You have worked hard to bring home good grades in high school, and now you have started thinking about getting into a great college. You will be competing against students from all over the country. However, what is considered a good grade in one state might not be considered a good grade in another. This is why standardized admissions tests were created. In order to get into a good school, you will not only need to worry about good grades, but also good SAT or ACT scores. With tests likes the SATs or ACTs, colleges are able to compare students nationwide on a level playing field. Although, admissions officers evaluate both your grades and the admissions test scores, good grades alone won’t get you accepted into a good school. With this in mind, it is very important for you to have a strong plan of attack to acing your SAT or ACT exams.

TIPS FOR PREPARING TO TAKE THE SATs or ACTs

There is no need to panic. If you prepare to take your admissions exams, then when the actual test day comes, you will be just fine. The following tips will help you prepare for a stress-free and successful exam day.
STUDY AND PREPARE FOR THE EXAM

It is very important to find out more about the exam you are about to take. Buy or borrow an SAT or ACT study book or find a website or CD with SAT or ACT practice exams. Take as many practice exams as you can handle. If you do this, you will know what sort of questions to expect. Although the questions will not be the same, the format and types of questions will be the same. By taking the SAT or ACT practice tests, you will know more about what sections of the test you are good at already and what sections of the test you need to work on. With this in mind, you will know what you need to study or what you might need a tutor for. Practice and re-practice the sections of the test that you are lousy at. You hopefully have left yourself time to master every section of the test. Fortunately, there are good books, tutors, prep classes, CDs and other options to help you prepare for your test. In addition, some high schools and community colleges even have prep classes that you can take. I suggest that you take advantage of one of these options if you need to.
REMEMBER THE BIG PICTUREIt is important to not get too overly worried about taking the exams. You should try to stay calm and take in the big picture. Remember that the admissions exams are only part of the big picture and that if you did well in school, things will probably fall into place. Hopefully, you received good grades, took on challenging courses, involved yourself in extracurricular activities, received teacher recommendations, and wrote strong admissions essays. Make sure that you take the time to study for the exams, take at least one practice exam, get plenty of rest before the exam day, eat a good breakfast on the day of the exam, sharpen your pencils, put new batteries in your calculator, and just relax. Good luck on your exams.

Here are more articles about preparing for your ACTs.

Rachel Goldstein is the owner of Education Index - A directory of education articles. Rachel is also owner of All Schools and Learning – A directory of k12 schools, colleges, and grad schools.

[tags]College Admissions Exams, Admissions Exams, Entrance Exams, College Entrance Exams, SATs, ACTs, GREs[/tags]