Every year students in high school prepare to take the SAT or ACT and for most it is a very stressful time of the school year. Whether you start your studying months in advance or leave yourself little time to study, anyone could use a guide to help them prepare.

Studying is an essential part in your preparation for the SAT and there are many resources provided by the school and other sites. On FISD’s website you can find multiple resources that can tell you the dates of testing and give links to resources to help you. On the Frisco High School homepage in the top right corner you can click on Counselors and then make your way to the Counselors Corner. In the Counselors Corner, you can click on a link that will give you information about the ACT and SAT. This includes testing dates, registration links, and helpful links to help you choose between taking the ACT or SAT. Contacting your counselor and asking them for information is another good way to prepare. Resources like Khan Academy and College Board have full length SAT practice tests. Using simple studying techniques can also greatly impact your progress in a positive way when studying for these tests. Doing things like setting time aside in your schedule only for studying, doing consistent reviews, and trying to teach some of the material to someone else. These are all tips that can help you when studying for the SATs.

Once the day of the SAT comes the preparation isn’t done. Many students aren’t sure what materials to bring or what is or isn’t allowed in the testing rooms. When asked what students most frequently bring that isn’t allowed in Mrs. Rutherford, a counselor a FHS answered, “Students sometimes bring their cell phones, unauthorized calculators and watches.” When getting ready the day of the SAT or ACT it is very important to remember to check whether or not you are bringing approved items. If you do not have an approved calculator that you own remember that testing sites will provide one for you during the portion of the test that requires it. And for the morning of testing there are always a few things you can remember to do according to Mrs. Rutherford, “Get a good nights sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, remember to leave ample travel time for yourself to not feel rushed, and lay out the items that you are going to need the night before.” These are all very simple tasks that can make taking the SAT or ACT less stressful.

Follow these tips in preparation for the SAT, ACT, or any big upcoming test you have so you can do your best on the test!