Chariot Learning
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Our Curriculum
    • Areas Chariot Learning Serves
  • Services
    • SAT & ACT Prep
    • SAT/ACT TestFlip
    • Academic Coaching
    • Subject Tutoring
    • Strategic Reading Club
    • Proctored Practice Tests
    • GRE Prep
    • College Essay Coaching
    • Roots2Words
  • Calendar
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
March 30, 2016 by Mike Bergin

Working Faster on the SAT and ACT

hourglassThe SAT and ACT, as if testing a ton of math, grammar, and reading comprehension wasn’t tough enough, also challenge a test taker’s time management skills. Basically, many students fail to finish specific sections, which is by design. The highest scores go to those who earn the most points, which usually requires seeing ALL of the questions. So what do you do when you tend to run out of time on a section?

1. Focus first on accuracy instead of speed.
Getting to more questions means nothing if you get those questions wrong. Your best score begins with answering as many of the questions you see correctly. Sometimes that means learning the math or grammar content that is tested, while other times, learning the right way to read will be the key to greater accuracy.

2. Learn the right strategies.
A perfect note on a flute doesn’t come naturally; neither does a perfect 20-foot putt. Anyone who wishes to master a sport, art, or skill strives to learn from the masters. The SAT and ACT also yield to strategies–like the ones we teach— that help students answer each question type as quickly, easily, and accurately as possible.

3. Make strategies your own through practice.
Basketball great Kobe Bryant is legendary for his insane work ethic, which included training for four hours a day during the season, and even more than that in the offseason. Why would a Hall-of-Fame player push himself so hard? Because that’s how you internalize all of the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of excellence. No matter how good your coaches are, you don’t make their strategies your own without the highest quality practice possible.

4. Build speed gradually.
Perfection takes time. Once you’ve improved your accuracy, start increasing your speed. Think bout the last race you were in: did you run at a comfortable pace or one that pushed your limits? Commit to moving more quickly, but start with passages or groups of questions before working up to full timed passages. For example, the ACT English section delivers 5 passages with 15 questions each to be completed in only 45 minutes. This means that a student who can finish each passage within 9 minutes will see every question. Once you’ve improved your speed per passage, move on to sections.

5. Take full-length timed practice tests.
Increasing your speed per section helps your cause, but the SAT and ACT are four-hour ordeals: basically a series of sprints that make up a marathon. Sometimes, we slow down when we run out of energy or focus. Build your endurance while developing the judgment that allows you to allocate your time and other resources effectively by taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions. Just be sure to use the right tests, which means the official ones released by the testmakers themselves!
 
So if you’re running out of time on your tests, take comfort in knowing that speed and accuracy can both be improved. Ironically, learning to work more quickly can be a slow process but ultimately a worthy one.

ACT SAT standardized tests time management

Previous articleTest Ready for Spring 2016Next article How to Cheat On the SAT
Mike Bergin
Tens of thousands of students a year prep for the SAT & ACT through programs Mike Bergin created or organized. After more than 25 years of intensive experience in the education industry, he's done it all as a teacher, tutor, director, curriculum developer, blogger, podcaster, and best-selling author. Mike founded Chariot Learning in 2009 to deliver on the promise of what truly transformative individualized education can and should be.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Helping high schoolers with tests, school, and life is what Chariot Learning is all about. Let us know how we can help you!

Latest Posts

  • Self-Control and Score Outcomes
  • Tests as Equalizers and Predictors of Success
  • Beginner’s Mindset for Advanced Results
  • Make This Your Year of Preparation
  • Who Benefits from Admissions Tests?

What is TestFlip?

Learn about the ultimate in self-directed supplemental SAT/ACT prep, powered by Chariot Learning:

  • Bring a little extra to your day ;)
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Bring a little extra to your day ;)
  • Decide your habits well. Your habits decide your future.
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Decide your habits well. Your habits decide your future.
  • Be stronger than your excuses!
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Be stronger than your excuses!
  • Believe in yourself, champ.
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Believe in yourself, champ.
  • Consistency for the work week. Intensity for the weekend!
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Consistency for the work week. Intensity for the weekend!
  • The one thing you can control is your effort.
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    The one thing you can control is your effort.
  • The depth of your struggle determines the height of your success.
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    The depth of your struggle determines the height of your success.
  • Knowledge isn
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Knowledge isn't free. You have to pay attention.

Subscribe to Mike’s Podcast

Subscribe to Tests and the Rest

PARENT GROUP AND NEWSLETTER

Are you an Upstate New York parent with questions about college admissions, testing, and scholarships? The Upstate NY College Conversations Facebook group is for you. Join today!

And also sign up for College Road, our free email newsletter delivering expert educational advice, test news, admissions action steps, special offers, and more.

Testimonials

Mike Bergin was instrumental in meeting our son's goal of raising his ACT score. Mike provided him with a structure and way of learning that allowed him to perform much better, raising his composite score a full 6 points.

Lisa , Brighton mom

Read more testimonials...

PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is the ultimate college admissions industry podcast. Join Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley every Tuesday and Friday as they discuss the latest issues in testing, admissions, learning, and education with leading experts.
© 2023 Chariot Learning, LLC. All rights reserved.