Use sample questions and practice tests to prepare. Parts of the test are different from exams students encounter in the classroom. Take the admission tests more than once. Repeating the tests can reduce stress and might increase scores, especially if some months have elapsed between tests. Rob Herald, director of college placement at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, advises students to take both the SAT and ACT and to take each test twice.
Students sometimes test better on one exam than the other.
Some colleges will accept scores from either test, and some will accept the highest score. Either the ACT or SAT in the spring of the junior year should be taken. A repeat of the ACT or SAT should be taken in the fall of the senior year. Students should use test preparation books with sample questions, provided with registration packets. If a student needs extra preparation, some options are available.