We recently published a podcast episode on this topic. This blog post provides a recap of what we covered during the episode.
Hi! It’s Abby from Scoir :)
To all the students reading this…there’s no need to worry! You’ve got this.
If you’re stressed about taking the ACT and SAT, know that you’re not alone. One of the best ways to combat your stress is to eliminate the unknowns and practice for the tests. So kudos to you for being here—you’re already taking a great first step!
I spoke with Celena Murphy, Director of Marketing at Test Innovators, about how students can confidently navigate the ACT and SAT. You can listen to the episode below!
In this blog post, we recap what was covered from 16:36 and on during this episode. Check out this blog post on Test Innovators’ blog for a recap on the first half of the episode, including what you need to know about test-optional colleges, recent changes to the ACT, the SAT, and how to practice for the tests.
Here's what we cover in this blog post:
“The biggest thing to keep in mind about testing is that your scores do not define your worth.” – Celena
Test scores are just one part of your application (and a very small portion of your life). They don’t define you.
Practice builds confidence. Follow Test Innovators’ tips over on their blog, or check out their platform if you’re looking for practice tests.
A great way to set yourself up for success is to set aside some time each week to study. Treat it like an appointment or an extracurricular.
Make a plan for test day and answer the following questions:
Also, plan ahead to reduce decisions on test day. What will you wear? What will you eat that morning? Taking practice tests will also reduce a lot of the unknowns for you.
Contact your counselor for help. That’s what they’re there for! They can help you determine when you should take the test and which test(s) to take.
Get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet, and drink lots of water—these simple things can make a huge difference in your stress levels!
Breathing exercises and mindfulness can also help you stay calm.
Superscoring allows students to combine their highest section scores from multiple test attempts into a single composite score. This can be a game-changer for some students!
For example:
Most colleges accept superscores, but always check each school’s policy before sending scores.
Scores for both ACT and SAT are typically available 2–4 weeks after the test. You can find your scores through your online account created during registration.
Once you have your scores, reevaluate whether to retake the test(s), apply to colleges, or focus on other aspects of your application. Remember, your scores are just one part of your application!
Parents and guardians, you have a big opportunity to support your student during this stressful time. Here are some tips:
Even small gestures of support can make a big difference in your student’s confidence and performance. I know it meant a lot to me when I was a teen!
Here are some of my favorite tips from Celena from the podcast episode:
For more personalized practice and resources, check out Test Innovators!
You’ve got this! 💙