It’s 8:00 AM. Saturday. The day you have been both waiting for and dreading over the past few months. ACT Test day.

Although you will certainly be feeling the pressure, remember that today is the day you get to show what you know. It isn’t the time to cram the formula for volume of a cylinder at the breakfast table, or frantically try to learn the exact definition of “superfluous.” Today you have to relax and be confident that you are ready to show this test who is boss! Make sure to stay confident, and facilitate your test day experience by using the following tips:

1. Make sure that you pack a bag with the following items the night before your test: a printed copy of your admission ticket, your ID (issued by your school or the government), a calculator (make sure you check and make sure your calculator is permitted here: http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/calculator.html TI-89 calculators, for example, are not!), several No. 2 sharpened pencils…not mechanical pencils!, snacks and Gatorade or water for breaks, a sweatshirt or light jacket in case you get cold, and a watch so that you can keep track of your timing.

2. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP ON THE NIGHTS LEADING UP TO THE TEST. This is absolutely key! Don’t sleep 4 hours on the Thursday night and then 12 hours on the Friday night before your test. Stay consistent, and know how much sleep you need and what works best by taking your diagnostics under real conditions. This means figuring out if you perform better with 8 hours of sleep or 10 hours of sleep.

3. Eat a good dinner the night before (think carbo-loading with whole grain pastas and other foods that will keep your energy up the next morning), making sure to drink lots of water the night before, and try to eat a protein-rich breakfast that morning. Go easy on the caffeine (but have a little if you typically drink coffee or tea in the mornings), and don’t drink too many liquids the morning of the test.

4. Get up early. Don’t rush through breakfast. Give yourself time to have a relaxed morning so that you don’t have a huge adrenaline rush before the test even begins.

5. Review a few of your notes or vocabulary to get yourself in the “testing mindset.” This doesn’t mean learn all that last minute information, but rather remind yourself of what you already know.

6. Dress in comfortable clothing that won’t distract you. This is not the correct or appropriate venue for those tight jeans or a scratchy wool sweater.

7. Don’t be late. Check in at your test center BEFORE 8 AM. Make sure that you go to the appropriate test center (check your registration).

8. Choosing your seat: sit somewhere you won’t be distracted. In general, stay away from doors that people will enter and exit to go to the bathroom or drafty windows. It is often best to choose a seat where you cannot see any other students, such as in the front row.

Now sit back, relax and have a great test! You’ll do fantastic.

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If you’re looking for any test prep or private tutoring, feel free to get in touch directly at (800) 501-7737.
Thank you Beryl Manning-Geist for writing this post and helping students prepare for the SAT, ACT and more!

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Article about whether you should take the SAT or ACT exam:

College admissions tests can be overwhelming, but choosing the test (SAT vs. ACT) that best suits you puts you on the path to success early on. While the SAT is historically regarded as the typical admissions test, the ACT is quickly gaining ground and becoming an important part of your college application. For many schools in the Midwest and the South, this test is even the standard for admissions. As you consider your testing options, it is important to determine what kind of student does well on the ACT. This guide should help identify if the ACT is the test for you!

About the ACT Exam:

First off, it’s important to understand what the ACT is all about. There are 4 sections to the test: English, Math, Reading, and Science, and there is also an optional writing section that some schools require. The test takes approximately 3 hours to complete, or 3.5 hours if you choose to complete the writing component. The SAT, meanwhile, takes just under 4 hours. If you tend to get restless during tests or lose focus, the ACT may be a better test for you, because the test has more breaks and a shorter run-time.

In addition to the testing length, the character of each test differs. Although both tests evaluate similar skills and knowledge bases, particularly in math, the ACT tends to ask questions in a more straight-forward manner. The test writers are not trying to trick you in the same way the SAT writers may try. Because of this difference in each test’s style, improving your score on the ACT often involves reviewing concepts, while much SAT prep focuses on test-taking strategies. If you prefer straight-forward questions rather than nuanced or “trick you” questions, the ACT is probably your best bet. That being said, the ACT does tend to focus on grammar (think, “what is wrong with this sentence” type of questions), while the SAT emphasizes vocabulary. You may choose your test based on your strengths in these areas.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the ACT is its science section. At first, many students are fearful of this section, but it is important to realize that very little prior knowledge is required! The science section mostly tests your ability to make connections, use reasoning, and employ basic skills like using information in tables or graphs to answer questions.

Overall, if you tend to be the type of student who works harder in school than your peers and does better in difficult classes, the ACT is for you. If you consider yourself to be more intuitive with strong reasoning skills, but not always the best work ethic, the SAT might be a better test. In general, however, it is important to recognize that with hard work in school and in your test preparation, you can succeed in the college admissions process.

