Prepare for the SAT & ACT

College Board SAT Exam

The Scholastic Assessment Test, or SAT, is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States and is administered by the College Board corporation. Students typically take the exam during their junior year of high school. The College Board does not develop or score the test.  This is done by the Educational Testing service. (ETS)

The SAT exam can be an incredibly difficult exam for students. Alongside studying for your regular high school courses, you’re faced with an exam that could determine your future career.

But is the SAT exam really that important? Are SAT scores really that important? Further, is it worth studying for the SAT exam and taking time away from your regular course work?

Here are the reasons why the College Board SAT exam is important, and why it’s worth studying for the test:

1) The SAT gives college admissions offices the opportunity to compare your academic abilities to other applicants. Faced with thousands of applicants each year, admissions offices need an objective way to see how your score fits into their potential student body. The GPA is a fairly objective measure of a student’s abilities, but there’s so much grade variation (and sometimes inflation) from one high school to the next that the SAT still remains the most important metric to compare students.

2) The SAT is a standardized test that assesses three aptitudes: math, reading and writing. Your SAT score reflects your aptitude in these three areas. You’ve most likely already taken high school courses in three sections already. The SAT gives a college a chance to see how you might do in different courses at their school. Perhaps you’re planning on majoring in English. In this case, admissions offices will look to see how you did on the reading and writing sections, compared to how you fared on the math section. And the same goes if you’re planning on becoming an engineer or scientist.

3) The test brings a potential wealth of opportunities with scholarships and financial aid. Faced with two competing applicants for one scholarship or extra grant from a university, the financial aid office is more likely to reward the student who has a higher SAT score. Doing well on your SAT can bring scholarship opportunities and an abundance of extra financial aid.

From its ability to compare certain applicants in an objective way to the scholarship opportunities the exam could bring you, the SAT is an important exam. You should study and be prepared for the exam, as it might just give you a serious edge on your competition.

Ross Blankenship is an admissions expert and the Founder of Top Test Prep. To find out more about the College Board SAT exam Top Test Prep, go to http://toptestprep.com.

The college admission process may seem like it involves a million steps, but one big jump forward is getting your placement tests underway. The SAT and the ACT are the standardized placement tests required by many colleges and universities. Admissions counselors consider your scores from these tests — along with your grades, course load, recommendations, and extracurricular activities — to make admissions decisions.

Wondering why there are two tests and which you’re supposed to take?  Read on for what you need to know.

An early taste
Before you take your actual placement tests, there is an early version of both the SAT and ACT that many students take in their sophomore or junior year of high school. 

The PSAT, offered by the SAT, is a multiple choice test that covers math, critical reading and writing. Your junior year scores may qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program, a potential source for college scholarships.

The PLAN test, offered by the ACT, covers English, mathematics, reading and science. 

The scores from these early tests have no bearing on your future college acceptance. Taking them simply provides you with an introduction to the testing experience and to help you determine if there is an area you’d like to improve upon before sitting down to take the actual test.

The real deal
Colleges and universities that require standardized tests look at your scores from either the ACT or SAT.

The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what you have learned in high school. The test covers English, mathematics, reading, science and an optional writing test. 

The SAT is an aptitude test, measuring your mathematical and verbal abilities. The test covers critical reasoning, mathematics and a required writing section.

In addition, many students also take the SAT subject tests (sometimes called SAT II). These are multiple choice tests that cover only one subject and measure your knowledge in that subject.

So, which should you take?
“Years ago, a student had to take one or another to satisfy a particular school,” says Patrick J. O’Connor, director of college counseling at the Roeper School in Birmingham, Michigan. “But today, most colleges will accept either test.” 

First, look into the schools you’re interested in. “The school’s website [should] clearly indicate their testing requirements,” says O’Connor. “In addition, many schools have become test optional, meaning they make their decision based on grades, strength of schedule, letters of recommendations and essays.” For a listing of test-optional colleges and universities, check out fairtest.org.

If your potential schools accept either test, O’Connor suggests taking both to see which one you are most comfortable with, then re-take the one you prefer.

The school will also let you know if they require SAT subject tests, which can usually be in a subject of your choosing.  Even if your target schools don’t require it, if you are very strong in a particular area, you may opt to take the subject test to showcase your talent.

“If you’ll be taking a subject test, do so after you finish coursework in that area,” O’Connor says. “For example, if you took chemistry in your junior year and you want to take that subject test,  schedule it shortly after you complete the course.”

