Setting Yourself up for Success with Test Prep in 2025

Mastering the ACT & SAT in 2025: Your Guide to Goal Setting and Test Prep Success

Welcome to a new year filled with opportunities for academic achievement! If you’re gearing up for the ACT or SAT, it’s time to set your goals and align them with the test format updates coming in 2025. In the latest episode of the Test Prep+ Podcast, Aimee Urdiales, owner and instructor at U-Prep Test Prep, dives deep into what you need to know about changes to the tests, goal-setting strategies, and tips to stay motivated throughout your prep journey.

Here’s a sneak peek into this episode:

Why Goal Setting is Essential

Setting clear, intentional goals is the cornerstone of success in any test prep journey. Amy emphasizes how goal setting not only gives you direction but also provides measurable benchmarks for tracking progress.

You don’t need massive, intimidating goals to get started—small, consistent steps can lead to incredible results. For example, commit to studying 10 minutes a day, five days a week.

Understanding the 2025 ACT Updates

Big changes are on the horizon for the ACT, and this podcast episode breaks them down:

• The new test format features fewer questions and shorter test durations.

• Science becomes an optional section, so the focus shifts to English, Math, and Reading.

• Both paper and digital formats will be available, but the new format starts with digital tests in April 2025.

If you’re unsure how these changes affect your prep, listen to the podcast or revisit Amy’s earlier episodes for a deep dive into these updates.

Setting SMART Goals for Your ACT/SAT Prep

The SMART goal framework to help students focus on achievable targets:

• Specific: Pinpoint exact areas for improvement (e.g., English grammar rules or geometry).

• Measurable: Define how much improvement you want (e.g., “Increase my Math score by 3 points”).

• Achievable: Set realistic targets based on your time and current scores.

• Relevant: Align your goals with college admissions requirements or scholarship criteria.

• Time-bound: Create a timeline for achieving your goals.

The Role of Parents in Test Prep

Parents play a vital role in keeping students accountable and motivated. Whether it’s offering encouragement, helping manage study schedules, or celebrating small wins, your support can make a significant impact.

Top Takeaways for Students and Parents

• Diagnostic Testing is Key: Understanding your strengths and weaknesses through a diagnostic test is crucial for building an effective study plan.

• Mix Up Study Methods: Keep your study sessions engaging with a combination of videos, quizzes, and practice tests.

• Practice Tests Are Essential: These simulate the real test experience and help track your improvement.

Special Offer: ACT Bootcamp Live

Don’t miss my ACT Bootcamp Live sessions this January (January 15th & 22nd, 6-8 PM CST). These workshops are designed to provide actionable strategies for every section of the ACT. Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—you’ll receive recordings of both sessions!

As a podcast listener, you get an exclusive $75 off. Check the show notes for your discount code.

Your Journey to Test Success Starts Now!

2025 is your year to shine. With the right goals, strategies, and tools, you can conquer the ACT or SAT and achieve your dream score.

💡 Take the First Step: Tune in to the full episode of the Test Prep+ Podcast for all the details and actionable tips.

You’ve got this, Test Prepper! Let’s make 2025 the year you crush your goals.

Check out all of the resources mentioned in this episode:

Learn about changes coming to the ACT in 2025: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/test-prep/id1739187970?i=1000677793439

·      Subscribe to U-Prep’s Newsletter: https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/freebie-signup

·      ACT Bootcamp Live:  Learn all of the strategies to help you be successful on the ACT.  Use discount code OFF75 at checkout to get $75 off!  Click here to learn more:  https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/products/live_events/act-success-live-event

·      Take an ACT Diagnostic Test and let us create your study plan for you!  Click here: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/courses/act-diagnostic-testing

·      If you need help in setting your goal score, planning your practice and more, check out this workshop that can help you do just that!  Click here to learn more about our Master Plan for the ACT Workshop: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/courses/master-plan-act-bootcamp

·      If you are looking for personalized test prep, click here: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/courses/act-personalized-course

Good luck on your test prep journey!

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