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This post on the ACT exam was written by Beryl Manning-Geist; she’s part of the SAT private tutoring and ACT private tutoring team at Top Test Prep. To learn more about how to prepare for either exam, simply call Top Test Prep at 1-800-501-7737.

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The Top Test Prep team has compiled a list of ACT exam test dates. Hope they help you get prepared for the ACT!

Here they are…ACT test dates, Registration Closes, Late Registration Closes
22-Oct-11, 16-Sep-11, 30-Sep-11
10-Dec-11, 4-Nov-11, 18-Nov-11
11-Feb-12, 13-Jan-12, 20-Jan-12
14-Apr-12, 9-Mar-12, 23-Mar-12
9-June-12, 4-May-12, 8-May-12

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The ACT exam is coming up. Get prepared with the best…ACT private tutoring, give us a call at 1-800-501-7737.

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Here are some helpful tips to improve your SAT and ACT exam scores and overall performance:

First note: If it’s possible, find a reputable private test preparatory service early in your high school years to assist you in reaching your testing potential. General guidelines for test preparation include the following.

(1) Take several mock ACT/SAT exams. Using actual test questions from The Real ACT Prep Guide and The Official SAT Study Guide will help you improve your scores. Actual test questions are always better for your SAT and ACT prep. In fact, Top Test Prep’s curriculum is based the premise that students always do better when practicing with previously administered SAT and ACT exams. Think like the test makers do! Students should be cautious of other companies who use their interpretations of SAT and ACT questions.

(2) Some sections are more challenging. Recognize that SAT math questions become more difficult as you go through each section. If you can’t answer the last few questions in a section, devote your time to reviewing questions from the beginning and the middle.

(3) Read questions carefully to avoid misinterpreting them.

(4) Make calculated guesses. Avoid random guessing in the multiple choice section of the SAT which will penalize you for incorrect answers. However, if you can eliminate at least one answer as incorrect however, it is in your best interest to guess.

(5) Retake the SAT or ACT if your score is not indicative of your true ability.

Conclusion
Like many things in life, the ACT and SAT have their flaws. However, they aren’t disappearing in the short term, and your performance on them could have a major impact on the academic strength of the college that you attend. Start the test preparation process as soon as you enter high school.

David Dickson is a counselor with Top Test Prep, which offers private SAT tutoring and private ACT tutoring with admissions experts who can help you gain admission to your top schools. Call (800) 501-Prep to learn more about SAT and ACT Prep.

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Here’s some information on what happens when students get a perfect SAT or ACT exam score at Top Test Prep.

While it’s a challenge to get a perfect score, it’s possible. As a test prep company, we want every student to improve their SAT and ACT scores, and strive for the best.

The Top Test Prep perfect score challenge will reward you with a $10,000 scholarship to attend any college in the country when you receive a perfect SAT or ACT score.

Call Top Test Prep to learn about private tutors and test prep programs.\

Contest rules: The Top Test Prep, Perfect Score Challenge is valid until September 21, 2011.

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Punxsutawney Phil poked his head out on Groundhog Day and declared an early spring. But even if he’s wrong, spring is around the corner, which means SAT and ACT tests are in only a few weeks. You may have taken one – or both – of the tests already. But what if you rocked the math section and had a terrible day with the critical reading section? Are you pondering taking the test again to have colleges superscore your results?

If you haven’t heard, superscoring tests is when colleges receive scores from tests you’ve taken more than once. For example, say you’ve taken the SAT three times. In superscoring, colleges take the best scores from each section, giving you the best comprehensive score combination.  It could be the tipping point to getting into your top choice.

But before you jump to the conclusion that this is a great option, think of these following points:

1. Will retaking the test help you significantly?

If you bombed the math section on the SAT but had a bad night or got sick before the test… retaking the test will probably help you considerably and verify other parts of your application, including transcript grades. If you barely passed your math classes and scraped by on the test, maybe it’s ok and other parts of your application stand out. In any case, talk with your parents, a teacher, and consult with your tutor.

2. Check the policies of the institutions to which you are applying!

Some colleges already take the highest scores from each section if an applicant submits multiple scores. Others will only accept one scores from each test. Check with individual institutions before submitting multiple scores. If you did really well on a verbal section and retake but score lower on the verbal, higher on the math, is it worth retaking if a college will only look at uncombined scores? Again, talk with someone first.

3. Think about the commitment and your willingness to prepare.

Take a broad perspective for a moment and consider mental and financial commitments. Will taking the tests again stress you out and take away from current school work? Are you concerned about the cost of the retesting? If either answer is “yes,” you might want to reconsider taking the tests. Other parts of your application are essential, too.

Best of luck considering!

This article is titled, "Superscoring – 3 Points to Consider." It was written by Marta Casey, who is a writer for Top Test Prep's team.

To learn more about Top Test Prep's programs, call (800) 501-Prep.

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Many students want to know how their scores would compare between the SAT and ACT exams.

