Practice tests are an important part of a student’s journey to the ACT or SAT. But, what should students expect from this tool? Below, we outline the practice test process and what students should expect.

The Process

At Private Prep, we typically recommend that students take their first practice test 4–6 weeks after they begin the test prep process. Then, students will continue to take practice tests every 2–3 weeks, ramping up to their first real test. Between the first real test and subsequent tests (many students take 3 or 4 real ACTs or SATs), students continue at that pace. The number and spread of practice runs is individualized to each student.

Why Practice Tests?

In short, practice tests get students prepared for the real thing. When a student walks into a real test, they can feel like they’ve had this experience before and know what to expect. This includes content knowledge and test strategies, but, just as importantly, mindset and mental preparation. Practice tests are an opportunity for a student to try what they’ve been practicing, get a feel for pacing, and see how it feels to test with other students in the room or a proctored timer on the computer.

What to Expect

Because of everything that goes into a practice test, we don’t expect perfection. On the first practice test in particular, a student is trying to put new strategies and content knowledge into place—and it can be overwhelming. Timing and strategies can feel harder to use on practice tests than on homework sections. Even further into the process, every student has off days; so, every practice test score isn’t going to increase. The name of the game is gradual increases over time. So, if a student stays static or decreases on one practice test, their tutor will help them frame that as a learning experience

Have questions about your student’s practice tests or the process in general? Reach out to your director or contact us.