Stress-free testing
Once you’ve figured out which test to take and when, being at your best on test day can make all the difference.

It’s advice you’ve heard a million times, but a good night sleep and a healthy breakfast really is the best way to start off your testing experience.

“The tests are long, so if you skip breakfast, you’re going to be hungry,” says Heather Case, counselor at the Canterbury School in Fort Wayne, IN. “Also bring a (bottled water) and a snack. Don’t expect vending machines to be accessible. No junk; bring something that will give you some protein.” Good choices include: a bag of nuts, a granola bar, or some peanut butter crackers.

Food isn’t permitted at your desk but breaks are included, during which you can go into the hall, have a drink or snack and stretch your legs.

Facing so many questions can become overwhelming, but Case suggests that one way to keep calm is to decide how to react when you hit tough questions. Be familiar with the different scoring methods; the SAT will deduct for a wrong answer while the ACT does not.

“On the SAT, if you aren’t sure of an answer, I tell my students to try to narrow the possible four answers down to two. That gives you a 50% shot if you guess. But if you can’t narrow it down at all, it might be better to leave it blank,” says Case.  “For the ACT, there is no guessing penalty, so a guess gives you a 25% chance of getting it right.”

It’s easy to get too stressed over scores and which tests to take, but keep grounded by sorting out the facts. Then, talk with your parents and counselors to come up with the best plan for you.

Some high school juniors and seniors who have their heart set on a certain score may have a vision of how the SAT prep days leading up to the test should go: 1) Get Mom to buy a bulk pack of Red Bull from Costco to fuel manic cramming sessions, 2) Study four hours every night up until and including the night before the test, and 3) Review with one’s personal SAT prep tutor, via text, in the car on the way to the testing site.

While this sounds ambitious, it could actually be counterproductive. In the days before you take the SAT, whether it’s your first time or the last time, you want to strike a balance between clocking solid study hours and staying relaxed. 

SAT PREP

Here’s a plan for the 10 days leading up to the SAT:

Day 10: “Try to study two hours a night,” says Nadine Spring, the owner of Spring to Success, a New York City-based tutoring company that focuses on SAT prep. “Study for an hour, then take a short break, and then study for another hour.” Spring acknowledges that this is a lot of work, but not so much that it’s not sustainable for 10 days.

Day 9: See if one of your teachers would be willing to stay after school one day to teach an SAT study workshop. Maxine Frendel, a high school junior in Mahwah, N.J. is preparing to take the SAT for the second time and she enjoys going to casual SAT review sessions with her friends. “My school offers free SAT classes after school that my math teacher and English teacher do together,” Frendel says. “It’s nice because they know how I learn and where I’m at, and it’s free!” 

Day 8: Rick Ehrstin, a Michigan-based SAT tutor who was the 2008 Kaplan Tutor of the Year, recommends working on your mental endurance. “Try to sit and focus for long periods of time: that’s half the challenge of the SAT. If you get there and you tire out after an hour, it doesn’t matter how much you know.” 

Day 7: Sign up for the College Board’s SAT Question of the Day online. If you check your e-mail every day, then you’ll see SAT material every day and be reminded to study.

Day 6: It’s equally important to keep an eye on your stress level every day, says Cathy Wasserman, a Brooklyn-based therapist and life coach. “Say you study in your basement or at your desk in your room. Be sure that you leave that area when you’re done studying or when you’re taking a break. Go somewhere that is concretely more relaxing and not connected to the anxiety of the exam,” Wasserman says. 

Day 5: Make sure you’re familiar with the rules of the SAT. “There is a finite number of grammar and math rules that you have to know that are tested every darn test. Half of the SAT is just rule-based,” Ehrstin says.

Day 4: Plan what you’re going to wear to the test and what you’re going to bring. Spring suggests preparing an SAT kit. “It’s a Ziploc bag with your government ID, calculator, pencils with erasers that erase clearly and a calculator with new batteries.” Keep it by the door so you can grab it and go in the morning.

Day 3: Keep studying … and give yourself a pep talk. “Write down quotes that are both motivating and calming and you can repeat them to yourself like a mantra,” says Wasserman.

The day before the test: Plan to do whatever will be most relaxing Friday night, like going out with friends or hanging at home with the family. 