The SAT and ACT test prep team at Top Test Prep have prepared this helpful image for you to download in better understanding your SAT and ACT scores.

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Here are SAT exam and ACT exam test dates…

Our recommendation is to take the SAT and ACT exams sooner than later. We’ve posted the SAT exam schedule and the ACT exam schedule and test dates below. Mark your calendars for these exams, and let us know if you need private tutoring for the SAT and ACT.

The SAT Exam schedule and test dates are as follows:

November 6, 2010 (SAT)

December 4, 2010 (SAT)

January 22, 2011 (SAT)

March 12, 2011 (SAT)

May 7, 2011 (SAT)

June 4, 2011 (SAT)

The ACT Exam schedule and test dates are as follows:

October 23, 2010 (ACT)

December 11, 2010 (ACT)

February 12, 2011 (ACT)

April 9, 2011 (ACT)

June 11, 2011 (ACT)

Contact us if you’re looking for SAT prep or ACT prep, at (800) 501-Prep.

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Top Test Prep’s Perfect SAT and ACT Score Challenge is here!  To find out about the Perfect SAT / ACT exam score, call (800) 501-Prep.

The Perfect SAT and ACT Score Challenge (TopTestPrep.com)

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Note, Contest rules: The Top Test Prep, Perfect Score Challenge is valid until September 21, 2011. The challenge included a scholarship over 4-years for 1 student.

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Here’s a helpful information for students taking the SAT exam, ACT exam or if you’re trying to determine the difference between the two tests (SAT vs. ACT).

You can print this poster.

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The following is helpful information on when (test dates) the ACT exam will be administered.

September 11, 2010
October 23, 2010
December 11, 2010
February 12, 2011
April 9, 2011
June 11, 2011

You can bookmark the Top Test Prep blog to find out more about the ACT exam and how to prepare yourself for the test.

For more information on ACT tutoring, visit our main site.

Here’s a helpful video on the ACT exam and ACT Preparation.

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Here’s some helpful information on the ACT exam and everything you need to know about the ACT. If you’re applying to college and taking the ACT exam, definitely watch this video.

Top Test Prep’s ACT programs, (800) 501-Prep.

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Top Test Prep’s summer SAT and ACT prep programs have started. If you’re preparing for the SAT or ACT this summer and need help, our test prep programs can help you improve your scores. Summer test prep doesn’t have to be difficult.

If you need help with the SAT and/or ACT exams, give us a call today at (800) 501-Prep or fill out our contact form.

This is the time to improve your test scores so that you can apply to the best colleges and universities.

Top Test Prep’s private tutoring and test prep programs continue to lead the field. Be part of the best program.

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One of the most frequently asked questions at Top Test Prep is whether a student should take the SAT or ACT.

To answer this question, here are the differences between the SAT and ACT, and reasons why you should take one versus the other.

About the SAT:

The SAT is administered 7 times per year.

The SAT includes three critical reading sections, three math sections, three writing sections and one experimental section.

The SAT math section goes up to basic geometry and algebra II.

There is no science section on the SAT.

The SAT reading section includes sentence completions, short and long critical reading passages, and reading comprehension sections.

There is a penalty for wrong answers!

The highest combined score on the SAT is 2400, and the highest per section for the SAT is 800, including math, reading and writing.

Unless you’re enrolled in the SAT’s “Score Choice,” all of your scores will be reported to colleges.

About the ACT:

The ACT is administered 6 times per year.

The ACT includes four sections, including English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and an optional writing test.

The ACT math goes no higher than trigonometry.

The ACT science section includes charts and experiments (theoretically, you don’t need a strong science core base before taking the test)

The ACT reading section includes four passages total.

The ACT English focuses on grammar and the ACT writing essay is similar to most standardized tests including the SAT’s essay prompt.

There is no penalty for wrong answers!

The highest combined score on the ACT is 36, and they’re averaged together for a composite score.

You can decide which schools receive your ACT scores.
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In general, we recommend taking the ACT exam over the SAT exam if your approach to problems is more straightforward. The ACT math and other sections are drier compared to the SAT, which requires a bit more reasoning and analysis. However, our SAT tutors know exactly how to give you in-depth strategies for the SAT test, as it does require more analytical thinking. Also, if you do better in school generally without having to work as hard, we always recommend taking the ACT.

We recommend taking the SAT versus the ACT exam if you have fewer issues with time management. The ACT exam requires more endurance, as students are required to do up to 60 questions in a short amount of time. Our ACT tutors can help you better understand the exam, and ways you can prepare.

If you’re unsure whether you should take either or both, you should take both tests. Your scores will likely be similar according to concordance table.

If you need help with SAT prep or ACT prep, give Top Test Prep a call at (800) 501-Prep and we’ll help you improve your scores.

