How to Use Quarantine to Prepare for the SAT and other exams
How can I use quarantine to prepare for the SAT, ACT, IB/AP and other standardized tests?
Ever since Covid-19 swept the globe, many of us have been confined to our homes during periods of quarantine, lockdown, or shifts to online classes. Boredom has become a plague almost as endemic as Covid-19. But for high-achieving students, these changes present just as many opportunities as challenges. So what can students do while stuck at home? Here are some tips on how you can use this time to prepare for college admissions exams like the SAT, ACT, or IB/AP.
Start working through some SAT, ACT, or IB/AP review books
SAT, ACT, IB and AP review books are some of your best resources to get practice before taking a standardized exam. With extra time on your hands why not purchase a few more of these from Amazon and start taking practice SAT, ACT, IB and AP exams?
Read challenging books on topics that you’re interested in
One of the best ways to prepare for the reading sections of the SAT, ACT, IB and AP English exams is by pushing yourself to read difficult materials. The SAT, for example, is notorious for including challenging and complex readings. Click here for some of our tips on how to succeed on the SAT reading section. The SAT, ACT, IB and AP English exams also require students to have broad vocabulary knowledge. One of the best ways to build vocabulary is to read challenging words in the context of a larger work.
Schedule regular private tutoring sessions to supplement your schoolwork
It’s no secret: online group classes are less than ideal learning environments. Rather than risk falling behind in your classes, it is advisable that you schedule weekly one on one sessions with a private tutor to ensure that you fully grasp the materials being covered in your class. This is especially important for classes like math or English. Falling behind in these classes can have a devastating effect on your SAT or ACT scores and college admissions prospects. Private tutors can help you avoid this by helping to make sure you follow a consistent study schedule.
Supplement your studies with writing exercises or online tutorials
With extra time on their hands students should check out the internet’s abundant SAT, ACT, IB and AP study materials. Websites like Khan Academy have easy-to-understand tutorials for nearly all subjects and also have dedicated videos for SAT, ACT, and other exams. In addition to using these online resources students can creatively prepare for these exams through writing exercises like keeping a diary or writing short daily reflections. While writing is no longer a central focus of the SAT or ACT, the skills required to be a good writer are tested on both exams. By taking the time to write thoughtful and well-structured essays on a regular basis students will be better prepared to tackle the English sections of the SAT and ACT as well as the IB and AP English exams.
Ultimately, while Covid-19 may be inconvenient, this time also offers opportunities to those who know how to take advantage of them. Get in touch with us today if you want to take advantage of quarantine to get ahead!