10th Grade Guide: How to Study for the SAT®/ACT® Tests

You only have three years left before you head off to college! Now is the time when you’ll want to ramp up your test prep activities by following smart testing tips for 10th graders. Even if you took the PSAT 8/9 test last year, you’ll want to take additional practice tests this year, as well. Your sophomore year will fly by faster than you might think, so begin developing a plan right away.

College Admissions Testing Tips for 10th Graders

1. Begin researching colleges and score ranges

There are thousands of postsecondary institutions in the U.S. alone, so how can you go about narrowing that down to a manageable list? The easiest way to start is to focus on yourself, rather than on the college. Consider what your career interests are and what you hope to get out of your college experience. Some factors include:

Size – Do you prefer a small, close-knit campus or a large school?
Academic programs – Choose one to three academic fields that you’re passionate about and look for schools with strong programs in those areas.
Cost – What’s your budget like? How are you paying for college?
Location – Do you want to stick close to home or do you have an adventurous spirit?

Those are the primary factors to consider, but you’ll also want to think about sports (Are you a Division 1, 2, or 3 athlete or an avid fan?), the social scene, extracurriculars, and the school’s reputation. Some additional factors may come into play for certain individuals. For example, if you have an interest in joining a sorority or fraternity, you’ll find the college experience to be far more enjoyable if you choose a school that has a vibrant Greek Life with lots of organizations to choose from and clear paths to get involved.

Once you’ve reflected on your priorities, you can begin developing a list of schools you’re interested in. The next step is to research the test score ranges for those colleges. You can find the score ranges listed on the schools’ website or Common Data Set file for the most recent year. By identifying the score ranges for your target schools, you’ll have a better idea of the score range you’ll want to achieve.

2. Become more familiar with common types of SAT® and ACT® test questions

Long before you sit down to take the SAT and ACT tests, you’ll want to become familiar with the types of questions you’ll find on them. There are too many types of questions to list in this blog, but here’s a snapshot:

Inference questions – Make a logical conclusion based on provided details.
Big picture questions – Identify the main purpose or point of view of a passage.
Context questions – Define a word in its context.
Data reasoning questions – Interpret provided data.

In addition, you’ll also answer questions about algebra, complex equations, geometry, and trigonometry. On the ACT test, you’ll also answer science-related questions. It’s also important to note that big changes are coming to the SAT and PSAT tests in the fall of 2023.

3. Improve your study habits and time management skills

In many schools, students are told what to study, but they aren’t necessarily taught how to study. The sophomore year is a good time to work on improving your study habits and time management skills, as you’ll need to increase the intensity and total time of your study sessions leading up to the ACT and SAT tests.

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution regarding study habits, as different students learn best in different ways. It’s a good idea to try a few different techniques to find what works best for you. For instance, you could try flashcards, study groups, and rephrasing or rewriting the material in your own words to see if you truly understand it.

Time management is also an important skill that you can improve upon. Getting better at time management doesn’t mean you have to stick your nose in a book for eight hours straight. (In fact, students usually learn better in shorter sessions.) Rather, good time management involves making the most of the time you have. Work on eliminating distractions during your study sessions and staying focused on the task at hand.

4. Increase the amount of time you spend preparing for tests

The amount of study time you dedicate each week for the ACT and SAT tests will depend on your answers to a few key questions, including:

What is your baseline score?
What is your target score range?
When are you taking the tests?
How much study time will your schedule allow?

In 10th grade, it’s generally a good idea to increase the amount of time you spend working through your online test prep program. Some students might benefit from adding another hour per week, while others may need more. It really depends on your individual factors. You know yourself best, so consider where you currently are academically speaking, and where you’d like to be to determine what your ideal study schedule should be.

If you are currently enrolled in a test prep program like KD’s Complete Program, ask an experienced advisor for a recommendation that’s unique to your goals.

5. Take practice tests and attend test reviews

Of all the testing tips for 10th graders, this is among the most impactful. Long before you sit down to take an official practice test like the PSAT 10 test, you should begin taking practice tests online. (If you’re in a test prep program, you’ll have access to plenty of practice tests.) Taking a practice test is a highly effective way to prepare for the real deal as long as you continue to learn how to improve in challenging areas of the tests.