The day of the test: Ehrstin recommends getting up just a little earlier to take a brisk walk. “Nothing that gets you panting, but something that gets you swinging your arms and gets your heart rate up.” And what about energy drinks and coffee—can they help on test day? “Drink what you normally drink,” Ehrstin says. If you have coffee every day, don’t skip it on SAT day. If you never drink Red Bull, today isn’t the day to start.

After the test: “The SAT requires a lot of hard work and preparation, so students should celebrate once it’s over!” Spring says. Arrange for your friends to meet afterwards and refuel with a fun group breakfast. One rule: no discussing skipped math questions or reading comprehension passages. At this point, it’s out of your hands. Phew! 

Liz Funk is the New York-based author of Supergirls Speak Out, a non-fiction look at the lives of overachieving girls in high school and college.

If you find yourself getting nervous about the SAT, consider the following tips. You can reduce your stress and boost your confidence by taking the time to prepare. Face the test head-on: set goals and make a plan. Read on for SAT tips.

1. Create a timeline

Starting your sophomore year, plot out the steps you will take to prepare for the SAT. You may realize that you’d rather spend time preparing over the summer. Decide when to take the exam.

2. Take the SAT more than once

It never hurts to take the SAT two, three or even four times. It will only give you options for reporting your score, and you may see significant improvement over time. You’re free to choose your best exam and to send that score to colleges. Taking the SAT once puts you in a position to do better the next time. You’ll know where you stand.

3. Register in advance

You must register before the deadline for each SAT exam date. Visit www.collegeboard.com to view exam dates and register on time. 

4. Study

It’s a simple truth: students who prepare do better on the SAT. Get acquainted with the types of questions you’ll encounter on the exam, and practice, practice, practice. Make sure you know everything that will be tested. Some of the simpler math may escape you because you haven’t reviewed it in a while. 

5. Get comfortable with the time constraints

On practice exams, observe all time constraints. One way to speed up your test taking is to practice doing each section in an even shorter period of time. Pushing yourself in this way will ensure that you complete every section on the actual test.

6. Set goals

Knowing where you want to attend college will help motivate you to prepare for the SAT. Even better, it will help you set a goal for your score. Once you know the average SAT score of students admitted to your favorite college, you’ll have a target score. It may reduce your stress to know that your score need only fall within a certain range.

7. Get some sleep?

You can’t cram for the SAT. It’s a long and demanding exam, so do yourself a favor (and give yourself some credit) and get good sleep the night before the test. Come Saturday morning, eat a healthy breakfast and leave the house in plenty of time.

8. Take the SAT seriously

It’s an important test, and yes, your score is one of the first criteria on which your college application will be judged.

9. … but not too seriously

The SAT is not a measure of your self-worth. Plenty of high-achievers, even students with stellar grades, don’t score well on the SAT. There may be other outstanding things about you that an admissions committee will take into consideration when reviewing your application. 

10. Get help

You may not feel confident preparing on your own. If you think you’d benefit from some guidance, consider tutoring or classes. Talk to your college counselor. Be active about getting the help you need. 

By following these SAT tips, you will be prepared to take the exam. Good luck!

Jack Byer, chief educational developer, helps design Top Test Prep’s core curricula for test prep programs and private tutoring. For more information, go to www.toptestprep.com or call (800) 501-Prep. 

What is the SAT? What is the ACT?

We’ve enlisted the help of testing expert Ross Blankenship, founder of Top Test Prep (www.toptestprep.com), to help compare the SAT and ACT.

Q: What is the SAT? What is the ACT? What’s the biggest difference between the ACT and the SAT?

A: The biggest difference between the ACT and SAT is that the SAT is more a reasoning-based exam, whereas the ACT tends to be more straightforward analytically.  What this means is that the SAT frequently requires that you go through more steps in order to solve each problem. The ACT exam has more sections (i.e. science) and there are more problems within the ACT’s math section. The ACT also has an optional writing section that does not factor into a student’s scores. The SAT essay actually factors into a student’s scores.

Q: Is one test easier than the other?

A: The SAT tends to be easier for students who naturally do better in school without studying as hard. The ACT tends to be easier for students who work quickly through exams and memorize large amounts of information, faster.

Q: Which test requires more studying?

A: Both exams require an equal amount of effort and studying.  Students are unlikely to know which test is better for them until they’ve taken a diagnostic exam.

Q: Is there a preferred test for each kind of student? 

