Timed Practice Tests: a Crucial Part of SAT/ACT Preparation

Learning content and efficient strategies is an important part of the test prep process; however, taking real, timed, practice tests is an often overlooked – but crucial – part of this process!

Build familiarity with the test format

Use real practice tests to get familiar with the different types of questions, the structure, and the format of the SAT or ACT. Familiarize yourself with the instructions and rules. You don’t want any surprised on test day, and you want to feel at ease as you take the real test

Figure out your weaknesses

After taking a practice test, look at your results to see what you need to work on (and what you don’t need to work on). Let your results guide your studying, so you know what rules and strategies to study to improve.

Get accustomed to pacing

The last thing you want to do is to stare at the clock on test day! This wastes time and distracts you. Taking timed practice tests will allow you to build an innate sense of pacing, so that you naturally know how fast to go on test day.

See your progress

You can see tangible results with practice tests. It can be very motivating to see your progress, and it can also give you an idea of when you are ready to take your first actual test.

Build endurance

The SAT and ACT are long, exhausting tests! Taking full length practice tests help you build endurance so you can do your best.