It can be very difficult to prepare for college entrance exams like the SAT, ACT, or GRE, especially as the number of applicants increases annually. Staying ahead of the curve for students hoping to be admitted in 2025 requires understanding what works, avoiding typical pitfalls, and utilizing the newest tactics. This thorough guide offers strong tips that can significantly improve your test taking performance and preparation.
1. Understand the Test Structure
Before diving into practice, it’s critical to understand how each test works:
- SAT: Tests reading, writing & language, math (calculator & no calculator), and an optional essay (being phased out in many schools).
- ACT: Includes English, math, reading, science reasoning, and an optional writing section.
- GRE: Has verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
Understanding the structure makes it easier to focus your preparation. The science portion of ACT, for example, focusses more on data interpretation than on unadulterated scientific facts. While the SAT assesses evidence based reading and math fluency, the GRE’s verbal section places more emphasis on contextual vocabulary and critical reading.
2. Start Early – The Sooner, the Better
The simplest and best tip is to begin planning ahead of time. Higher test scores are typically attained by students who start studying six to twelve months in advance. You can identify your areas of weakness, pick up new techniques, and lessen test anxiety by preparing ahead of time.
Set a timeline:
- 12 months out: Take a diagnostic test (SAT/ACT/GRE) to understand your baseline.
- 9 months out: Begin weekly study sessions using books and online resources.
- 6 months out: Enroll in a prep course if necessary, and increase practice test frequency.
- 3 months out: Focus on full length timed tests.
- 1 month out: Review, rest, and avoid learning new material.
3. Choose the Right Test
SAT or ACT? GRE or GMAT? Choose the test that aligns best with your strengths and future plans.
- If you’re stronger in math and logical reasoning, you may find the SAT or GRE more to your liking.
- If you excel in science reasoning and prefer a faster pace, the ACT may be a better fit.
Most graduate programs accept both GRE and GMAT scores, and many colleges accept either SAT or ACT scores. Before choosing which to commit to, think about taking practice versions of each.
4. Use Official Practice Materials
Official practice exams should always come first. The most realistic depiction of what you’ll see on test day is provided by these resources.
- SAT: Use the College Board’s free resources, including Khan Academy.
- ACT: Refer to ACT.org for official practice questions.
- GRE: Use ETS Power Prep tests and official GRE guidebooks.
Although unofficial study guides can be useful, nothing can replace the official one. Create test day conditions by simulating a quiet room, a timer, and a distraction free environment.
5. Master Time Management
There are time restrictions on each of these tests. Effective time management is frequently what sets high achievers apart from the others.
Time Hacks:
- Use the “10 Second Rule”: If you’re stuck for more than 10 seconds, mark it and move on. Come back later.
- Practice with a Timer: Every practice session should include timing. Learn to pace yourself.
- Section Prioritization: Answer easy questions first, then return to tougher ones.
Many students run out of time not because they lack knowledge, but because they mismanage the clock.
6. Build a Personalized Vocabulary Bank
- This is particularly important for the verbal portions of the SAT and GRE. Create a vocabulary journal right away:
- Use flashcards (physical or apps like Quizlet).
- Include roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
- Practice using new words in sentences.
Learning vocabulary in context is far more effective than rote memorization.
7. Target Your Weakest Areas
Another test prep tip is to concentrate your efforts where they will have the biggest impact. Examine your performance following each practice test:
- What section did you perform worst in?
- What types of questions tripped you up?
- Were there recurring mistakes?
Make adjustments to your study strategy based on this information. Spend more time each week on maths if it’s your weak subject. Practice question prediction and skimming techniques if you have trouble understanding what you read.
8. Take Care of Your Brain and Body
It’s simple to underestimate the mental and physical toll that rigorous test preparation takes. However, your brain and body are linked, so neglecting one can have an impact on the other.
Smart Hacks:
- Sleep 7–8 hours: Cognitive function drops sharply with sleep deprivation.
- Eat brain foods: Blueberries, fish, nuts, and green leafy vegetables help concentration.
- Stay hydrated: Even slight dehydration can cause a 10% dip in focus.
- Additionally, remember to take regular breaks. For test preparation, the Commodore Technique—25 minutes of concentrated work followed by a 5 minute break works well.
9. Leverage Test Taking Strategies
Each test has its quirks. Knowing test specific strategies can give you the edge.
SAT/ACT Hacks:
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers before guessing.
- On the SAT, there’s no penalty for wrong answers—so always guess.
- For reading sections, read questions before the passage to know what to look for.
GRE Hacks:
- In the verbal section, look for transition words that hint at correct answers.
- On quantitative sections, plug in answer choices if you’re stuck.
The goal is to not only be accurate but also efficient.
10. Simulate the Real Test Day
Perform at least two comprehensive simulations in a test like setting a week or two prior to the actual test:
- Sit at a desk.
- Time each section exactly.
- Use only permitted tools (calculator, pencils, etc.).
This experience reduces anxiety and helps you build stamina for the actual exam.
11. Consider Super scoring and Score Choice Options
Some universities combine your best test results from various dates as part of their super score policy. You can choose which scores to send with others that offer Score Choice.
Examine the policies of the schools you are targeting and make use of them. Super scoring can greatly improve your composite if you had a great reading score on one SAT attempt but a better math score on another.
12. Get Expert Help When Needed
If self study isn’t cutting it, don’t hesitate to get support:
- Join online forums like r/SAT or r/GRE on Reddit.
- Hire a tutor or join a group class.
- Watch YouTube lessons from top test prep instructors.
There’s no shame in needing guidance—smart students use every tool available.
For official resources, visit the College Board SAT page and the ETS GRE portal.