How to Break Through Test Score “Plateau”: Strategies to Improve on SAT and ACT

Many students find themselves discouraged and frustrated after repeatedly getting the same SAT or ACT score. It is important to recognize this plateau by tracking progress and setting specific goals to push past the stagnation. Here are some effective strategies to break through it and continue improving. 

To start off, ensure that practice involves active studying. Treat practice tests as if they are the real test – time each section and simulate test conditions. After completing practice questions, take the time to review performance thoroughly. Understand the mistakes that were made as well as identify patterns in the mistakes that were made. It is important to understand that these tests are assessing more than just content and test-taking strategies could be contributing to errors.

Improvement comes when students learn from their mistakes. One way to elevate an SAT or ACT score is to focus on targeted practice. By doing the more difficult, less desirable questions, a student can improve their weak point. It is essential to try different approaches to the same types of questions and determine what works best for each individual. Attempt eliminating wrong answers and working backwards, simplify complexities before looking at answer choices, and check for reasonability as well as common mistakes. 

One of the biggest struggles that leads to the testing plateau is student burnout. By taking a short break and re-engaging, it can help re-engage in studying with a fresh mindset and result in more progress. 

Additionally, changing one's approach can be very helpful in getting out of a slump. One example is interval studying. Break up studying into short small intervals of studying with breaks in between. Another approach would be to utilize social learning and seek out a study group. Majority of juniors will be taking the same test and likely feel equally nervous. It might also be helpful to completely change your approach and take the alternate test. If unsuccessful with SAT then take a practice ACT test and see if it better suits the students strengths. This change in approach can alter mentalities and break the pattern of repeated scores.

Improving SAT or ACT scores can be challenging, and it is essential to understand the content and strategies that can be utilized to overcome weaknesses. The key to overcoming the plateau is not just to study harder but to study smarter. It is essential not to get discouraged and to remain confident throughout the process.