As a professional tutor, I know that setting your ACT and SAT goal is a crucial step in the journey toward conquering these tests. While numeric goals based on baseline scores and college expectations are vital, it’s equally important to shine a spotlight on performance goals—a facet often overlooked by students.
The Numeric Foundation
Numeric goals are the bedrock of any test preparation strategy. Understanding where you currently stand and having a goal score in mind is essential. Researching the typical scores of students who are currently attending your target schools ensures that your numeric goal is not just a personal benchmark but aligns with the expectations of the institutions you aspire to join. The best place to find this information is by searching for the “Common Data Set” of each school and scrolling down to section C.
In my experience, students who dedicate 65+ hours to study can boost their SAT scores by 150-250 points and ACT scores by 5-6 points. Because of this, you shouldn’t set your SAT goal more than 300 points above your baseline score. For the ACT, keep your goal to no more than a 7-point improvement. You can certainly achieve this by studying on your own with a test prep book or two. However, most students find that the structure of a class or the accountability of regular meetings with a tutor go a long way in keeping them focused over this lengthy task. Also, while these numbers provide a general guideline, of course every student is different.
Beyond Numbers: The Essence of Performance Goals
Performance goals for the SAT and ACT add a dynamic layer to your preparation. Unlike numeric goals, performance goals are actionable steps—concrete actions you can take to enhance your skills and habits. These goals not only contribute to a better test score but also cultivate habits that extend beyond the exam room, which will be invaluable when you get to college.
Examples of Performance Goals
Here are some examples of performance goals that have worked well for some of my students. Keep in mind that they are very specific to each student, but you can use them to generate ideas for yourself. Just pick one or two that resonate with you, and feel free to change the details to get a perfect fit.
- Develop a personalized strategy to combat procrastination during SAT prep. This not only enhances focus but also establishes a lifelong habit of efficient time management.
- Increase awareness of attention lapses during ACT reading and science passages. Develop and implement a personalized strategy to regain focus, a skill transferable to various aspects of academic and professional life.
- Face your fear of fractions by revisiting and practicing basic operations. Break the habit of avoiding fraction-related questions.
- Master the process of solving quadratic equations by factoring. This is a critical skill for a top score on the SAT and ACT, and one that many students give up on way too early. If this sounds like you, make it a goal to research, learn, and practice until you turn this weakness into a strength.
- Develop a personalized strategy to reduce test anxiety and practice it daily. This not only enhances performance under pressure but fosters resilience in handling stressful situations beyond the exam environment. The most common and surprisingly effective anxiety-reducing activity is a simple breathing exercise. However, it only works if you take the time to train yourself to relax whenever you do your chosen breathing pattern.
- Improve accuracy in math by developing a double-checking strategy. Then, whenever you take a practice test, commit to use your strategy for every single question. The easier the question is, the more important it is to double-check. This habit not only ensures more correct answers but instills a meticulous approach that transcends test scenarios.
- Bolster endurance for the lengthy tests by taking monthly full-length practice tests. This commitment not only prepares you for the real exam but also builds cognitive stamina—a valuable asset in any academic or professional pursuit.
The Road to Success
In conclusion, while numeric goals provide a destination, performance goals pave the road to success. By focusing on actionable steps, you not only increase your chances of achieving a stellar test score but also develop habits that will serve you well in the broader landscape of education and life. As you set out toward achieving your ACT and SAT goal, remember: it’s not just about the numbers but the journey of growth and transformation.
Learn more about Heather Krey and the World Class Tutoring Team.
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