There is a wealth of information on these tests available on the World Wide Web. Only some of it is helpful. Each test has an official website, which you can visit to find out an overview of the test, some study strategies, when tests will be given (and when registration materials are due) and online registration--with a credit card. These sites also offer some test prep materials. I recommend visiting the official sites first and then checking out the other online resources. Other than the official pages, most test prep centers offer help for both tests. All of these websites require at least your name and email address for registration purposes. Many include advertisements to pay for the site and will offer additional products for you to purchase.
| Visit the Official
Website for the SAT test. You can check out upcoming deadlines and
register for the test at this site. Register early so you can pick
your test date and location; test sites seem to fill up quickly,
especially in the spring. (FYI: The College Board is the company behind both SAT and AP tests. The Official AP Website can also be accessed directly.)
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Visit the Official Website for the ACT test to check out upcoming deadlines and register for the test. They also offer their own test prep software package for $24.95. |
Should you take the ACT or the SAT? Solon recommends that you take both to see which one is a better complement to your skills. Check out Kaplan's webpage for a more thorough explanation.
This reprint of an article in the Kansas City Star also tries to demystify the differences between the ACT & SAT.
Locate Mrs. Bush's Vocabulary Lists.
Try a crossword to see how well you remember terms from the SAT lists 1-4.
Try a crossword to see how well you remember terms from the SAT lists 5-8.
With the increased focus on grammar on the 2005 SAT, and the ever-present focus on grammar on the ACT, I have linked to some useful websites which explain the most frequently missed items, which I've noticed on our practice tests. First, read the definitions and examples, and then definitely spend a few moments reviewing with a self-assessment quiz. It will be the fastest way to know whether or not you've truly learned the material.
Most students seem to purchase at least one "prep book" for the ACT and/or SAT. There is a whole section of resources at Borders. Some students also purchase a separate vocabulary book with exercises to help them review the words. Additionally, the World Wide Web offers many resources. Here are some that are "free".
Edinformatics seems to offer the most comprehensive resources for the ACT. There are short excerpts for each of the sections for the ACT test, and you don't have to pay to get the answers:)
Number 2 markets itself as "the internet's first source for absolutely free test prep". You will need to register with your first name (last name is optional) and your email address, but they offer free help for ACT, SAT and a vocabulary builder. There are quite a few preview pages to wade through before you actually get to the practice tests.
College Power Prep also offers help getting started with your reviews if you register and download free software first.
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If you try out any of these services,
I would be interested in hearing what you think. |