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Here’s Top Test Prep’s SAT Vocabulary, Word of the Day -

Hackneyed – adj. repeated too often; over familiar through overuse

Find out more about Top Test Prep’s SAT Prep or ACT Prep, by calling (800) 501-Prep.

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There are several ways you can improve your SAT or ACT scores.  At Top Test Prep, we have improved SAT and ACT scores by isolating the following common issues: timing and test anxiety.  We’ve found ways to help you prepare for these exams and battle these major issues.

How to Improve your SAT or ACT scores:

(A) Timing: The biggest that most students have for either exams is timing.  Learning how to pace yourself for these exams is crucial.  One recommended strategy to use for the SAT and ACT exams is to take practice tests in real, timed conditions.  Often times students take “practice” SAT/ACT exams in pieces instead of in their whole parts.  First, always take the exams at the same time and day of the actual exam.  If you’re taking these SAT/ACT exams on a Saturday at 10am, I would highly encourage you to do all of your practice exams during the same time period.  In addition, if you’re having trouble keeping pace with the time allotted – usually 20 to 25 minutes for the SAT and 35 to 60 minute section on the ACT – try taking the exam under faster conditions.  Both strategies will give you an advantage over other students.

(B) Exam Anxiety: Taking these exams could be the biggest day of your life. You are bound to be nervous and anxious to complete the exams so that you can move on to bigger and better things like college.

I would recommend you do the following before exam day to calm your test exam anxiety:  (1) Don’t try to rush your studying to the last minute.  Instead, complete your test prep studying a full day prior to exam day.  This will give you some time to relax and not worry as much.  (2)  Don’t have too much caffeine before the exam.  Drinking too much coffee might off-set your heart rate and could cause you unnecessary  anxiety.  (3) On test day, if you can get up early enough, go for a quick jog in the morning.  A short 20 minute jog will get the blood flowing in your body and will allow oxygen to travel with it.  Exercise can help you perform better on the exams, and will keep you happier.

Overall, if you can conquer both SAT/ACT exam timing issues and anxiety, you’re half way through the battle of improving your test scores.  Our SAT tutors and SAT prep program can help you, as well as our ACT tutors and ACT prep programs.

Give us a call at (800) 501-PREP if you have more questions.

Best regards,

Ross Blankenship

Chairman, Top Test Prep

Education Expert

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Responding to the ACT Test Prep article…

Today’s Wall Street Journal article on the ACT exam is indicative of a larger need to bring test prep to schools and high schools across America. What we recommend is that high schools implement ACT prep programs that allow many deserving students the opportunity to not only take the ACT exam, but to do well on it. We offer test prep boot camps to many cities currently, and we would be happy to help any schools with consulting on how to improve their ACT exam scores – school wide.

If any high school is looking to implement an ACT test prep curriculum or would like advice on how to set up an ACT exam course, contact us today at (800) 501-Prep.

We’re committed to giving students the best tools in preparing for the ACT exam. Here’s info on our ACT Prep program.

Link to WSJ article: http://bit.ly/2SCyGL

Our private tutoring and test prep programs…

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The ACT, a test administered to high school students, is designed to assess a potential college student’s academic progress and to determine their ability to perform college level work. The ACT is a multiple choice test. There are 4 required parts to the ACT Test.

Math: There are 60 multiple choice questions to this section. You have 60 minutes to complete this part of the exam.

English: There are 75 multiple choice questions. You have 45 minutes to complete this section.

Reading: There are 40 multiple choice questions on this section. You must complete this section in 35 minutes.

Science: There are 40 multiple choice questions. The time allotted for this part of the test is 35 minutes.

Writing – OPTIONAL: The ACT Plus is the test that contains the writing exam. This test consists of writing a short essay. You have 30 minutes to complete this test. You should check with your high school guidance counselor, like those at Top Test Prep, to see if this is required for your situation.

Here are some ACT facts. All of this information is based on 2007 school year data, as this year’s data has not yet been compiled.

A perfect score on the ACT is 36. This score does not include the writing test. For the 2007 school year 1 in every 4,000 students achieved a perfect score. It is not an easy task to accomplish.

There are 5 test dates every year. They are October, December, February, April and June.

Most students take the ACT twice. Once in their junior year and once as a senior.

Of those who took the test more than once in 2007; 55% of increased their test scores, 22% saw no change, and 23% had a lower score.

The ACT is the most widely taken exam particularly in the Midwest and South. Its popularity is due to the fact that the test is based on the standard high school curriculum. All of the Ivy League Schools accept the ACT. In addition, if price is a factor, it is the least expensive of the college admission exams. This test is a good choice for college admissions. Be sure to check with the admissions office or with your admissions counseling (or you can call Top Test Prep for a free consultation) to confirm your particular requirements for this test. Call Top Test Prep at (800) 501-7737.

Here’s a great video about the ACT exam:

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