A: At Top Test Prep, we’ve seen students who we assumed would have done better on the ACT actually do better on the SAT (and vice versa). Colleges almost always accept both exams now, so take a diagnostic exam and several practice tests to see which test is a better fit.

Many students spend months and sometimes even years preparing for the SAT. 

But let’s say you’re one of those “last minute” students who cram before any test. What if you’ve only got 48 hours until the SAT? Can you improve your score—and actually do better than you thought you could?

Ideally, you do want to spend weeks or months before the SAT taking practice tests and trying new strategies. However, if you’ve only got a short time left before the SAT, here are four quick strategies to help you get ready.

Manage your time wisely

With just 48 hours left before the SAT, you should set aside any extracurricular commitments. You’ll need at least 10 hours of prep over the 48-hour time span. If you’re in school, this means studying during your lunch breaks, in between sports practices and your other school activities. Most importantly, it means studying as soon as you get home. Turn off Facebook and grab an SAT book. I would also highly recommend downloading a free practice test from the College Board.

Focus on fewer problems

Take one full practice test. This will take about four hours. Do this test under timed conditions without distractions. Once you’ve finished the official practice SAT, choose three problems from each section that you got wrong. Having chosen these “missed” problems from the practice test, re-write and solve them on a separate piece of paper. Often, students try to do too many problems and forget to focus on the problems they actually missed. 

Isolating the problems you missed is essential to knowing what you should focus on for the test. As there are 10 sections on the SAT test (including the essay), your paper should have a maximum of 30 missed problems on it. Even if you missed more than 30 questions, keep the paper simple and focused with fewer, more concentrated problems. 

Try out the SAT’s math formula box 

Most students are familiar with the formula box that begins every SAT math section. This box is called the “Reference Information” section. Many SAT math problems are based on this formula box. 

Before test day, try to do at least five problems for each formula presented. Begin with basic algebra and move to more complex special right triangles. Luckily, the actual SAT math section goes no further than Algebra II and Geometry, so the formula box is a pretty accurate representation of the scope of problems in the math section.

Stay rested and relaxed

You should always stay rested and relaxed before the SAT. It’s very common that students have trouble sleeping before big tests. This isn’t always a bad thing, though. In fact, it shows you care about the test and really want to get into college. 

To help you sleep better, don’t drink too much caffeine during your preparation for the test. Caffeine could quite possibly make you more nervous and anxious. Stay hydrated with water and eat a regular diet. And don’t eat junk food! Bad food will make you tired and less energetic when test day comes.

Even with 48 hours before the SAT, a higher score is possible. Remember to manage your time wisely, focus on fewer problems, know your math formula box and stay rested.You’re score is bound to improve with the right preparation.

Is studying for the SAT or ACT stressing you out? With the right study plan in place, you can improve your SAT or ACT score dramatically. The key is to establish a schedule for studying, then stick to it.

Quite possibly, the SAT is the most important test you’ll take before heading to college. Use this guide to help you establish a study schedule.

Steps to planning your schedule

Set a time frame: The best study schedule encompasses a period of four to eight weeks during which you will study at least five days a week.

Find time: Decide how much time you can devote to studying each day. You should study at least one hour, but preferably two to three hours, per day.

Make a plan: Write out a schedule for studying. Each day, focus on one area of the SAT. Be sure to schedule a break every hour. Each week, redo your schedule to include what you need to study the most.

Study: Ensure you have a quiet place to study that is free of distractions (no computer, phone, television, video games or loud music). If you need to, study at the library or another quiet location.

Practice tests: Take a timed practice exam at the end of each week. This allows you to refocus your schedule for the following week, and also tracks your progress.

Stick to the plan: It isn’t enough to just make a plan. Have someone remind you to study each day to keep you from procrastinating.

Here is a sample schedule for one week:

Monday
Study vocabulary for one hour. Take a practice exam. Go over the answers to the practice test. Focus on the wrong answers and learn why they are wrong.

Tuesday
Study geometry rules for one hour. Practice by doing 30 to 40 practice questions in two different sections of previously released SATs. Review your answers.

Wednesday
Do three long reading passages from a practice SAT. Work on grammar skills by studying questions from a practice exam.

Thursday
Complete four sections of the math test on a practice SAT. Study the areas where you got the most answers wrong.

Friday
Take a full, timed practice test.

Saturday
Review your practice test and take notes on any missed problems.

Sunday
Take the day off and relax. You deserve it.

