How to Manage Your Time Wisely on the SAT

No doubt about it: the SAT is a pressure cooker. You’re asked to answer tons of questions both quickly and accurately, with a proctor constantly reminding you of how much time is left. Even if you’re the best test-taker in the world, the almighty clock can be pretty scary.

That said, here are a few strategies to help you make the most of your time:

1. Don’t be afraid to skip questions and return to them later. If you’re having trouble, move on and come back once you’ve tackled the rest of the section. Believe me, we’ve all been there: You see a tough question, freeze up, and panic. But remember, you have only 25 minutes for the longer sections, and 20 and 10 for the shorter ones. So, if you do get stuck on a question, is it a good idea to spend five valuable minutes trying to figure out what to do? Probably not. Instead, skip the question, and return if you have time. Remember, each question is worth the same number of points, so no single question is so important that it merits five minutes of your time.

2. Take notes on Reading Comprehension passages. You’re allowed to write in your booklet for a reason. Feel free to underline key sentences and jot down main ideas. It might seem like a waste of time, but if you take notes in such a way that you can easily reference key points in the passage, it may actually end up saving you time. How? Well, when a question asks about a particular point, but does not tell you exactly where to look in the passage, what will happen if you haven’t taken notes? Right—you’ll waste time rereading a good portion of the passage. Try out different strategies and take the time to develop a note-taking strategy that works for you. You’ll be grateful for it on test day!

3. Take notes before writing the essay. Even though you have only 25 minutes to write, you’d be surprised how much taking a couple minutes to outline your essay can help in the long run. Now of course, we’re not talking a super-neat outline that you’d turn in for a project. It only has to be legible to you. The test-makers know you have only 25 minutes to write the essay, so they are not expecting something that is final-draft quality. Essays that earn the highest possible score may still have mistakes or style problems, but they should have a strong general structure. Taking a minute to outline your thesis and supporting points will help big-time in this regard.

Getting In with the Common App

You’ve been through the college fairs, walked through countless manicured quads, and put up with nightly lectures from your parents about making a wise decision. Now your list of three prospective colleges has suddenly tripled. So do you apply to every college individually or send the same application to all your schools and hope for the best?

What is the Common Application?

The Common Application can be found at commonapp.org and is a quick way to apply to nearly 300 participating colleges. It saves you a lot of time because you don’t have to go to each individual school website, download its application, and fill in your personal information and achievements over and over. There’s no charge for using the service, and all the supplements and payment methods required by individual colleges are included. “All in one” means you must submit the supplement and the Common App simultaneously.

The bad news is that if your college doesn’t require a formal essay and at least one letter of recommendation, it can’t take part in the Common App program. So if you’re applying to a state or community college, you’re out of luck.

 

The Common App vs. College-Specific Submissions

Using the Common App instead of the one found on the college’s website will NOT hurt your chances of admission at all. It’s a win-win situation – the highly selective school gets more applications and you save time. Some colleges actually prefer the Common App. You can also write different essays for each school that you’re applying to.

So if you could just kill three birds with one stone, why bother taking a different route? Well, it can get kind of confusing for the neurotic among us to keep going back and forth between the Common App website and the college’s website to see if all requirements have been completed. In fact it’s always a good idea to call the admissions office after you’ve completed all the necessary paperwork and ask them if there’s anything else you need, just to be safe.

Unfortunately, something that might actually hurt your chances is if you’re applying for financial aid in a need-aware school, where applicants who do not need assistance are preferred over those who do (assuming both have the same qualifications.) Luckily, most highly-selective schools are need-blind, so the applicant’s financial aid form will be processed completely separately from the actual application, and won’t affect your chances at all. Recently, lots of colleges have been switching from need-blind to need-aware and vice versa. To find out which method a school currently uses, just Google “name of school” and “need blind” or “need aware” and you’ll get your answer, either from a recent article or the school website itself.

