Kids Are Our Future

Although different student has different way to learn and to prepare for the exams, here we suggest eight ways to help students prepare PSAT/SAT/ACT efficiently.

1. Try to find a list of 100 most common words on the SAT/ACT and memorize their definitions.
2. Memorize important formulas and numbers.
3. Review grammar rules, refer to the best grammar review book.
4. Review math concepts.
5. Review science concepts for ACT.
6. Take advanced classes in sophomore and junior years.
7. In order to improve vocabulary, read on a regular basis.
8. Take as many practice tests as possible, refer to the recommended practice tests.

What is ACT?

The ACT (American College Test) was developed by the American College Testing Program. It consists of four multiple choice test areas: English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. The exam also includes an optional writing test. A maximum score is a 36.

A lot of colleges use ACT test scores (or SAT scores) as a standardized measuring stick to determine who gets admitted and who benefits from scholarships.

ACT Preparation Guide

Proper preparation is essential to ace the ACT exam.

1. Take the self-assessment ACT test, and then find out your specific weaknesses, concentrate on those areas first that you can exploit to increase your ACT test score
2. Take timed ACT practice tests as many as possible you can, and analyze the test results each time, focusing on those wrong answers
3. Because ACT is different with SAT, there is no penalty for wrong answers, feel free to guess if you do not know the answer
4. For the writing test, although it called optional, actually, most colleges do check the essays, so for you may be not an “optional”, it is must
5. Take the exam as early as possible to have opportunities to repeat the test and a better chance to apply to a college early, some colleges do show higher accepting rates for early applications
6. Visit the testing site before test day and pack a bag that includes a calculator, a silent watch, number 2 pencils and a snack
7. Have a good sleep the night before the test
8. Have a good breakfast with solid food in the morning of the test day

What is the SAT II?

The SAT II is also called SAT subject test, which is a set of more than 20 different tests focusing on assessing students’ specific areas such as English, History, Social Sciences, and Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Each subject test is an hour long and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions, except for the Writing Test, which includes a 20-minute essay section besides a 40-minute multiple-choice section.

Why Take the SAT II?

Most selective colleges usually require students to take one to three SAT Subject Tests. Even if some colleges do not require SAT subject test scores, the student can boost his or her application by taking subject tests.

Just like SAT I, SAT II also is thought as important indicators of the students’ ability to succeed in college. Colleges use students’ scores to help them make admissions decisions, and or make placement decisions. For example, SAT II scores may also be used to decide what course of study is appropriate for the student once admitted.

When Should Take the SAT II?

Students can take a SAT Subject Test at any test time during high school years. Many students take Math Subject Tests in the fall of their senior year. For other tests, like sciences and languages, it is recommended to take right after the student finish related courses.

How is the SAT II Scored?

One subject test scores 200 - 800.

What SAT II Subjects Are Offered?

Twenty tests are offered in five subject areas including:

• English: Literature
• History and Social Studies: US History, World History
• Mathematics: Level 1, Level 2
• Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Languages: Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Spanish

How to Register?

www.collegeboard.com

What is the Difference between SAT II and SAT I?

Unlike the SAT I Reasoning Test, which is designed to measure how well students read and think rather than what they know. SAT II Subject Tests evaluate knowledge of a particular subject area. The main purpose of SAT II is to determine exactly what the students know about writing, math, history, chemistry, and so on.

What SAT II Subject Tests should a Student Take?

Confirm with the requirement of the colleges you are applying. In the same time choose the ones you are good at if possible.

SAT II Prep Strategies

Using sample tests for practice

Because the format of the SAT II remains unchanged, students can learn how the tests are set up in advance by using the sample practice tests. For example, when taking a test, students can just look through quickly the instructions without spending a lot of time on them.

Start from what you know

Start from what you know, and skip what you do not know, if you have time, go back work on those you skipped. In SATII tests, questions are arranged by order of difficulty, and hard questions are worth the same points as basic ones.

Be careful about distraction

When working on basic problems, the obvious answer is likely to be correct, while close to the end of a test section, which becoming more difficult, the student need think more carefully because the obvious answers may be wrong. Some distraction answers, which are wrong answer choices deliberately design to entice the student and test your solid knowledge.

Guess wisely

SAT II has a guessing penalty. If the student can eliminate one or more answer choices as definitely wrong, it is recommended to use guessing. By more practice, students can eliminate several answer choices on some questions.

Be very careful on your answer sheet

It is extremely important not to make mistakes on filling out your answer grid. Here are some suggestions to help students avoid this kind of mistakes.

• Always mark the questions you skip on your booklet and answer grid
• Always mark the answers you choose on your booklet, and check your grid against your booklet

Use these strategies and tips as you prepare for your SAT II.