You can time yourself to simulate the testing environment, which will enable you to determine if you need to speed up your pace. You’ll gain valuable practice answering questions, and a review of your tests will let you know which areas you need to focus more on in your study sessions. You should not be simply testing over and over again with no reviews. Learning from and correcting your mistakes is a critical step in the process.

6. Improve your reading speed

Start by taking a timed practice test to determine how crunched for time you feel during each section. If you feel like you didn’t have enough time, you’ll need to work on improving your reading speed. Try these general tips:

Read! Daily reading—especially college-level historical documents, American literature, or analytical materials—can help you improve your reading speed for similar passages found on the tests.
Improve your vocabulary so that difficult words don’t trip you up.
Find a happy medium between skimming and deep reading.
Learn how to stay engaged while reading the passage—even if you don’t find the subject matter particularly interesting.

For more guidance, read about how to improve reading scores on admissions tests.

7. Take the PSAT 10 test

You’ll take the PSAT 10 test in the spring of your sophomore year, if it offered by your school district. Even if you took the PSAT 8/9 test, you should also plan on taking the PSAT 10 test. Not only can it help you identify problem areas ahead of the SAT test, but it can also provide insights as to which Advanced Placement (AP) classes you may do well in. Plus, it provides great practice for the PSAT/NMSQT test, which you’ll take as a junior. Additionally, you can choose to opt into the Student Search Service, which can connect you to scholarship and college opportunities.

To find out how to sign up for the PSAT 10 test, contact your high school counselor.

8. Take the PreACT test (if available)

Much like the PSAT test, the ACT test also offers a practice version for students. The PreACT test is a practice version that allows you to assess what your ACT test score is likely to be. You’ll be able to identify your problem areas so you know what to focus on in your study sessions leading up to the ACT test. In addition, doing well on the PreACT test might enable you to qualify for certain scholarships.

Some schools will administer the PreAct test during the school year. Ask your guidance counselor when your school’s test date will be. The PreACT test is typically administered during the school day. It consists of four timed sections:

Math
English
Reading
Science

The highest possible score for the PreACT test is 35. Keep in mind that not every school will offer the PreACT test, so it’s important to inquire about it by contacting your high school counselor.

9. Plan when to take the SAT and ACT tests for the first time

No guide on testing tips for 10th graders would be complete without a look at test scheduling. At this point in your high school journey, it’s possible to take the SAT and ACT tests as soon as the next available testing date. However, it may not necessarily be advisable.

At KD College Prep, we generally recommend students finish testing by the end of 11th grade. The tests are given multiple times each year, so build a testing plan that includes at least two attempts. Plan ahead to select your test dates and make a note of the registration deadlines.

Should you take the ACT or SAT tests as a 10th grader?

Yes. In fact, you can take both tests as early as 8th grade. However, we do strongly recommend that you wait until 11th grade. These tests will evaluate advanced concepts that you’ll continue to learn throughout 10th grade and 11th grade. This means that if you take the tests too early, you may be tested on material you haven’t learned yet.

What should I be doing in 10th grade to prepare for college?

In addition to following these testing tips for 10th graders, there are a number of other steps you can take to get ready for college. Sign up for challenging courses that align with your career interests, and be sure to keep your grades up. Continue participating in extracurriculars, particularly those that enable you to step into a leadership role. Volunteer for an organization with a charitable cause that you’re passionate about. Lastly, discuss your future with your parents, your guidance counselor, and work on building relationships with your teachers (they may write letters of reference for you).

Should I start preparing for the ACT or SAT test in 10th grade?

If you haven’t yet started preparing for the SAT and ACT tests, you should definitely begin doing so right away. However, it’s best to begin preparing at least by 9th grade. We even offer prep programs for high-performing 7th and 8th graders, who want to be challenged by advanced curriculum.

What is a good test score for a 10th grader?

College Board establishes benchmarks by grade level. If you meet or exceed those benchmarks, you are considered on track to be college-ready. In 10th grade, the benchmarks are as follows:

Evidence-based reading and writing: 430-760
Math: 480-760

Not to worry if you fall below those benchmarks at this point. You still have plenty of time to prepare to take the test again in 11th grade.