When the week is finished, re-work your schedule for the next week based on your practice test results. Change your schedule to work on the section in which you had the most difficulty.

Ross Blankenship is an admissions analyst and admissions counselor. He is also an author and co-founder of Miro Advantage and TopTestPrep.com, test prep and admissions.

How do you write a perfect essay for the ACT or SAT? Next Step Magazine asked the pros.

1. Understand the prompt

“Read the prompt question first,” articulates Rodney Daut, owner of SAT-Essay.net in Fullerton, Calif. “Then read the quote. Without knowing what the prompt is, you don’t really know why you are reading the quote.”

A reviewer at Essay-Practice in Monmouth County, N.J., agrees. “Many students jump into writing once they see a topic or familiar subject. However, they don’t fully understand what the prompt says. This can cost them.”

Essays that do not address the prompt are automatically given a zero.

2. Brainstorm ideas first, then determine a thesis

Before deciding on a thesis, says Daut, “Brainstorm examples that could answer the prompt question as ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Try to list five or six examples. Review the list and decide what thesis you can prove with these examples. Then choose a few strong examples for your essay.”

Grace Fleming, homework and study skills guide for About.com, adds, “Organize your thoughts into a logical pattern or outline before writing. Don’t get hung up if you don’t actually have strong feelings one way or the other on a subject. Don’t feel guilty about saying things you don’t really believe. Your task is to show that you can craft a complex argument essay. Just take a side and argue it!”

3. Be clear on the position you take

According to Essay-Practice, “Some students agree with the questions prompt at the beginning of the essay. However, at the conclusion, they say the alternative position also makes sense. This undermines all the strong reasoning used previously.”

4. Show critical thinking

“To receive a top score on the ACT essay, the graders definitely want to see students examine different perspectives or respond to counterarguments,” says Erick Widman of essayinstitute.com in Beaverton, Ore.

“In comparison, the SAT graders are somewhat vague about the importance of addressing opposing points of view. To be awarded the highest score on the SAT essay, a student needs to demonstrate critical thinking and provide solid support through good examples. Even though it is not absolutely necessary to address opposing points of view on an SAT essay, doing so is a great way to show off your critical thinking skills.

“An efficient way to do this is to use the word ‘although’ to introduce an opposing argument and then go on to demolish it. This can be done in just a sentence or two, and it definitely shows sophisticated thinking.”

5. Use carefully crafted sentences

“Starting with an unusual or surprising introductory sentence makes a great first impression,” says Fleming. “For example, if the prompt was, ‘Should students be paid for bad grades?’ A perfect first line—not even a complete sentence—would be ‘Cha-ching!’” However, don’t try too much cute stuff! If you start with something edgy, be sure to follow up with something factual and well-considered.

“While you are still in the planning stages, create a few clever sentences that will fit in someplace. It is not always easy to vary sentences when you’re writing and brainstorming at the same time,” Fleming says.

Widman agrees. “The good news is that sentence variety typically happens naturally as we think, talk or write. Students who do not vary their sentence structure are often unconsciously forcing themselves to write in a simplistic or repetitive way.”

“Don’t keep repeating the same point by rewording it several ways,” adds Fleming. “Test readers will see right through that.”

6. Write legibly

“Neatness is not counted in the scoring guide and therefore does not add to the score,” acknowledges Essay-Practice. However, “illegible handwriting only brings disadvantage to the writer.”

To redress any errors, completely erase or neatly cross out any mistakes.

7. Practice writing essays

“With some practice,” says Widman, “students can throw off bad writing habits and express themselves in a nonmechanical and interesting way. Make a habit of reading good books and articles whenever possible. The best student writers often keep journals and write well-thought-out e-mails, not just text messages filled with abbreviations.”

And from the online essay companies represented in this article, there are plenty of opportunities to improve your writing skills under the guidance of an experience writing coach.

What is the PSAT? PSAT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test and is used to determine a student's ability to perform well on the SAT exam.

October is right around the corner, and that means it’s PSAT time. But by time the scores are distributed in December, you’ve got other things on your mind.

As a result, you might toss those large, colorful score sheets with the blue, green and gold elongated bands in the recycle bin with just a glance at the scores on the top.

Instead, hang on to that score report!

