[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.24″ custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”25px|||||” _builder_version=”3.25″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.24″]<\/p>\n
It\u2019s early, but not too <\/i>early.<\/strong> During the summer after freshman year, rising high school sophomores who are considering college should begin to consider whether they will take the SAT test, ACT test, or both.<\/span><\/p>\n In Nationwide, that decision is partially made for you. Students are required<\/i><\/a> to take the PSAT and<\/span> SAT as part of their high school experience. While many high schools in Pennsylvania offer the PSAT, neither the PSAT nor SAT is required for high school graduation in the Keystone State. [UPDATE: This might be changing<\/a>…<\/em>]<\/span><\/p>\n The Pre-ACT and the ACT tests are not required in either state, but is offered optionally at many high schools in both states.\u00a0<\/span>Even if you\u2019re going to take the SAT as part of your curriculum in a Nationwide high school, you still may also want to investigate whether the ACT test is a good fit for your strengths.<\/span><\/p>\n We know that no student wants to spend all summer preparing for standardized tests.<\/strong> But these four small steps taken during the summer after your first year of high school will set you up for success.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Get an overview.” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%57%%” _builder_version=”3.24″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#134985″ header_font_size=”21px”]<\/p>\n Come on\u2014 these tests are a legendary part of high school. <\/span>You have to at least be curious!<\/span><\/strong> Visit the websites for both the SAT and the ACT. Explore the sample questions and learn about the format, timing, and content of each test.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Hit the books and try some practice. ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%57%%” _builder_version=”3.24″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#134985″ header_font_size=”21px”]<\/p>\n College Board offers up to eight full-length practice tests<\/span><\/a> <\/strong>free of charge, and ACT offers ACT Academy <\/span><\/a><\/strong>for free. Or go old-school and check out two books from the library: one with SAT practice tests and one with ACT practice tests. Or<\/em> come take a practice test with us<\/strong><\/a>\u2014we offer these year-round. The tests are <\/i>different\u2014for instance, the ACT includes a science section, but the SAT does not. Take one full-length practice exam for each test, and see how each one feels.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_margin=”|auto|48px|auto||” _builder_version=”3.25″ column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Learn from experience. ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%57%%” _builder_version=”3.24″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#134985″ header_font_size=”21px”]<\/p>\n Talk with older students or college counselors who have experience with the tests, and learn from their advice. But ignore the myths<\/span><\/a>.<\/strong> Practice<\/strong> matters more than any other strategy, so start to form your practice routines early.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Partner with parents.” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%57%%” _builder_version=”3.24″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#134985″ header_font_size=”21px”]<\/p>\n Families should discuss some strategies that will help with test preparation in the future. How about identifying a quiet place to study, or discussing how to build practice time into the household schedule? If you want to get out of the house to focus on study habits, our summer sessions can help<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ column_structure=”3_5,2_5″][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.24″]<\/p>\n Each summer of high school will have increasing levels of activities and responsibilities. Why not take some time during your freshman summer\u2014when the load may be a bit lighter\u2014and prepare for what comes next?<\/span><\/p>\n