The Biggest SAT and ACT Prep Mistake? Studying Before You Have a Strategy
SAT vs. ACT, PSAT scores, and smarter test preparation strategies for high school students
This blog was written by Brittany Edwards, Director of Instruction & Training at Bright World Tutors (BWT), a sister company of International College Counselors (ICC). With 15 years of experience in education, Brittany specializes in standardized test preparation and academic tutoring. Her approach goes beyond teaching test-taking strategies to help students strengthen their critical thinking skills, manage their time, and build confidence.
Your child comes home with a PSAT score. A friend mentions that her son is taking the ACT for the third time. Another parent swears by the SAT. Suddenly, you’re wondering whether your own child is doing enough.
Sound familiar?
For many families, standardized testing becomes stressful long before a student actually sits down to take an exam. Between the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and CLT, there are more decisions to make than ever.
Here’s something I want every family to know. Successful SAT and ACT preparation isn’t about taking every test, buying every prep book, or spending every weekend studying. It’s about having a strategy that makes sense for your child.
At Bright World Tutors (BWT), we believe the best place to start isn’t with a stack of practice questions. It’s with understanding the student.
SAT vs. ACT: How to Choose the Right Test
One of the most common mistakes students make is automatically preparing for the SAT because that’s what their friends are taking. But the SAT isn’t necessarily the best choice for everyone.
The SAT and ACT both measure important academic skills, but they do so differently.
The SAT is a digital, adaptive exam with two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. It takes approximately two hours and 14 minutes, not including a break. Students generally have more time per question than on the ACT, and the built-in Desmos calculator can be particularly helpful for students who know how to use it effectively.
The ACT has undergone significant changes. The enhanced version is shorter, gives students more time per question than the previous ACT, and makes Science optional for students taking the national ACT. The main sections are English, Math, and Reading, which determine the Composite score. Students can still choose to take the Science section, although school-day testing arrangements may differ. Unlike the SAT, the ACT is not adaptive, meaning the difficulty of later questions doesn’t change based on a student’s earlier answers.
Which is better? That depends on the student. Some prefer the SAT’s shorter reading passages and additional time per question. Others are more comfortable with the ACT’s question style and predictable format.
Our advice? Before committing months to SAT or ACT prep, take diagnostic tests and compare the results. Look beyond the scores. Which test felt more manageable? Where did the student run out of time? Which types of questions caused the most trouble?
A little investigation upfront can save a lot of unnecessary studying later.
What’s a Good SAT or ACT Score?
The answer depends on the colleges a student is considering. A score that makes one student competitive at a particular school may be below the typical range at another. Rather than chasing an arbitrary number, students should understand the testing expectations of their prospective colleges and set realistic goals based on their starting point.
Testing requirements also vary by college. Some schools require scores, while others are test-optional. Even at test-optional schools, a strong score may strengthen an application. Knowing where you plan to apply can help you decide how much time to invest in test prep.
Understanding PSAT Scores and Why They Matter
The PSAT often gets treated as a practice run for the SAT, and that’s certainly one of its benefits. But it can tell students much more than how they might perform on a future exam.
Because the PSAT and SAT assess similar skills, PSAT results can help identify strengths and areas that need attention. A student may discover that algebra is solid but geometry needs work. Another may understand reading passages perfectly well but lose points on grammar. Those details matter.
For high school juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT also serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Strong performance may open the door to recognition and scholarship opportunities.
And for sophomores? The PSAT provides an early opportunity to understand the testing process, identify academic gaps, and develop a preparation plan without the pressure of an official SAT score.
The most valuable part of a PSAT score isn’t necessarily the number. It’s what a student does with the information afterward.
What Is the CLT Exam, and Should Your Child Take It?
There’s another test families should know about: the Classic Learning Test, or CLT.
The CLT is an alternative college entrance exam that assesses verbal reasoning, grammar and writing, and quantitative reasoning. Its reading selections often draw from classic literature, philosophy, and historically significant texts.
The exam includes approximately two hours of testing and may appeal to students who enjoy analytical reading and reasoning. CLT scores are accepted by hundreds of colleges, although not nearly as universally as SAT or ACT scores.
Florida families should also know that qualifying CLT scores can be used for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships. However, don’t assume every school on your child’s list accepts it. Check each college’s current testing requirements before deciding to prepare for the CLT instead of the SAT or ACT.
For the right student, the CLT may be another valuable option. But another option doesn’t automatically mean another test your child needs to take.
SAT and ACT Practice Tests: Make Every One Count
Imagine a student who takes a practice SAT, gets 20 questions wrong, and immediately starts another practice test.
