36. Preparing for the ACT/PSAE

There are probably many ways I could prepare to take the ACT and the PSAE. I have not had any experience taking the ACT, as I know many other Juniors have due to prior commitments on the testing days. Even though I have not taken the ACT before, I have taken the PSAT. I do not know exactly how similar the PSAT is to the ACT, but really, are not all standardized testing the same? In theory? Sure they have different questions and different subjects and different formats, but those tests are more about psyching out the test taker and seeing how they can work under that pressure. The tests actually, in my opinion, do not mean as much as the test makers hope or colleges assume. I am generally a fairly good test taker, because I do not let the pressure of the grade get to me or make me nervous. However, I know many people who unlike me, are horrible at taking tests. They freak out and can not remember anything, even if twenty minutes prior, they knew all of the information! Tests can be very very intimidating and can screw over people who would otherwise know all of the information. But, since I am not in charge and I do not get to make the rules, we all have to take those standardized tests. Which means, we should all prepare for the tests as well. I have heard of several different methods, but I think that I do better on tests if I do not cram the night before. If there are a few things I need to go over, then I will. But I do not like to review information over and over again if I already know I know it. So I just plan on taking the ACT prep classes provided at the school and I won't sweat over every little thing the night before, and hopefully I will do well!