Are you preparing for the ACT, SAT, or PSAT? If so, then here are a couple helpful resources including vocabulary, practices tests, tips, and strategies. We also have a t-chart to help you decide which test would be best for you to take.
ACT
The ACT has four required sections: English, reading, math, and science. There is one optional section: writing. The combined scores range from 1 to 36 with anything over 30 being good.
General Tips
*Wear a digital watch. Use the stopwatch feature to help pace yourself.
*Take lots of practice tests. Focus on improving your lowest scoring sections.
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Tips for English
*75 questions in 45 minutes
*When in doubt, go with the shortest answer. More concise writing (less words) is usually better.
*Click here for English practice questions.
Tips for Reading
*40 questions in 35 minutes
*Take 8 min. 45 sec. per passage. It should take between 2:30 and 3:30 to read each passage.
*Read your high school textbooks to become a faster reader. They are written at the same level as the ACT passages.
*Click here for reading practice questions.
Tips for Math
*60 questions in 60 minutes
*Memorize formulas because you will not be given a formula sheet.
*Questions get progressively harder. The easier questions in the beginning should take 30 seconds. The harder questions at the end should take 1:30.
*Use the multiple choice options. The choices are arranged in increasing order. Here’s a graphic to help:
*Click here to watch a video with tips for the math section.
*Click here for math practice questions.
Tips for Science
*45 questions in 35 minutes
*Read enough to know the topic, then start answering the questions.
*Start with the six data representation and research summary passages. Spend 4 minutes per data representation passage. Put your finger on the graph and another on the question to keep track. Spend 5 minutes per research summary passage.
*Do the conflicting opinions passage last. It is the hardest section, so you’re least likely to get these ones correct.
*Learn to read ACT level passages faster by reading your high school textbooks which are written at the same level.
*Click here for science practice questions.
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SAT
The SAT has 4 sections and an optional essay. The Reading Test is 65 minutes long and has 52 questions. The Writing and Language Test is 25 minutes long and has 44 questions. The Math Test (No Calculator) is 25 minutes long with 20 questions. The Math Test (Calculator Permitted) is 55 minutes long with 38 questions. The math tests are mostly multiple choice, but they each have 5 to 8 grid-in questions each. If you choose to take it, the essay is 50 minutes long. You can score between a 400 and 1600.
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PSAT
The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT, so it has the same 4 sections. The Reading Test is 60 minutes long and has 47 questions. The Writing and Language Test is 35 minutes long and has 44 questions. The Math Test (No Calculator) is 25 minutes long with 17 questions. The Math Test (Calculator Permitted) is 45 minutes long with 31 questions. Both math sections are mostly multiple choice, but they have 4 grid-in questions each. You can score between a 320 and 1520 on the total test.
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If you have any more tips you think would be great to add, please e-mail them to Marci@RegalLessons.com.
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Book a private tutor!
Hi! My name is Marci, and I created this page. I’m available for at-your-home test-prep tutoring in the LA South Bay. There are also two other tutors, Philip and Akonam, who help with math test-prep. If you live outside the area, we’re happy to work with you virtually. To see our availability and schedule a tutoring session, please use the booking plug-in below!
- Regal Tutors accepts bookings up to 80 days in advance.
- If you see a window that says “Your phone ____ is already associated with another email.” Click “UPDATE.”
- Click here to watch a video on how to schedule a tutor.