Now imagine a student who takes the same test, reviews every missed question, and figures out why each answer was wrong.
Who is likely to benefit more?
The second student is learning from the experience.
One thing I’ve learned in 15 years of test preparation is that getting a question wrong isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can be one of the most useful parts of studying, provided a student understands what went wrong. When I work with students, I want them to explain not only why the correct answer is right, but why the other answers are wrong.
But understanding the answer is only part of the process. We also need to figure out why the student got it wrong. Did they misunderstand the question? Forget a formula? Rush because they were running out of time? Did they know the material but second-guess themselves?
Each problem calls for a different solution. A student who struggles with punctuation needs targeted instruction. A student who knows the material but works too slowly needs pacing strategies. And a student who changes correct answers because of nerves may need help building confidence.
Repeating practice tests without addressing those underlying issues can leave students making the same mistakes over and over.
When Should Your Child Start SAT or ACT Prep?
There isn’t one perfect testing schedule for every student.
For many students, sophomore year is a good time to begin exploring the SAT and ACT, especially after receiving PSAT results. Junior year is often when preparation becomes more focused and students begin taking official exams.
Ideally, students should leave enough time to retest before senior-year application deadlines. But there’s no universal schedule. A student taking advanced math in sophomore year may be ready earlier than someone who needs more time to cover the material.
The important thing is to plan ahead. Students should have enough time to prepare, take an official exam, review their results, and retest if necessary. They should also consider their academic workload, extracurricular commitments, and college application deadlines.
Starting early doesn’t mean studying endlessly. It means having the flexibility to prepare thoughtfully rather than cramming everything into a few stressful weeks.
SAT and ACT Study Tips: Study Smarter, Not Longer
Here’s some good news. Effective test prep doesn’t have to consume every free hour.
In fact, focused, consistent practice is often more productive than marathon study sessions.
A few habits can make a difference:
- Practice with a purpose. Rather than completing random questions, focus on one or two skills that need improvement.
- Review mistakes carefully. Understanding why an answer was wrong is just as important as getting the next one right.
- Practice under realistic conditions. Students need to get comfortable with time limits, digital tools, and the length of the exam.
- Use the right materials. Choose up-to-date resources that reflect the current test formats, especially the enhanced ACT.
- Protect time for everything else. Students still need sleep, schoolwork, activities, friends, and time to relax.
And don’t underestimate the importance of confidence. A student who feels prepared and knows what to expect is in a much better position to demonstrate what they’ve learned.
Want Help Figuring Out Your Next Step? Join Our Free PSAT Webinar!
If your child recently took the PSAT, you may be wondering what those scores mean and what comes next. Should they take the SAT or ACT? When should they start preparing? And could their PSAT scores open the door to National Merit recognition?
Join me, Brittany Edwards, Director of Instruction & Training at Bright World Tutors, for BWT’s free webinar, PSAT: Ready for What’s Next?, on Tuesday, November 10, at 6:30 p.m. ET.
We’ll discuss how to interpret PSAT scores, explore National Merit opportunities, choose between the SAT and ACT, and develop a realistic testing plan. I’ll also share practical strategies students can use to prepare effectively.
Can’t attend live? Register anyway, and we’ll send you a recording after the webinar.
REGISTER FOR THIS FREE WEBINAR
Personalized SAT and ACT Tutoring at Bright World Tutors
The hardest part of test prep is often figuring out where to begin.
Should your child take the SAT or ACT? Is it worth retaking an exam? How should they use their PSAT results? And how much preparation is actually necessary?
These are the questions Bright World Tutors helps families work through. Our tutors provide personalized SAT and ACT test preparation and academic tutoring, helping students strengthen subject knowledge, develop effective test-taking strategies, and work toward their goals. Instead of treating every student the same way, we focus on the areas where each student needs the most help.
Of course, standardized testing is only one part of the college admissions process. As a sister company of International College Counselors (ICC), BWT works alongside a team of college advisors and educational consultants who help families navigate the college admissions journey. While BWT focuses on academic support and test preparation, ICC’s educational consultants guide students through college selection, applications, essays, and other important admissions decisions.
The goal isn’t to study more than everyone else. It’s to prepare in a way that works for you.
Whether your child is looking at an early PSAT score, deciding between the SAT and ACT, or getting ready for another attempt, Bright World Tutors can help make the next step clearer.
Ready to create a smarter testing plan? Contact Bright World Tutors to learn how personalized test preparation can help your child move forward with confidence.
