

Is your son in 9th grade now and planning on taking Geometry in 10th and Algebra II in 11th?

I believe that the SAT tests only Algebra I, II, and Geometry. The ACT has a little trig, but not much. You really don't need to take the ACT or the SAT until the spring of your junior year or fall senior year if you don't want to, so there should be no problem.

I would not see practicing an hour a day for a whole year for a test as a good use of time. The value of a practice test is so that students get used to the format and the timing issues. A couple months before the test is plenty, IMO. I think that hour a day would be better spent in actually learning math, English, etc. You can sign up for an SAT question of the day, which is a mild form of practice that takes only a couple minutes a day.

[Dana in OR]

You could try practice tests for the PSAT. The math requirement is lower so it would be less frustrating.

[CO MOM]

When my dd was about that age, she tried a practice test that was supposed to predict whether you would do better on the SAT or ACT. She did much better on the SAT and that point determined not to take the ACT.

Last year as a junior as test time was approaching, she was becoming increasingly frustrated with how her SAT prep was going, so I suggested we get an ACT book from the library and try a sample test. She found that much easier and ended up taking both tests. She did well on both, but better on the ACT and was much more comfortable with it.

All that to say, I think it would have been better if we had waited to try the practice tests to assess that after she had more math and was a little older. Her skills weren't developed enough at that age to give us an accurate picture.

I also agree with the OP's that time spent on learning math, vocab, critical reading skills, and essay writing is better than specific test practice this far in advance. The SAT question of the day is an easy intro and the PSAT practice might also be a good option.

[naturalmom]

Ever since high school has hit us, I am always worried about being behind, or not doing enough for college admissions...it's reassuring to think we can keep plugging along in math for a little longer before we have to really worry about these things!

We'll keep going with the math, and maybe once he's finished geometry, then we'll start looking out for test prep.