Managing time and stress on the ACT and SAT

Every student will have to take either the ACT or SAT before applying to college, and almost every student who takes these tests struggles with time management or stress at some point.

Stress and time management can hinder students who would otherwise master the test. It can be frustrating knowing that time and stress are holding you back and preventing you from showing your true academic talents.

So how do you manage all of that stress? How do you manage your time?

Here are some of the best ways to manage time and minimize stress on the ACT and SAT.

Overcoming stress and time BEFORE the ACT and SAT:

Bring plenty of snacks and stay hydrated
Before the start of any test take a few minutes to relax and clear your mind
Make sure you have all the necessary materials (pencils, erasers, pencil sharpener, calculator for the math section)
Make sure to sleep early the night before and set an alarm the day of the test

Overcoming stress and time DURING the ACT and SAT

Reading and Grammar

When starting a section take around 30 seconds to one minute per question
For the reading section take notes on the side while reading the passage
Take notes according to key ideas and main points that you notice
During breaks avoid possible distractions
Read questions carefully: multiple choice is tricky!
Always mark each question even if you’re unsure of the answer you selected
Use process of elimination (choose the best answer)
For the vocabulary section choose what fits the best and makes the most sense in the flow of the sentence
Read it through, does it make sense?

Math

Use your calculator for the permitted section to double check answers to see if they match the ones that are given
Do the questions you feel the most comfortable with first before attempting those more challenging
Show your work! Even though you’re not graded for it helps your thought process by writing on the test itself.
Flip through the section before starting to understand the content being asked ahead of time
Use process of elimination
Take around 2-3 minutes per question (depending on the level of difficulty)
Bring a watch to check your timing
For the questions toward the end that are free response don’t worry about these until the end
Look at graphs closely

Essay

Read the prompt thoroughly
Identify the main topic
Annotate the text and write down key ideas in the margins
Refer to the text as often as possible within your paragraphs
Keep your ideas concise and clear
Begin with a strong hook and end with a strong conclusion
Check the fluidity of your paragraphs and check for run on sentences.
Have a concrete thesis statement
Don’t include your own personal opinion when writing