How are PSAT scores distributed?
“Schools receive two copies of each student’s score report. One copy is … given to the student [along with their original test booklet], and one is … kept with his or her school files,” explicates Glenn Milewski, executive director of the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) Program at the College Board. “The PSAT/NMSQT shares neither scores nor score reports with colleges.”

Why should you save the score report?
“Students and parents need to use PSAT results as a rough guide to determine which college, if any, is likely to be ultimately out of reach,” says Sally Rubenstone, author of The Panicked Parents’ Guide to College Admissions.

“Only in a perfect world can any of us solve every problem we confront. But when students don’t take the time to unravel and understand the questions they’ve missed on the PSAT, then history is likely to repeat itself, and they’ll make the same errors again on the ‘real’ test.”

Let’s unravel the PSAT Score Report so that you can vigilantly look at the questions you missed.

Review your answers 
The answers for the verbal, math and writing sections are color-coded for easy reading. The test sections and type of questions are clearly marked.

Four narrow columns of numbers and letters run the length of each colored band. The column to the left represents the question numbers on the test. The next column gives all correct answers by their multiple choice letter. The white column lists student answers. A check indicates that your answer was correct; a letter indicates an incorrect response. The far right column notes each question’s level of difficulty.

Improve your skills
At the bottom of the report, you’ll find an area called “Improve Your Skills,” with suggested improvement areas.

“[These] instructions tend to be broad and vague,” cautions Rubenstone. “Be your own teacher instead. Use the list of missed questions provided on the score report, along with the original test booklet, to figure out where you went astray.”

Percentiles and Selective Index
“The Selection Index is one of the most confusing statistics ever invented,” says Rubenstone. “Ultimately, it determines whether a student is in the running for the National Merit Scholarship competition.”

It is definitely not worth fretting over your percentile or selective index. But because the same types of questions recur on the SAT, it is worth taking the time to understand each and every problem on the PSAT.

Need help on how to answer those PSAT questions? Looking for SAT or ACT prep help? We found some great free test prep Web sites for you. Some sites require quick registration, but none require remuneration.

Full-length practice tests (prep for ACT/SAT/PSAT questions!)
Students who overlook the ACT and SAT Web sites are missing a great opportunity to get free practice.

These sites offer one free test in addition to practice questions and test hints:
• ACT Inc.: act.org

• The College Board (SAT): collegeboard.org

• UCCP Online: uccp.org

• Princeton Review: princetonreview.com

Practice test sections
It may be helpful to practice critical reading or math sections before tackling an entire test. Though these three sites don’t offer full-length practice tests, they do have
complete practice sections, strategies, advice and vocab.

• Number2.com: Founded to make high-quality test preparation universally accessible.

• testprepreview.com: Offers practice test sections for the SAT, ACT and PSAT questions.

• Kaptest.com: Operated by Kaplan Test Prep.

Vocabulary assistance
Many online sites offer free vocabulary assistance, including a list of the top SAT words; words of the day; and lists of Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes and roots.

Beware of vocabulary sites that are punctilious; understanding the general idea of a word will be more beneficial in the long run than memorizing hundreds of dictionary meanings.

To garner a better vocabulary, here are a few favorite sites:
• freevocabulary.com: This list of 5,000 collegiate words offers brief, easy-to-remember definitions.

• msu.edu: Michigan State University offers organized lists of advanced vocabulary words and Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes and roots. Search “vocab words.”

• m-w.com: Merriam-Webster will e-mail subscribers a word of the day.

• quizhub.com: The interactive quizzes on QuizHub feature eight words at a time. Just click to review the next set of words.

• virtualsalt.com/roots.htm: This site has an easy-to-read table of Greek and Latin roots and prefixes.

• vocabtest.com: Free online vocabulary workshops cover all levels of words. This is a great site to increase your vocabulary comprehension.

Test resources
If you are in need of deft advice on how to take these tests, turn to:
• ePrep.com: Launched in spring 2006, ePrep.com is an extension of Karl Schellscheidt’s private tutoring practice. The site now includes test prep and college admission advice. The unique interactive format of ePrep.com allows videos to be downloaded to iPods or other devices.


THE FOLLOWING BOLD WORDS APPEAR IN THIS COLUMN. TRY MATCHING THE WORDS TO THEIR MEANINGS.
                              
1. DEFT                                      A. payment 
2. GARNER                               B. meticulously attentive to detail
3. REMUNERATION              C. to acquire
4. PUNCTILIOUS                    D. skillful

Answers: (1) d (2) c (3) a (4) b