Ultimate Summer SAT/ACT Prep Plan

So, your college-bound student is starting to think about taking the SAT and/or ACT this summer—for the first, second or even third time. A summer exam prep plan is definitely in order. Here’s an example of an SAT/ACT prep plan for your teen (based on Huntington Learning Center’s exam prep program):

Week one: Choose the SAT or ACT.

• Take an initial evaluation test.
• Choose either the SAT or ACT based on the results of the evaluation (and any college preferences).

Week two: Get a baseline score.

• Take a full-length, timed practice exam to get a baseline score.
• Develop a targeted study plan based on strong and weak areas identified in the practice test.
• Create a study schedule by exam section and sub-section and study according to customized prep schedule (# of days depends on exam timing and goals).

Week three: Start to work on different problem types and keep studying.

• Get familiar with multiple choice, student-produced response questions, improving sentence questions, etc.
• Continue to study according to a customized prep schedule.

Weeks four/five: Focus on time management, get familiar with how the SAT/ACT exams are scored and keep studying.

• Work on exam time management by learning the structure of the exam and building skills like how to rule out obviously incorrect answers.
• Learn about scoring and adjust test-taking strategies and pacing accordingly.
• Continue to study according to a customized prep schedule.

Week six: Review progress.

• Take a full-length, timed practice exam.
• Adjust study schedule based on results, if needed.
• Improve on question types where the lowest practice scores are received.
• Continue to study according to a customized prep schedule.

Week seven: Continue improving weaker areas.

• Improve on question types where the lowest practice scores are received.
• Continue to study according to a customized prep schedule.
• Review test-taking strategies and stress management techniques in the week leading up to the SAT/ACT exam date.

Week eight: Take the SAT or ACT!

This is an example of what your teen’s ultimate summer SAT/ACT prep study plan could look like, but at Huntington, we do not believe in one-size-fits-all learning—or SAT/ACT exam prep. Each prep program is developed based on a student’s specific needs, goals, strengths, and weaknesses. Call 1-800 CAN LEARN to learn more about Huntington’s individualized exam preparation services.