My Favorite SAT and ACT Test Taking Tips

Here is a roundup of my favorite general and section specific test taking tips for the SAT and ACT.

General:

Divide the time per section by the number of questions so that you’ll know how much time you should spend (on average) per question.
Only spend extra time on a particular question if you’re pretty sure you will get it right.
Leave time to fill in an answer for every question, even if it’s a guess.
Try to eliminate at least one answer choice before guessing.
Focus in on key words in the questions throughout the test. Misreading a question is a very common error that is relatively easy to fix.
If you are somewhat sure (but have some doubt) about an answer you’ve chosen, flag or mark it to return to if you have extra time.

Remember that you will get some easy, some moderately hard, and some hard problems. Don’t spend too much time on the hard ones unless you’re pretty sure that you can solve them.
If you’re unsure about how to start a problem, just start writing: write the equation or formula (if given or if you have an idea about which one you need), write what you know and don’t know, draw a picture and label it, etc. The simple act of putting pencil to paper often sparks some insight about the problem.
Scan the answer choices so you know what form the answer should be in (example: pi left in the answer, fraction or decimal, etc).

Focus in on the passage’s main idea or thesis.
Mentally map the passage around its thesis (note how the author advances arguments and how the arguments fit together).
(For fiction passages) mentally outline the plot sequence.
Choose only answer choices that are backed up by evidence from the passage. Don’t settle on a choice until you can find specific evidence to support it.
When there is a graph or data table, mentally summarize the data in the graph/table and decide how the data relate to the passage as a whole. Then read the question carefully and focus in on the relevant information in the graph.
For vocabulary in context questions, try substituting your own word first, based on what makes sense in the sentence. Then look at the answer choices.
For science, history, and social science passages (and the Science section of the ACT), don’t rely on knowledge you might have outside of the passage.

Read the entire sentence to see whether the underlined portion needs correction. Sometimes you’ll need to read the sentence before or after as well.
Skim read the entire passage as you go, and take note of the main idea and structure of the passage.
When the question asks you to combine sentences or to place a new sentence in the most effective location, read the surrounding sentences or the entire paragraph.
Use your ear. Mentally read the sentence “out loud” and “listen” for anything that sounds off.

Plan well. Outline your thesis, supporting arguments, and evidence before you begin writing. A cohesive and well-organized essay that’s a bit shorter will get a higher score than a rambling or repetitive essay that’s longer.
Vary your sentence structure and use transition words (however, although, despite, while, in addition, etc.) when appropriate.
Be aware of vocabulary choice and avoid repetition. Also avoid overused words like good, bad, thing, something, etc.
Leave yourself a few minutes at the end to edit your essay for grammar and punctuation.

Here are some essential resources to prepare for the SAT and ACT:

Khan Academy also provides excellent free SAT study materials, including practice questions divided by topic.

I’ve also created the following resources for SAT/ACT preparation:

Vocabulary for the SAT/ACT with tons of activities for better retention