 

Submit your application only online

Ignore your parents’ urges to mail in the application in addition to submitting it online. Although this tactic works when applying for an internship, it can actually slow down your application process and hurt your chances. If an admissions officer is having a bad day and gets a double application, it may look to them like you can’t follow directions. The instructions state that you should submit it online OR mail it in, not both. And do you really want to go through all the trouble of printing, stapling, and writing neatly?

 

Whatever you do….

 

• Remember important application deadlines such as Early Decision, Early Action, and the general deadline for every school by making a note of them on your cell phone or email calendar. The deadline to submit supplements is often before the actual Common App deadline.

 

• Get in the habit of saving your work every 15 minutes.

 

• Log out after each session—especially if you’re using a public computer.

 

4 Quick Tips for the Math Section of the SAT

1. You won’t need an advanced calculator. One of the nice (or not so nice, depending on how you look at it) things about the SAT math section is that you have to rely on your own abilities in order to do well. In other words, not even the biggest, baddest calculator in the world will save you if you don’t know your stuff. The content on the SAT is relatively simple (nothing beyond algebra and geometry), and you could very well tackle the test without a calculator. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to have a simple one (a stripped-down four function one is fine) to check your basic calculations. After all, a simple arithmetic error could cost you the right answer!

2. There’s a big difference between “simple” and “easy.” We said the content is “simple.” By this, we mean that the numbers themselves will be easy to deal with and there won’t be any super-hard calculations. You’re more likely to be asked to add 3 + 4 than to multiply 3.657 x 47.5968, or something ridiculous like that. What makes the SAT math section challenging is the way in which the test makers ask you to synthesize information in unique ways. The hardest SAT math questions require you to draw upon knowledge from several areas at once. For example, you might be asked about special right triangles and circumference in the same problem.

3. There’s no shame in writing out your work! You’re allowed to write in your test booklet, so you might as well use it. Trying to do everything in your head is the surest way to make a silly mistake. It’s especially dangerous since there’s no partial credit on the SAT. It’s always better to take a moment and do the work by hand, so you know you’ll get the right numbers. Writing out your work is also a great thing to do if you get stuck on a problem. Write down all the information given to you in the question and see if you might have missed something along the way.

4. Get practice on the Student-Produced Response section. Learn how to grid in decimals and fractions correctly. The last thing you want is to get a correct answer and then grid it incorrectly on your answer sheet. You can practice on College Board’s official site.

Good luck with your preparations!

Breaking down the SAT and ACT: Which is for you? Part 2

Breaking down the SAT and ACT: Which is for you? Part 2,  Jenn Cohen

 

The ACT and The SAT. The two are very different tests, and preparation for one is not necessarily preparation for the both.

 

Section	SAT	ACT
Critical Reading (SAT)/Reading (ACT)	70 minutes Sentence Completions - 19 Questions Passage Reading - 48 Questions on 7 passages of varying lengths	35 minutes Passage Reading -  40 Questions on 4 passages (Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, Natural Science)
Math	70 minutes -  54 Questions (including 10 student produced response) -  Numbers & Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis/Statistics/Probability	60 Minutes -  60 Questions -  Pre-Algebra (Numbers & Operations, Probability, etc.) Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry
Writing (SAT)/English & Writing (ACT)	60 minutes -  25-minute essay -  49 multiple choice (Identifying sentence errors, improving sentences and improving paragraphs)	English is 45 minutes -  75 questions on grammar/punctuation and style/organization Writing is 30 minutes - Essay -  OPTIONAL, but generally required by selective colleges
Science	Not tested	35 minutes -  40 questions on 7 passages, including tables/graphs/charts

Most students should plan to take the SAT or ACT for the first time in their junior year.  Select the test date that fits your schedule, not necessarily the one when everyone is taking it!  While the May and June SAT dates, and the April and June ACT dates are the “traditional” times for juniors taking the test, don’t rule out earlier dates, especially if you are in accelerated math or English classes in school.  Test dates near the end of the school year compete with AP exams, finals and social commitments.  Consider the January and March SAT’s and the February ACT instead.  Winter and/or spring break is a great time to prepare without the stress of school.  Even better, complete your test prep over the summer before junior year and take the October SAT or the September or October ACT.  A little knowledge goes a long way in selecting which college admissions exam is right for you.  Make a decision as early in junior year as possible, then get to work.  With good preparation (and maybe a little luck), a student can be finished with college admissions testing well before senior year!

