Many high schoolers across Texas opt to take an ACT or SAT exam. While not officially required by the state, many colleges require these entrance exams as part of their admissions process.
Even if you want to apply to a test-optional school that does not require mandatory test scores, you are hurting your chances of admission.
A recent study based on public admissions information has demonstrated that students who submit their test score are more likely to be admitted to the same school than those who do not submit a score.
The Benefits Of College Entrance Exams
Even if you don’t like the idea of taking a test you don’t have to (who does?), the test itself has tangible benefits.
Time and time again, studies have backed the idea that the ACT and SAT predict a student’s success in both college and in their careers afterwards. Students with the highest test scores are consistently performing the best throughout college with the lowest drop-out rates. These same students also end up in the highest paying positions post-graduation.
On top of demonstrating core academic prowess, the ACT & SAT are an opportunity to improve your learning skills. If you take the test and don’t initially obtain a score you are proud of, you can study and take the test again.
Not only will this retake get you a better score, but it will improve your ability to learn throughout school in general.
Testing Tips
While the SAT & ACT modify their content regularly, there are some more general guidelines that will benefit students.
A major element that helps to raise testing scores is to expand vocabulary. A wide vocabulary will help with dissecting questions and articulating information.
Having more words in your arsenal to utilize while writing will help your work to stand out more. Vocabulary will also help with your spelling, which is useful for enhancing grammar.
Another way of improving your test performance is through practice and reading. It is impossible for students to give the correct answers if they do not have the knowledge to answer the question.
Students who study the type of information they are tasked with to prepare appropriately receive higher scores than those who don't.
Lastly, the better you better understand the information that is expected of you, the less testing anxiety you will have. Studies have shown that the simple act of remaining calm during the testing process can raise your score.
As you might imagine, it is more difficult to make informed decisions when under excess distress. All in all, being prepared is key to not only performing well on the SAT or ACT exams, but also helps ease anxiety associated with testing.
Southlake, Texas Test Prep
We now know some general tips for receiving a good score, but what if you want more information? Fortunately, The College Review offers the best test prep near 76092.
You get what you put into the test. The more you put into studying, the better you will do on the test. But there is more to studying than just reading information and hoping it sticks.
So, what makes for effective test prep? Why does The College Review stand out? What makes the service more efficient and helpful?
While there is some subjectivity in the matter, there are conventions that make for better teachers and more effective classes.
One important factor is student engagement. A recent study on the impact of student engagement demonstrated how vital a student’s attention is. Even if a student struggles to understand all of the details, they will learn more than any student who is not engaged with the class.
As such, effective test prep includes active attention from the students involved. The best teachers are able to make a connection with students so that they feel comfortable asking questions and are able to listen effectively.
Another study on effective teaching talks about the importance of “meaning making”. This practice involves explaining the application of the skills and techniques taught. If a student does not understand how to apply a theory, it is not as easy to understand or retain.
Lastly, effective test preparation includes relevant information. This might seem obvious, but even the best teachers will have trouble if they're not able to give information on the test.
While those with a love for learning will appreciate new information for information’s sake, effective test preparation involves info students will be tested on.
Concluding Thoughts
While the ACT and SAT are not a perfect metric for success, a good score will increase your chance of admission to your school of choice. Putting some time into test preparation can ensure the best results possible.
A study on the effectiveness of test prep has shown that test preparation has tangible benefits. As you probably expect, those who spend time studying academic information and testing practices score the best of their standardized tests.
For more information on studying and the steps to get into college, check out our college admission timeline.