How do you prepare for the SAT or ACT? Here are my suggestions in a nutshell!
Buy Materials
For the SAT use this book: 11 Practice Tests for the SAT
To study for the ACT use this: Cracking the ACT
For essay preparation, you need the book 501 Writing Prompts by Learning Express
You’ll make good use of your kitchen timer: 60-Minute Green Apple Kitchen Timer
Get Ready
Cut out from the book one test for each child and put their name on it so they each have their own test.
Set aside 1/2 hour per day, about 3 or 4 days a week. We did our core subjects in the morning, and SAT prep was first thing after lunch.
Study Bubbles
During each prep session, do one section of the test (each section is just 25 minutes)
Read the instructions first.
Set the timer.
Have them take the test under timed situation.
After the timer rings, have kids correct their own test packet.
Have kids review the answers to the questions they missed.
If they don’t understand the answer, they can ask dad – hahahaha! Ok, that’s how it worked in MY House anyway!
Study Essays
One day a week we practiced our SAT Essay skills instead of a regular English assignment
Choose a prompt from the book 501 Writing Prompts by Learning Express.
Read the prompt first.
Set the timer for 25 minutes.
Correct the essay in the evening, using the 501 Book as your guide.
Get Help
For more information, these articles may help.
Essay Prep: Quick Essay Skills Earn Thanks
Test Prep. The Homeschool Advantage in SAT Tests
Essay Help: High School Essay Intensive: SAT Preparation & College Application Essay Strategies (4 DVDs & CD-Rom) by Andrew Pudewa
Have fun studying! Remember, the benefits are HUGE and can make a big difference with college scholarships!
Whether you have questions about delight directed learning, honors courses, CLEP, or the ACT, I am here to help. My Parent Training A la Carte courses will help you become fully prepared for your next step in homeschooling.
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Robin E. says:
What do you recommend for PSAT test prep, if anything at all? Would the SAT test prep book be appropriate? How far in advance of the test should we begin?
January 3rd, 2013 at 5:28 pm
Assistant to The HomeScholar says:
Good question, Robin. Many parents wonder about that. Here’s an article that I think will answer your question:
Take the PSAT for Fun and Profit
That article includes info and links you can use to find out when and where the PSAT is given in your area, and how to prepare. I hope that helps!
Robin
Assistant to The HomeScholar
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:25 pm