Introduction
When it comes to college admissions, your SAT or ACT score can make a huge difference. You’ve studied hard, taken practice tests, and maybe even worked with a tutor—but even the best students fall into common traps on test day. Whether it’s running out of time, misreading a question, or bubbling the wrong answer, these small mistakes can cost big points.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common SAT & ACT mistakes students make and give you practical strategies to avoid them—so you can walk into test day confident and prepared. 💪
🎯 1. Mismanaging Time
❌ The Mistake:
Spending too much time on one difficult question and rushing through the rest.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Stick to a strict time per question (around 1 minute for most).
Skip hard questions and come back later.
Use watch checkpoints (e.g., where you should be at 15 or 30 minutes).
Pro Tip: Practice with a timer during full-length mock tests to build pacing.
📚 2. Not Reading Questions Carefully
❌ The Mistake:
Misinterpreting what the question is really asking, especially in reading or math word problems.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Underline keywords like not, except, closest to, etc.
Rephrase the question in your own words before answering.
Always double-check what the answer is supposed to represent (especially in math).
🔢 3. Ignoring Units and Answer Formats
❌ The Mistake:
Choosing the correct number but in the wrong units (e.g., grams instead of kilograms) or giving a decimal instead of a fraction.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Watch for unit conversions.
Pay close attention to how the question wants the answer formatted.
When in doubt, circle or box units as you work.
🔍 4. Overlooking Easy Questions
❌ The Mistake:
Focusing so much on difficult questions that you make careless mistakes on the easy ones.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Don’t underestimate the first 10 questions—they’re often the easiest.
Always double-check your work on the simple ones.
Treat every question with equal attention.
🧠 5. Forgetting to Use Process of Elimination
❌ The Mistake:
Trying to solve every problem from scratch without eliminating wrong answers.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Cross out clearly wrong answers as you read.
Narrow it down to two options, then look for subtle differences.
Use elimination to boost your odds on guesses.
🧪 6. Struggling with the ACT Science Section
❌ The Mistake:
Trying to memorize science facts instead of interpreting data.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Remember: The ACT Science section tests data interpretation, not science knowledge.
Focus on graphs, tables, and trends.
Skim for the main idea, then dive into questions.
✏️ 7. Writing Weak Essays (If Taking the Essay Section)
❌ The Mistake:
Not having a clear structure or failing to analyze the author’s argument.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Follow the 5-paragraph structure (intro, 2–3 body paragraphs, conclusion).
Always refer directly to the passage.
Use strong transitions and varied vocabulary.
📏 8. Not Knowing the Format of the Test
❌ The Mistake:
Going into the test with only general prep and not knowing the specific structure.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Learn the exact number of sections, timing, and question types.
Take at least two full-length, timed practice exams for both SAT and ACT (whichever you’re planning to take).
Use official materials from College Board or ACT.org.
📉 9. Not Reviewing Practice Tests
❌ The Mistake:
Taking practice tests but not reviewing mistakes.
✅ How to Avoid It:
For every wrong answer, ask: “Why did I get this wrong?”
Create an error log with explanations.
Revisit your most common mistakes weekly.
💤 10. Neglecting Rest and Nutrition Before the Test
❌ The Mistake:
Staying up late cramming the night before or skipping breakfast on test day.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Get 7–8 hours of sleep for 2–3 nights before the exam.
Eat a balanced breakfast with protein and complex carbs.
Stay hydrated, but don’t overdo caffeine.
✅ Conclusion
Be Test-Smart, Not Just Test-Ready
Success on the SAT or ACT isn’t just about how smart you are—it’s about how strategically you take the test. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll gain an advantage over other test-takers and make your hard work count.
Whether you’re studying solo or with a tutor, staying aware of these traps will help you walk into test day with confidence.
📣 Need Expert Help to Avoid These Mistakes?
At Tutorang, we offer personalized one-on-one SAT & ACT tutoring tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Our expert tutors help you avoid common mistakes, improve your test strategy, and increase your score fast.