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You’re a week away from your ACT/SAT test and the countdown has begun. While you should have started your prep weeks ago for this exam, the next seven days are important, too. If you haven’t started studying, there’s still time to fit some practice in. Below, we’ve shared two schedules that help you prep for your ACT or SAT test with a week to go, plus some advice on why you should avoid cramming for the exams if possible.
ACT/SAT Week Before Test Prep Schedule
If you’ve been studying for the past few weeks for your ACT or SAT, you’ll have less to tackle in the next seven days.
Day 1: Study
You’ll want to take another practice test this week, so start by studying. Use your previous exams or practice tests as a baseline. Focus on your weaker points. For example, if you struggled in math, take time to review those questions, understand why you got them wrong, and what you can do next time to get them correct.
Day 2: Take a Practice Test
Next, take one last practice test before the real deal. Sit for it as if it was the exam next week. Follow all of the rules, including time limits, breaks, and sticking to one section at a time.
Day 3: Review Your Results and Study
On day 3, review your test results from your practice exam the day before. You’ll want to use your scores from this test to dictate the rest of your study schedule over the next few days. Start reviewing what you got wrong and why before you start to study again.
Day 4: Practice Individual Sections of the SAT/ACT
If you’re having trouble with a section or two of the SAT/ACT, try just taking the exam for that particular section – you don’t have to do the whole three hours. You can then quickly check your answers and practice what you got incorrect.
If you’re having trouble with time management, you might want to retake the entire test or just specifically the sections where you feel pressed for time.
Day 5 & 6: Study
Day 5 and 6 should be study days. Whatever methods work for you – whether that’s flashcards, practice questions, or retaking sections or even the entire test – devote these days to that. Review any last minute materials you may have.
However, don’t go too hard, especially on day 6. You can start cutting back on studying to make sure you get plenty of rest. You don’t want to get burnt out for your upcoming exam.
Day 7: Relax and Prepare for the Next Day
Take day 7 off from studying completely. Use this day to relax and recharge. If you’ve been preparing for weeks, one additional day isn’t going to have an impact, but some time off will.
The night before, have a good meal, lay out comfortable clothes, and gather all of your necessary materials. Plan to wear layers – you can always take off a layer if it’s too hot in the testing room. You’ll also need your admission ticket, photo ID, and snacks. For those taking the paper ACT/SAT, bring an approved calculator and pencils.
Last, be sure to get a good night’s rest!
How To Prepare for the ACT/SAT in a Week
Did you sign up for a last minute ACT or SAT? Forget to study? There are some things you can do in the upcoming week to prepare and get the best score possible, even when you’re in a time crunch.
- Review ACT/SAT material, format, and strategies. If you’re unfamiliar with the ACT or SAT, take this time now to review what’s included on the test and what’s expected of you. Brush up on some test day strategies that you can use during your practice test.
- Take a practice test. Set up a practice test as if you were sitting for the real exam. Eliminate distractions and adhere to the guidelines of the test.
- Review your results and study. On day 3, score your practice test and start reviewing what you got wrong (and why). Identify your weaker areas and devote study time to those.
- Study. Use day 4 to continue studying your results and how to best target your weaknesses.
- Take another practice test. Take another practice exam on day 5 to continue to get familiar with the exam’s format, material, and questions.
- Check results and study. Repeat day 3 on day 6 – review your latest practice exam and study the wrong answers.
- Study and prepare for the next day. Continue studying as much as you can on day 7. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to relax, too. You don’t want to go into the test the next day exhausted. The night before, get everything you need together and get a good night’s rest.
Day of the SAT/ACT
On the morning of the test, eat a healthy breakfast and double check that you have everything with you. Turn off your phone and any watch alarms. Leave smartwatches at home. Head out early in case you run into traffic or other issues – if you arrive late, you likely won’t be able to sit for the SAT/ACT. Good luck!
Why Shouldn’t You Cram for the SAT and ACT?
In general, cramming is never recommended. While you might get extra studying in, that intense focus can lead to burnout and the lack of sleep can make it difficult to think during the test. And while you might be able to get away with cramming for a history test, it simply won’t work for the SAT or ACT.
The material covered on these college entrance exams aren’t things you can memorize. They test your ability to draw on your knowledge, to critically think, and comprehend passages.
It’s best to think about SAT/ACT prep as a marathon rather than a sprint. Even if you’ve signed up for a last minute exam, don’t try to fit it all in one night. Start as soon as you know you’re taking the test.
Even if you’ve prepared over the past few weeks for your SAT or ACT, the last week leading up to your test date can give you the edge you need to achieve your goals. Try to get at least one practice exam in, but be sure to take plenty of breaks and time for yourself. You want to head into the SAT/ACT with a clear mind.
Setting goals for the SAT or ACT makes it easier to achieve them. Knowing what your schools are looking for on these college entrance exams helps you know what to aim for. Check out what your dream college is looking for from students on the SAT or ACT here.