What do the letters "SAT" and "ACT" stand for?The answer in each case is nothing. Originally known as the Scholastic Achievement Test, the SAT became an Aptitude Test in 1941 and an Assessment Test in 1990. Finally, in 1994, the name was officially changed to SAT (or, in full, SAT Reasoning Test), with the letters signifying nothing. Two years later, American College Testing followed suit and changed the name of its test to plain old ACT.
How meaningful the tests themselves might be and what they actually measure are subjects of ongoing debate. One thing we do know is that your scores on the SAT or the ACT may determine whether you're admitted to the college of your choice. Another thing we know is that each test includes a timed essay.
Before the Exam
In the weeks leading up to the exam, the most important way to prepare for the essay is to write. "Practice writing different kinds of texts," is the advice offered by the ACT, "for different purposes, with different audiences in mind."In addition, you should visit the ACT and SAT websites to understand what graders will be looking for.
- Tips for Taking the ACT Writing Test
Along with some sensible advice on how to build your writing skills, this ACT page offers a brief guide to planning, writing, and reviewing your essay in the time allowed. Just as useful are the six sample essays, ranging from weakest (an unorganized collection of general statements) to strongest (with "ample, specific and logical" support for all main ideas). - The Essay (SAT)
This SAT page at the College Board website includes some "important reminders" (basically, stay on topic and don't plagiarize). Like the ACT page, it provides a sample prompt with six sample essays. The top-rated essay is said to exhibit "outstanding critical thinking" as well as "clear coherence and smooth progression of ideas."
During the Exam
Composing under pressure (30 minutes for the ACT essay, 25 for the SAT) is probably not on your list of life's pleasures. Still, by the time you reach the testing center, you should be ready to write an effective short essay.To help make sure that you use your limited time wisely, we've prepared a list of Ten Tips for Composing a Successful Essay for the SAT or ACT. The two most important bits of advice may also be the hardest to follow:
- Relax.
When faced with a time limit, you may be tempted to try composing an essay before composing yourself. Resist that temptation. Breathe in, breathe out. Before writing, take a few minutes to read and think about the topic. - Write to Inform, Not Impress.
Write with the goal of showing what you know, not showing off. Don't use "big words" if you're unsure of their meanings. But do use specific words. And remember that lengthy sentences won't impress anyone if your key points are unclear.
Then, when you're done reading, start practicing. And please remember to drop us an e-mail when you're accepted to Yale on a full scholarship.