ACT, Inc. doesn’t release percentile’s by grade level, but here is an overview of ACT score percentiles.

When should 10th graders take the PSAT test?

You can take the PSAT 10 test in the spring of your sophomore year. Note that the PSAT 10 test is not the same as the PSAT/NMSQT test. You should take the latter test during your junior year to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.

Is the PSAT/NMSQT test harder than the PSAT 10 test?

Yes, the PSAT/NMSQT test is designed for juniors, whereas the PSAT 10 test is designed for sophomores. The tests have some slight differences, but the College Board website states that they have the same level of difficulty.

Why should students take the PreACT test?

The PreACT test is similar to the PSAT test in that you can treat it like a practice test. It’s a little easier and shorter than the ACT test, with no essay section. It’s always a good idea for 10th graders to take the PreACT test for the following reasons:

You’ll be able to assess your readiness to take the ACT test.
You’ll identify your problem areas ahead of the ACT test.
You’ll get suggestions for career possibilities based on your answers to the Interest Inventory section.

Do colleges look at the PreACT test?

The PreACT test is generally used as a practice test. It can help you assess your readiness for the ACT test. It’s not necessary to share your PreACT test score with colleges. However, you might choose to do so if you wish, and you can even share your score with scholarship organizations. Sharing your score may open the door to scholarship opportunities and college recruitment.

Need help preparing for admissions tests?

These testing tips for 10th graders can help you prepare for the SAT and ACT tests, but you don’t have to prep on your own. With KD College Prep, you can gain access to comprehensive test prep programs designed for a range of grade levels, including the Complete Program for 10th Grade and one-on-one tutoring. Contact us today to request a free consultation.

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Sri Vamsi Krishna Putti – Class of 2023, Frisco ISD

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Tanisha P. – Class of 2020

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Claudia A. – Class of 2020

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of learning easier. I think that after you started going to a good amount of classes and the workshops, you knew every teacher, and they were always available to answer any questions that you had...Everyone was just so welcoming and made learning more engaging for the students, especially with the workshops. All of had their own unique style of teaching which never made a class boring.”

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Rishab P. – Class of 2021

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David P. – Class of 2022

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Gloria D. – Daughter, Class of 2021

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I have finished college applications, and I would love to thank all the teachers and aides at KD for giving me the score that I got on the test. Without the extra practice, I wouldn't have been able to get through to the score I got. These past 3 years went by so fast, and it is so fun to look back at where I started and how much I have come out with flying colors. Thank you so much!”

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Kareena A. – Class of 2021

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were very helpful, and the individualized assistance I received from teachers were what really supported my learning. Special thanks to Ms. Barwick and Mr. Hoffman!”

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were... Read more...

Advika R. – Class of 2022

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in class. In conjunction, those two things helped me raise my score a lot because I was not a math kid before KD or high school. The repetition and being able to practice in a non-stressful environment and simulating that testing experience is something that was very beneficial for me... “The college counseling team was super patient and honest about the work I was submitting. I know for a lot of kids, it’s hard to articulate who you are through 250-300 words. It was definitely... Read more...

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in... Read more...

Blaine W. – Class of 2021

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a rising junior at the University of Miami, and my youngest son is an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt University. Steve’s help in navigating the complicated college landscape and finding the BEST FIT for my two sons is what has made this resource invaluable. “What made the biggest difference for my two sons was the depth and breadth of knowledge Steve has of the many universities and colleges in the U.S. First, by getting to know my kids on a one-on-one basis, he was able to... Read more...

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a... Read more...

Julio M. – Parent

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Beth L. – Advanced Start™ Parent

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got a 1530 on the December 5th SAT test. KD played a huge role in this, and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone there for helping me achieve this.”

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got... Read more...

Vyom S. – Class of 2022

"Our twin 16-year-old boys used KD College Prep to study/practice for the PSAT test, and we believe the classes and coaching were invaluable. Very professional and concise. Worth every penny!"

Jerry – Sons, Class of 2022

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests (1520, 1580, and 34). I really appreciate everyone's willingness to be flexible and accommodate my requests!”

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT,... Read more...

