SAT + ACT INFORMATION
» Click here to register for the SAT » Click here to register for the ACT
click to download printable testing dates flyer
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Students requesting fee waivers for ACT, SAT, or college applications
should complete the OCPS Household Economic Survey to determine eligibility.
Please contact your Guidance Counselor for more information and questions.
5 TEST PREP TIPS
1. Start Early!
Choose an ACT and/or SAT date far enough in advance that you have time to prepare—we recommend 2–3 months. Starting early gets you to gauge how much you need to study each week and helps you prevent cramming. Students who start studying earlier do better and have more confidence going into the test.
2. Studying for free with Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy®
It’s no surprise that one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT is to study, and we recommend you use the official resources created by the makers of the SAT. College Board partnered with Khan Academy for a new and improved approach to SAT test preparation that’s tailored to you and absolutely free.
It’s called Official SAT Practice, and it’s the most comprehensive and official SAT study resource available. Khan Academy creates a study plan and guide just for you based on your PSAT/NMSQT® or past SAT scores along with your upcoming test date. We recommend you spend 6–20 hours preparing for your first SAT. Make sure you reserve enough time to take at least one full-length practice test (about 4 hours if you practice the essay as well), and give yourself time to review the concepts you’re struggling with.
To access your personalized study plan, make sure your College Board and Khan Academy accounts are linked. For information on how to do this, click here.
ACT Practice Test Information Coming Soon!
3. Taking at least one full-length practice test.
Taking a full-length ACT and/or SAT practice test is one of the best ways to prepare and is highly predictive of the score you’ll receive on the actual test. Practice test results will also provide you with insight on what you need to work on as you approach the real test.
Click here to access practice tests on Official SAT Practice.
ACT Practice Test Information Coming Soon!
4. Paying attention in your high school classes.
In 2016, the SAT was modified to be more directly tied to what you’re learning in class. What this means is that it’s even more important to be paying attention in class and to your teachers. By the spring of your junior year, you’ll have three and a half years of rigorous coursework under your belt to help you succeed on the SAT.
If there are any areas of the SAT you think you need a refresher on, we recommend looking through College Board's “Inside the Test” webpage to make sure you’re preparing for the right things.
5. Know what to expect on test day.
Knowing what to expect on test day is key. It can be intimidating to take such an important test, which is why we highly recommend getting to know what test day will be like. In addition to taking a full-length practice test so you understand the test format and timing, it’s important to prepare yourself to be on time and well-rested for the test.
Plan how you’ll get to your testing center, and make sure you know where your testing center is. (It’s often not at your high school.). This eliminates anxiety on test day because all you need to do is wake up, eat a good breakfast, and get to your location.
Additional Downloadable Resources
» SAT Registration Quick Guide + Test Day Checklist
» Student Guide to Practice and Scores
*West Orange High School does not advertise or endorse specific third party test prep tutors or outside study resources.