Apex Test Prep Tutor

Is your student planning to take the ACT in October or December?

If so, finding online practice can be a challenge.

I am pleased to offer 8 online practice tests* that can be customized to include or exclude the science section or for any time accommodations.

If you'd like more details, including pricing, for these tests for your student, please contact me at [email protected]
*(not affliated with or endorsed by ACT.org)

December can be a great time for current sophomores and juniors to get a baseline score for SAT or ACT. Many students have time at that point in the semester between Thanksgiving and the winter break to fit in some test prep time.

Here are the December test dates:

SAT Test Date: December 5, 2026
Regular Registration Deadline: November 20, 2026

ACT Test Date: December 12, 2026
Regular Registration Deadline: November 6, 2026

Khan Academy is a great place to start the prep. The site has free SAT prep, which is a great place for new testers to start. While there is no dedicated ACT prep on Khan Academy, the SAT materials plus the science curriculum on Khan Academy is useful for the ACT science section.

https://www.khanacademy.org/sat

Khan Academy

The best test (ACT or SAT) is the one that fits the student’s habits:

The ACT vs SAT for high school students decision should start with evidence, not rumors. One student’s “easier test” may be another student’s worst fit.

Start with two timed practice tests. Compare the scores, pacing, mistakes, and stress level. Then choose one test and build a focused prep plan around it.

A strong choice is not always the test with the most familiar name. It is the test that gives the student the best chance to show what they know, stay calm, and finish strong.

Did you know Apex Test Prep tutor offers online practice tests for both SAT and ACT*? Contact me today to find out how the timed tests I offer can help you determine the best test for your student.



*Not affliated with or endorsed by the College Board or ACT.org.

ACT vs. SAT General Recommendations Based on Student Strengths

The SAT may be the better fit for a student who:

Reads carefully but not especially fast

Prefers shorter passages

Likes algebra and data-based math

Wants more time per question

Gets overwhelmed by rapid section pacing

The ACT may be the better fit for a student who:

Reads quickly and accurately

Handles time pressure well

Has strong grammar skills

Knows a wide range of math topics

Feels comfortable reading charts and experiment summaries

For many students, the first practice test does not tell the whole story. A student might score slightly higher on one test but feel much better about preparing for the other. That matters. Confidence can lead to steadier practice, and steady practice usually leads to better results.

Which Test is Best - SAT vs. ACT?

The best test is the one that fits the student’s skills and test approach. This means that the decision is not the same for each student.

The ACT vs SAT decision should start with evidence, not rumors. One student’s “easier test” may be another student’s worst fit.

A strong choice is not always the test with the most familiar name. It is the test that gives the student the best chance to show what they know, stay calm, and finish strong.

Start with two timed practice tests. Compare the scores, pacing, mistakes, and stress level. Then choose one test and build a focused prep plan around it.

To get a baseline score for your student, contact me at [email protected] to find out how to purchase SAT and ACT practice tests so you and your student can see which test will be right for them.

Is your student planning to take the ACT in September, October or December?

If so, finding online practice can be a challenge. I am pleased to offer 8 online practice tests* that can be customized to include or exclude the science section or for any time accommodations.

If you'd like more details, including pricing, for these tests for your student, please contact me at [email protected]

*(not affliated with or endorsed by ACT.org)

You've done the prep. Now get some rest.

The best day before exam goal you can help your student achieve today is getting a good night sleep. The SAT tomorrow will take all the brain energy your student has. Help them have a relaxing day/evening followed by plenty of rest.

Good luck to all the SAT testers tomorrow!

With one week to go before the August SAT exam date, it's time to make a test week plan.

1. Complete one final practice test and review your answers to see where you need to do some review, particularly grammar, transitions and math review before Saturday.

2. Collect your review resources - there are many high quality online review materials, including videos, for grammar, transitions and math.

3. Do your review - spending a few minutes each day on the grammar rules, transition meanings and math formulas is a great way to get ready for the exam this week.

4. Build in rest and stress management. - Get mentally and physically ready for test day. Get some extra sleep, eat well, and do activities that refresh you.

5. Plan for exam day - make sure you know where your test site is and how to get there. Have a good breakfast ready.

You've done your prep. Be ready to do your best.

With just weeks to go before the start of the fall SAT/ACT exam dates, now is the time to find the best way to use practice tests to prepare.

Using Practice Tests Effectively

Practice tests are valuable tools but only if used correctly. Here’s how to get the most from them:

Simulate real test conditions. Take practice tests in a quiet space with timed sections and no distractions.

Analyze practice test results. Look for patterns in missed questions or difficult topics.

Review mistakes thoroughly. Understand why an answer was wrong and how to avoid similar errors.

Analyze why the correct answer is correct. Build recognition for why a specific answer is correct.

For instance, after completing a practice test, a student should spend time analyzing each incorrect question to look for how correct answer works and incorrect answers don't, rather than just moving on to the next test. This may be the most effective technique for score improvement.

For additional practice, contact me athttps://www.apexwritingtutor.com/registration-1 to learn more about the online tests I offer (not affliated or endorsed by the College Board or ACT).

For those students preparing for the August 23 or September 12 SAT test dates, now is the time to figure out your time strategy.

Are you going to start with the vocabulary questions or the writing questions? Practice with both strategies and see what works for you.

Some students find that getting the questions they find easier done first helps them focus more on the questions that take more energy and time.

Please remember that you might want to use a different strategy for module 1 vs. module 2.