The Secret to Scoring Higher on Standardized Tests

Ace Academy
Oct 21
7 min read

Updated: Oct 29

Whether you’re preparing for the SAT or the ACT, the stakes are high: admissions, scholarships, future opportunities. The good news? The secret to scoring higher isn’t mystical—it’s methodical. With the right prep, plan, and mindset, dramatic improvement is within reach.

In this post, we’ll guide you through what works—covering how to improve your SAT score by 200 points, choosing digital SAT vs. ACT, mastering top SAT math topics, crafting your SAT study plan, deploying ACT science strategies, and more—while linking to how SAT tutoring, ACT tutoring, online SAT classes, online ACT classes, and structured SAT and ACT test prep programs can make a real difference.

A young woman wearing glasses and a colorful shawl is focused on her laptop while taking notes, sitting in a cozy room with a bookshelf in the background.

1. Set the Stage: Why Smart Preparation Matters

Students who treat standardized tests like major milestones—rather than one-off tasks—consistently outperform those who wing it. A quality SAT prep or ACT prep program (whether offline or online) gives you three big advantages:

Structure: Knowing when and what to study eliminates guesswork.
Strategy: It’s not just about knowing content—it’s about how to take the test.
Feedback: You get data on your weaknesses and a way to track improvement.

If you’re looking for help, comprehensive programs like the Prepaze Academy offer both online and offline options for SAT/ACT preparation. They highlight a “digital SAT/ACT course” with adaptive testing, personalized feedback and full-length practice tests.

2. Digital SAT vs. ACT — Which is Better for You?

One of the first decisions many students face: Should you lean into the SAT (now increasingly digital) or the ACT?

Key Differences

The digital version of the SAT (in the U.S. and international contexts) is shorter (about 2 hrs 14 mins) yet assesses the same content on a 1600-point scale.
The ACT emphasizes a science section, somewhat different pacing, and overall slightly different question types.

How to Choose

Here’s a quick decision-tree:

If you’re strong in reading/writing and algebraic/quantitative reasoning, SAT might suit you.
If you’re comfortable with science interpretation and fast reading, consider ACT.
Take a practice test of both. See where you perform better and factor in comfort and timing.
Think about availability in your region and how comfortable you are with new formats (digital SAT).

How Prep Courses Help

Whether you choose an SAT prep course USA or an ACT prep course USA, structured programs help you adapt to test format, timing, and question style—giving you the confidence to perform.

3. How to Improve Your SAT Score By 200 Points

Many students aim for a 50- or 100-point improvement. What about 200? Here’s how to approach it.

Step 1: Diagnose your Starting Point

Take a full-length diagnostic test under timed conditions. Identify exactly which question types you struggle with (e.g., SAT math topics like data analysis, advanced algebra, or SAT reading passages).

Step 2: Focus on Weaknesses

A bulk of your gains come from improving weak areas—not just polishing strengths. If you’re weak in “passport to advanced math” (an SAT math topic), allocate more time there.

Step 3: Build a Realistic Study Plan

Consistency beats cramming. Create a schedule (see next section).

Step 4: Use Full-Length Practice Tests

Simulate test day. Build stamina. Measure improvement.

Step 5: Track Progress & Adjust

Every 2-3 weeks, take a timed mini-test, track your progress. If you’re not improving by 10-15 points per mini-test, revise your methods.

Step 6: Leverage Expert Tutoring

Engaging a skilled SAT tutor helps you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate improvement. The right tutor can help push you toward that 200-point gain.

4. Top SAT Math Topics You Must Master

In the realm of SAT (and likewise applicable for ACT quantitative reasoning), certain topics recur again and again. By mastering them you’ll give yourself a strong advantage. Key topics for SAT math include:

Heart of Algebra (linear equations, systems)
Passport to Advanced Math (quadratics, functions)
Problem Solving & Data Analysis (ratios, percentages, statistics)
Geometry & Trigonometry (angles, circles, triangles)
Complex Numbers and Additional Topics (for higher levels)

If you’re working with SAT math tutoring USA or online SAT classes, make sure your tutor or course covers each of these areas and gives you multiple question types. Structured programs draw upon these topics to maximize impact.

Tips for Mastery

Create topic-by-topic drills: e.g., focus 2 weeks on algebraic functions, next 2 on data analysis.
Learn the “why” behind solutions — don’t just memorize.
Time yourself on each problem type and gradually reduce time allowed.
One of the biggest payoff areas: Data analysis & statistics — many students overlook it.

5. SAT Reading Tips for Better Scores

The reading section often troubles students more than math because the strategy is less intuitive. Here are top tips:

Preview the passage: Read the opening and closing paragraphs quickly, then skim the middle — gives you context.
Look for evidence: Many questions on SAT reading ask for “what best supports…” or “which line…”; mark the lines as you read.
Practice mixed passages: Literature, science, history/social science — become comfortable with all types. Courses labelled as SAT test prep programs often include mixed passage practice.
Eliminate aggressively: Time is limited. If a passage feels extremely complex, skip a few minutes and return if you can.
Vocabulary in context: On the SAT the “words in context” questions matter — don’t just memorize lists; train to infer meaning from the sentence.
Keep pace: Aim for about 12–14 minutes per passage (for 10 questions) in practice, then reduce as you improve.