Mithra A. – Class of 2022

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test (third time) and a 35 on my ACT® test (first time). I remember the first ever practice test I took for the SAT test was a 1230 (about 1.5 yrs ago) and the first ever practice test I took for the ACT test was a 31 or 32 (about 6 months ago)."

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test... Read more...

Elise P. – Class of 2022

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents very informative and helpful during the process as well. My son (Jacob) graduated in 2018 and got a 32 on the ACT test. got accepted into Texas A&M but chose Baylor for Health Sciences. My daughter (Morgan) graduated in 2020 and got a 1450 on the SAT test and a 32 on the ACT test. got into an Ivy League school (Cornell) for Engineering. Both my kids say that they apply the test taking skills they learned at KD Prep to... Read more...

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents... Read more...

Jon D. – Parent

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard and other schools, but I've really started to immerse into the Emory culture, especially their debate team. Not having to pay for college and still attend a private institution is really a dream come true, and it wouldn't be possible if it were not for you.”

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard... Read more...

Shreyas R. – Class of 2020

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a good school will help me find my path. Also, Steve's knowledge about what colleges were wanting to see in potential admissions candidates was a huge help... “There was not one specific beneficial moment or turning point in my time working with Steve, there were many. He encouraged me during the entire application process and brought to my attention many colleges I wouldn't have considered or heard about without his help.”

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a... Read more...

Jake W. – Class of 2020

"I'm very happy my daughter chose KD as her learning partner to achieve her goals. All the experiences with KD and the Directors there are fabulous. My daughter has improved significantly."

Zarni, Daughter – Class of 2021

"I took KD classes the summer before my junior year, and I was finished with my SAT^® test by December...The test prep classes also helped me earn the award of National Merit^® Finalist."

Claire I. – Class of 2020

"It's been super helpful, and I've noticed my scores go up both on my SAT^®/ACT^® scores as well as test scores in school... Overall, I believe this to be the best college prep that money can buy."

Gopi C. – Class of 2021

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made sure that I would be successful in whichever college I picked, and I am eternally grateful for all their help and hard work!"

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made... Read more...

Omar S. – Class of 2020

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by far the most concerned about. I didn’t know how exactly I should go about choosing which places to apply to and if I were to be accepted, if they would fit me. The team did a wonderful job considering my likes and dislikes and helped me compile a list of colleges that suited my tastes and would further my academic career. "After this integral first step, my focus turned towards time management and writing quality essays that would stand out to colleges. I got... Read more...

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by... Read more...

Nina H. – Class of 2020

"I was thankful for all the help I received from KD in preparing for my SAT^® and ACT^® exams. The workshops they offered, as well as the practice exams, gave me the tools I needed to do my very best."

Morgan D. – Class of 2020

"KDCP is a must for students wanting to stay a step ahead of the game for getting into college. My son has gained huge insight from the ACT^®/SAT^® practice workshops, practice tests, and essay class."

Tiffany – Son, Class of 2021

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students wanting an edge on their national test scores!"

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students... Read more...

Daniel J. – Class of 2020

"Not only have I been able to significantly improve my test scores, I have learned a tremendous amount of information about the college application process due to complimentary events that KD offers."

Sam H. – Class of 2020

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the help from amazing teachers and staff. I am so grateful for KD!"

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the... Read more...

Matt K. – Class of 2020

"I started classes at KD the summer before 9th grade. I...made a perfect score on the PSAT (earning the National Merit^® scholarship) and, after taking the SAT^® test only once (a relief!), scored a 1590/1600."

Thomas D. – Class of 2019

"In just one year, I was able to raise my score by 300 points and get into my dream school."

Piper F. – Class of 2020

"Having our recent GHS graduate attend KD was life changing. It provided our son with choices and opportunities that he might not have had otherwise."

Kathy – Son attends Mizzou

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure out a personal plan that would work for her and were always available for our questions and helping her reach her goals. Every employee from the managers to the students working at their locations are top notch.”

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure... Read more...

Tracy – Daughter, Class of 2020

"The KD College Prep course not only provided test practice but also motivated her to work hard for her college applications. It gave her the confidence to dream big!"

Prema – Daughter attends Rice

10th Grade Guide: How to Prepare for the SAT®/ACT® Tests