Standardized testing is an anxiety-provoking rite of passage for college-bound high school students. Scores on entrance exams like the SAT and ACT factor heavily into admissions decisions. While some colleges have opted to make tests optional, most still require results. Avoiding last-minute cramming through early, targeted preparation leads to less stressful, more successful exam experiences. Using these tips, parents can help teens build skills, endurance, and confidence to ace college admissions tests.

Choose Exams Strategically

Students should take entrance exams at least twice – once in spring of junior year and again in fall of senior year. This allows time to prep and retake if needed. It is strategic to focus efforts on one exam type based on the student’s strengths and target colleges’ preferences.

• SAT vs. ACT – The SAT focuses more on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and math word problems. The ACT emphasizes science and has a faster pace testing broader content.
• Understand differences – Use free online practice tests to gauge which format plays to a student’s natural abilities.
• Research target colleges – Review which exams schools accept or recommend to determine where to concentrate efforts.
• Play to strengths – A student who excels at ACT science and math but struggles with SAT reading could benefit from targeting the ACT.

According to Princeton Review, “Choosing one exam to prioritize based on personal abilities and college requirements helps maximize scores.”

Build Foundational Skills Through Ongoing Learning

Since entrance exams draw heavily from cumulative academic knowledge, building skills throughout high school avoids cramming:

• Read often – Regular reading across genres improves vocabulary, speed, focus, and reading comprehension.
• Practice writing – Writing research papers, literary analyses, and other assignments hones grammar, organization, and persuasive skills tested.
• Refresh math concepts – Completing a geometry refresher course over the summer keeps quantitative reasoning sharp.
• Take rigorous courses – Challenging Honors and AP classes align closely with exam content and reasoning levels.
• Learn test structures – Understand how questions are organized by type, subjects, and difficulty levels.
• Develop mental stamina – Practicing longer homework and study sessions conditions focus and concentration muscles.

According to test prep experts, “Mastering foundational academic skills through four years of challenging coursework provides the strongest base for college exam success.”

Start Test Prep Early

Ideally, students should begin prep classes and tutoring by 10th or 11th grade. Starting 1-2 years ahead allows thorough skill-building versus last-minute cramming. Early prep also reduces anxiety through familiarity. Consider this timeline:

• 10th grade – Take a practice PSAT or PreACT to diagnose baseline abilities and weaknesses. Focus prep on boosting weak areas through online programs or tutoring.
• 11th grade – Take the first official SAT or ACT in spring. Use the experience to refine preparation. Take SAT Subject Tests in strongest subjects.
• Summer before senior year – Do intensive prep through a structured class, tutor, or self-study. Take the second official exam in early fall.
• Fall of senior year – Focus prep on strengthening problem areas. Retake exams if needed before deadlines.

According to Yale educators, “Shifting prep from senior year to 10th and 11th grade provides more time to methodically build skills tailored to a student’s needs.”

Use Official Practice Resources

Both College Board and ACT provide extensive free and low-cost test prep materials. These resources aligned directly with actual exams provide optimal preparation:

• Official practice tests – Take full-length tests from College Board and ACT under timed conditions to become familiar with structures. Review mistakes thoroughly.
• Online prep courses – Affordable video lessons provide strategies to answer every question type. Assignments tailor practice.
• Review books – Print guides dissect each test section with strategies, explanations, and practice sets for self-guided study.
• Flashcards and apps – Reinforce facts, formulas, vocabulary, and grammar rules through digital tools.
• Released actual questions – Practicing real past exam items provides the most accurate preparation.
• Tutoring – Certified teachers provide personalized feedback on practice tests and model proven strategies.

Utilizing official test companies’ study materials provides the most direct preparation for actual exams.

In summary, avoiding last-minute cramming and taking a strategic approach reduces exam anxiety. Students who start practicing early, play to strengths in choosing exams, build foundational academic skills over four years, and leverage official prep resources realize their full testing potential. Thorough, thoughtful college admissions test preparation unlocks educational opportunities.