Tips and Tricks for Preparing for Your ACT and SAT Tests

Here, we’ve compiled some tips & tricks for staying calm and bringing your best self to the testing center:

• Explore free online courses. They’re just one search away — typing “free SAT test prep” or “ACT study guide” into your preferred search engine is a great way to start.
• Register for tests early. You’ll have the opportunity to take most tests more than once, so the earlier you register, the more time you’ll have to decide if you want to retake each test and get more studying in.
• Practice ways to stay calm & collected. Whether it’s a breathing exercise you learned on YouTube or chewing gum to calm your nerves, coming into your tests prepared with ways to collect your thoughts and stay calm is a great idea.
• Find out if your school offers any test preparation opportunities. Many high schools offer in-person classes that cover each section of your test, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of what to expect and what you may need to know.
• Learn clever ways to find answers. You may come across a question that you don’t know the answer to. Practicing methods like the process of elimination or learning how to best utilize context clues is invaluable for any standardized test.
• Research which test is your best fit. Some students prefer to take the SAT, while others prefer the ACT. Some students choose to take both! Researching which test would be best for you may help to ensure you score highly – and bring your ‘A’ game to your test of choice.
• Familiarize yourself with testing platforms. As of March 2024, all SATs are taken online, while ACT test takers have the option of online or on-paper testing. Ensuring you’re prepared to use the necessary technology can help put you at ease on the day of your test.
• Practice, practice, practice! Whether online, in prep courses or through your own study materials, practicing will only boost your chances of testing success! Timing yourself each time is also helpful – ensuring you’ll be able to complete as much of your test as possible within the given time frame.

With your SAT, ACT or other tests in the near future, it’s better to start preparing sooner rather than later. By following this advice and considering how you can best represent your knowledge and skills in the test you choose, these tests can be a breeze!

The College Application Process

At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, we consider several factors throughout the admissions process. ACT and SAT scores are optional but strongly encouraged and can be an asset in making yourself stand out from the crowd. We also review your completed high school transcripts, with an optional review of resumes, admissions essays and letters of recommendation.

Some degree programs or academic backgrounds require varying materials for admission. For the best and most up-to-date admissions information, visit our Admissions page.