The 5 Most Common SAT/ACT Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Preparing for the SAT or ACT can be a challenging journey, and even the best-prepared students can fall into common traps. From timing issues to careless errors, these mistakes can stand between you and your best possible score. Here are the five most common SAT/ACT mistakes and, more importantly, how you can avoid them to maximize your score on test day.
1. Rushing Through Easy Questions
One of the most common mistakes students make is rushing through questions they perceive as "easy." While it might seem smart to speed through easier questions, this can lead to careless mistakes that cost valuable points. Remember, every question on the SAT and ACT is worth the same amount, so it’s important to get as many right as possible – especially the easier ones.
How to avoid it: Take your time on easier questions and double-check your answers. Build a habit of slowing down just enough to avoid preventable mistakes without losing valuable time.
2. Not Pacing Yourself
Time management is crucial on the SAT and ACT, and many students make the mistake of spending too much time on difficult questions. This can leave them scrambling to complete the easier questions at the end of the section, resulting in a rushed performance and potentially unanswered questions.
How to avoid it: Practice pacing with timed practice sections, and don’t be afraid to skip difficult questions and come back to them later. Use a watch to keep track of your time, aiming to spend a consistent amount on each question. If you find yourself stuck, move on and return to it if you have time.
3. Reading Too Quickly or Skipping Details
On both the SAT and ACT, reading comprehension passages and math word problems are filled with key details that are easy to overlook. Rushing through reading passages can lead to misinterpretations, while skimming math questions often results in missing critical information. These errors can be costly, as even a small detail can change the meaning or solution.
How to avoid it: Slow down and actively engage with the text. For reading passages, try underlining or mentally noting key details as you go. For math problems, read each question carefully to avoid missing specific instructions or information.
4. Not Using Process of Elimination
Process of elimination is one of the most valuable strategies on both the SAT and ACT, yet many students forget to use it consistently. Rather than guessing blindly or jumping to conclusions, eliminating wrong answers can increase your chances of choosing the correct one, especially on challenging questions.
How to avoid it: Use process of elimination as a habit, especially on multiple-choice questions where more than one answer might seem plausible. Cross out answers that are clearly wrong and then focus on the remaining options. This technique is especially useful for reading and science questions on the ACT, where distractor answers are common.
5. Not Reviewing Practice Tests Effectively
Taking practice tests is essential, but the real improvement happens in the review process. Many students make the mistake of not analyzing their mistakes thoroughly or skipping the review altogether. Simply taking more practice tests without understanding your mistakes won’t necessarily lead to improvement.
How to avoid it: After each practice test, go through each incorrect answer to understand your mistakes. Identify patterns in the types of questions you miss – whether they’re specific math concepts, question types, or timing issues – and focus on these areas in your next study sessions. This will help you build targeted strategies for similar questions on test day.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common mistakes can be the difference between a good score and a great one on the SAT or ACT. By managing your time wisely, reading carefully, and reviewing effectively, you can maximize your performance and approach test day with confidence.
At One Percent Prep, we specialize in helping students master the SAT and ACT with proven strategies and personalized guidance. If you’re looking to avoid these pitfalls and score your best, reach out to us for expert support on your test prep journey!