 

How to find great test prep for every budget

So what is “great test prep?”  Every student is different and what works for one could be a disaster for another.  Here’s a few of the pros and cons of the three major prep options:

Prep Format	Pros	Cons
Self-preparation (books and/or self-paced online courses)	-  Reasonably priced, ranging from free to around $200 -  Flexible timing for busy students	-  Student may not be able to really understand mistakes or remediate weak areas -  Self-discipline required
Traditional test prep course	-  Moderately priced, ranging $300-$1000 -  Widely available and offered at convenient times/locations -  Easy to find -  Structured -  Reliably teaches test strategy and techniques	-  Quality varies widely -  Official SAT or ACT books/materials are the gold standard, but many courses don’t use them -  Class environment can be distracting/intimidating -  Hard to get specific questions answered
Individual tutoring	-  Price varies – average range is $50-$150/hour -  Individual attention allows remediation of weak subjects in addition to test strategies -  Most personalized option -  Especially desirable for students with special needs/athletes/students in the arts – may find tutors who work with specific populations -  Flexible scheduling	-  Can be very expensive with top tutors charging $300 or more per hour -  Harder to find quality tutors – have to do more legwork -  Requires more planning – good tutors may be booked well before a test date

While these are general categories, in reality students don’t have to commit to only one form of test prep.  Tutors may reduce their hourly rate to work with two or three students at a time, so consider grabbing a couple of friends and negotiating.  Students who want to primarily self-prep with books can hire a tutor for a session or two to get their questions answered, or even ask a tutor to develop a personalized self-prep plan for them.  Even those taking a class can supplement their learning at home.  If a class doesn’t use official SAT or ACT materials, students can still use those resources at their discretion.   So get creative and generate a plan that works for your student!

So what are the best ways to find great prep?  Asking parents, counselors and friends is a terrific place to start.  But don’t stop there.  Take to the internet!  Sites like College Confidential and Twitter chats like #campuschat and #collegechat can yield great ideas.  Many tutors now work online, so you don’t necessarily need to limit your search to your geographic area.  Online options are particularly appealing for students needing a specific niche (i.e. athletes, special needs), or for those who live in rural areas or other countries, where tutors may not be readily available.

Overwhelmed yet?  It may seem that there are as many choices out there as there are students.  Making a good decision takes time, so start the process early.  Procrastination can hurt the end result, so don’t do it!  Any prep plan requires time and effort, and desirable tutors and classes may already be fully booked well before you need them.  Even if your student doesn’t need or want to begin immediately, get prep on the calendar well in advance to reserve your first choice.

A quick poll of some of the best minds in test prep (aka tutors, teachers and parents) garnered some terrific tips:

-  Have a goal score in mind when seeking out prep options.  The farther you are from where you want to be, the more you should be prepared to invest.

-  Visit the class you’re considering or have a short introductory session with a tutor.  For courses, remember that the company is most likely showcasing its best teacher; others may not be as competent.

-  Rank your options before considering price.  Go with the highest quality prep you can afford from the beginning.  You could end up paying more in the end if you go cheap (read: ineffective).

-  Remember that prep is an investment that could reap rewards in terms of scholarships.  Spending more on a great tutor now might pay off later.

-  Score increase “guarantees” are marketing ploys.  Promises of big point increases in only a few weeks/sessions are also warning signs.  Score improvements come from hard work and building skills, not “secret” strategies!

-  Students will almost always be expected to do homework to see real results.  If you can afford a tutor who will do all the work with your student, terrific, but for most, homework is necessary.

-  Regular monitoring of progress is essential to document areas that still need work.

