Rachael Eidsmoe, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis, took the ACT exam once and the SAT twice before applying to several colleges.

"I don't think they are a good reflection of how I actually work as a student," said Eidsmoe, 18. "For me, the ACT was more stressful. I did not enjoy the science section at all. The SAT is definitely geared to my type of thinking."

This is the time of year when many high school juniors are in the process of preparing for their college entrance exams. The ACT will be administered three times before the end of the school year (February, April and June) and the main SAT test will be given March 10, with individual subject tests, including foreign languages, history and literature, scheduled for May and June.

Both the ACT and SAT are about 3 1/2 hours long and cover math and reading. The SAT includes an essay; the ACT -- which includes a science section -- has an optional essay.

No matter which test a student chooses to take -- dependent on where they apply to college -- preparation is key. Several metro area high schools offer the online Naviance program resource to students, which provides full-length, timed standardized practice tests, including feedback on their answers. Local libraries, school guidance offices and bookstores also carry a wide variety of test-prep guides.

"It's important for kids to become familiar with the format of the questions," said Jackie Mosconi, a counselor at South High School. "Practice tests really help kids know what to expect."

Practice makes perfect

Some students also enroll in ACT/SAT test preparation classes, through community education programs, private companies or with tutors. Mosconi advises her students to prepare on their own for their first go-round and then consider a class before their next try. Most students typically sit for the exams three times in hopes of raising their scores, which can be a factor in obtaining scholarship money or gaining acceptance to a college.

"The average increase in test scores after a prep program is two points, and that can make a difference if your first score is an 18," she said. ACT scores range from 18 to 36; SAT, from 600 to 2400.

Parents can help their students get ready for the Saturday morning test by encouraging them to get a good night's sleep the night before and serving them a protein-rich breakfast before they leave. Make sure they arrive in plenty of time to their testing site and remind them to bring identification and other required documents.

"I suggest to students that they should try using some deep breathing techniques before starting the test," said Mosconi. "A bottle of water and some peppermints can also help them focus."

Keep a perspective

Anne Erickson, career and college coordinator for AchieveMpls at South High, tells students not to be too hard on themselves if they leave the testing site feeling like they haven't performed well.

"Some students simply have a bad test day," she said. "But sometimes, they think they've done worse than they actually have, so I always tell them to just wait and see."

Both Erickson and Mosconi strongly believe the ACT and SAT tests are just one part of a student's overall story when it comes to filling out a college application.

"Students need to know they are a lot more than their test score and grade-point average," said Erickson.

Mosconi agreed. "The types of classes they take, their school and community involvement, and other factors are all important. A standardized test is just one piece of the overall picture."

Now that the ACT and SAT tests are behind her, Eidsmoe can offer this advice for current high school juniors.

"Definitely study a lot. Take the prep tests in advance and make sure to get sleep the night before," she said. "And don't let the time freak you out. Pace yourself so you can finish."

Julie Pfitzinger is a West St. Paul freelance writer.

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