6. How to Create an SAT Study Plan

A strong structure often makes the difference between average and outstanding. Here’s how to build one:

Step A: Set your score goal

Based on your diagnostic, decide your target (e.g., raise by 200 points).

Step B: Map backwards from test day

If your test is 12 weeks away:

Weeks 1-4: review basics, DIY diagnostics.
Weeks 5-8: focused topic blocks (math topics, reading blocks).
Weeks 9-12: full-length tests every 1–2 weeks, review, refine.

Step C: Weekly schedule

3–4 study sessions per week (60–90 minutes each).
One session devoted to practice tests or timed sections.
Track progress and adjust.

Step D: Build in rest and review days

Optimal learning = consistent + rest.

Step E: Choose your support

Whether you opt for online SAT classes or SAT tutoring, allocate those resources early. An online class or tutoring schedule should slot into your weekly plan.

Step F: Feedback checkpoint

Every 2–3 weeks, review scores, check where you’re stagnating, adjust.

7. ACT Science Strategies for Success

If you’re prepping for the ACT, the science section is a unique beast. Don’t worry — you don’t need to be a science major to conquer it. Use these strategies:

Treat it like data interpretation: Charts, graphs, research summaries dominate. Many questions ask for “which experiment result supports…”
Skim passages strategically: Read the intro and look at graphs/figures first; then answer questions.
Ignore heavy content details: The ACT science section rarely tests deep science knowledge; focus on interpretation.
Use timing strategy: You have ~35 minutes for 40 questions. Practice timed sets.
Combine with ACT English tutoring near me / local peer-group sessions: Strengthening one section often benefits overall confidence and mindset.

8. The Role of SAT / ACT Test Prep Programs

Investing in a comprehensive program—whether it’s an SAT prep course USA or an online ACT prep for high school students—offers structure, accountability, and expert support.Examples:

A full-scale program will cover reading, writing, math, and (for ACT) science.
Online options offer flexibility for remote learners.
Local or in-person tutoring (e.g., SAT tutoring Dublin CA, ACT tutoring Morrisville NC, SAT prep Apex NC) connect you with coaches and peer accountability.
Programs featuring analytics help you track improvement, highlight weak areas, and tailor your study plan accordingly.

Programs like Prepaze highlight the value of adaptive testing and full-length practice simulations for students preparing for the digital SAT.

9. How Prepaze Students Improved Their Test Scores

Real-life outcomes build credibility. While specific student names might be confidential, here’s what we can glean from programs like Prepaze Academy:

They deliver adaptive testing platforms for the digital SAT, helping students face realistic exam conditions.
Students report improved performance in both mathematics and English after targeted tutoring: “Before attending classes … I struggled with English and Math. Now… I feel comfortable with both.”
The personalization of tutoring (online or in-person) allows students to improve where they’re weakest, rather than wasting time on what they already know.

When you position your brand or offering around “SAT score improvement programs” or “SAT and ACT test prep programs” and provide concrete stories or testimonials, you resonate with aspirational students and parents.

10. Best Practices for Online SAT/ACT Classes

For many students today, online options are preferable: flexibility, access, recorded sessions, and sometimes lower cost. If you’re offering or recommending online SAT classes or online ACT classes, keep these best practices in mind:

Live interaction + Q&A: Ensure tutors respond to questions and clarify live.
Recorded sessions: Students should be able to revisit lessons.
Full-length practice tests included: Simulate the actual test environment.
Adaptive diagnostic tools: Identify weaknesses and track improvement (as seen in the digital SAT offering).
Flexible scheduling: Especially helpful for high school students with busy calendars.
Supplemental materials: Worksheets, drills, and extra practice in key topics (e.g., top SAT math topics you must master).
Community or peer-group: Studying with others often improves motivation.

11. Final Thoughts & Your First Step

If you’re serious about scoring higher on standardized tests, here’s your first step:

Choose your target test (SAT vs. ACT) by taking quick diagnostics of both.
Set your realistic improvement goal (e.g., “I want to improve by 200 points on the SAT”).
Build your study plan (as described above).
Decide on your support system: Are you going to opt for SAT tutoring, ACT tutoring, online SAT prep USA, or local in-person sessions?
Enroll in a program that offers strong structure, strategy, personalized feedback (look for “SAT score improvement programs” or “ACT prep course USA”).
Begin your schedule, take frequent practice tests, track your progress, adjust your plan, and maintain consistency.

Every student who scored significantly higher didn’t necessarily study 10 hours a day—they studied smarter. They focused on their weaknesses, took real practice tests, and leveraged expert support to guide them.

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