 

-  When asking other parents for recommendations, focus on whether their student’s scores improved rather than discussing actual numbers.

 

-  Keep your student’s individual needs in mind.  That might mean finding a tutor who works with students with learning differences or opting for a math specialist to help with a geometry weakness.

-  Ask how many class hours are devoted to instruction vs. practice tests.  Remember that a mock SAT takes several hours to administer.  Be aware that some companies will count testing hours toward the total course hours.

-  Practice tests are useful only when a student is given the opportunity to learn from them.  Practice without analysis and correction of errors is wasted time.

-  Ask for references from real people.  Websites plastered with “quotes” from “actual students” don’t offer reliable input.

-  Look for tutors who are interested in making you a better student overall.  You’ll get better value if your test prep time improves your knowledge, study skills and mental toughness.

The most important thing is finding the right prep for your needs.  One size absolutely does not fit all.  So do a little legwork and you’ll almost certain reap big rewards.  Good luck!

Many thanks to Akil Bello, Nancy Berk, Eric Clark, Claire Griffith, Elizabeth King, Jon Siegelman, Theresa Smith, and Debbie Stier for their input.

 

*Jenn Cohen is the is the owner of Jenn Cohen Tutoring. She has 15 years of experience as an SAT/ACT tutor, specializing in ADHD students. Jenn offers Unigo Sessions focusing on Getting In. Jenn Cohen on Unigo

5 Musings of a College Senior

5 Musings of a Senior, Jonathan Jackson

As a senior, I often find myself looking back at my academic career, and asking where all the time went. It has been a journey, but I never thought it would move this fast or I would grow this much. These are the top 5 things I wish I had knew when I was exiting senior year and starting my freshman year of college.

1. Relax…you do not get this time back.

After the applications, the essays, and the acceptance letters, you will look back at the process, and see all the time that is gone. Do not squander it. The moments in your life, and how you remember them, are important. The application process will end, but your life will continue. Take advantage of it. You do not get more time in your life. You will have time to work for the rest of your life. Make sure you cherish the moments and reate lasting memories now.

2. Where you go to college, DOES NOT dictate what you can be or do with your life.

My biggest concern for most of my application process was making sure the school I got into was “good”. I was too busy defining it by the standards I thought I wanted, that I almost missed out on what I needed. It is easy to conflate what you think you want out of a school, but not taking the time to see what your goals are for yourself. Your education is important, and where you get it is relevant, but it will not dictate your place in life unless you let it. There are great schools everywhere, but what makes them great for you is a unique thing that only you know. Take time to really search about what you want in a university and a place where you would thrive the most.

3. Be mindful of the friends you keep.

College is about new experiences, and learning about yourself in an environment that you have not been previously exposed to. These friendships you form will be important in your development in college, and even after you leave. Who you allow into your circle, is just as important as who you don’t. Your friends reflect a lot about who you are and where you want to be,

4. Listening requires more than just your ears.

You will hear lots of advice about where you should go, what you should major in, and even what classes to take. What you might not hear however, is that all he advice you get, many not be good. Learning to evaluate information that has to do with your personal future, is a skill that does not come easily, but is necessary for continued development. Your learning will take place in and out of the classroom, but you can easily let it pass you by if you are not actively engaged.

5. Make Goals. Write them down. Look at them consistently.

You hear this a lot, but it something that can mean the difference between an idea and a reality. When you commit to doing something, you write it down, and you continually look at it, it ceases to be an idea, and because a concrete goal for you to obtain, Similar to how you would practice memorization, continually referring back to your goals will help keep you on track, and make you accountable to yourself for the things you want to achieve. It is much easier to say no to a distraction when you ask yourself, how does this help me get to my goal?
Trust me, it becomes more necessary the further you get along in your education. Many things will call for your time, not all of them a worthy of it.

*Jonathan Jackson is a Junior at Washington University in St Louis studying Writing & American Culture Studies. Jonathan on Unigo