Places to visit in Philadelphia…to study for the SAT?

Rather than just sitting inside and studying for the SATs, there are numerous places to visit in Philadelphia that can help prepare you for upcoming SAT tests! 

To read and understand something you have to be able to connect it to your experiences. According to the excellent study guide Up Your Score there are five main topics used for the reading passages: Scientific, Historical, Art, Fiction and Minority. I will tell you about two places to visit in each category.

Scientific
The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia: is one of my personal favorites. This is a great place to visit for the SAT, but especially the ACT with its science section. 

The Franklin Institute: A very fun and memorable museum which I am overdue to revisit. 

Historical
National Constitution Center: The constitution is mentioned all the time, isn’t it time to dig a bit deeper into this very important historical document? The center also has a few neighboring sites you may want to revisit if you haven’t brought your out of town friends to them recently. 

The Eastern State Penitentiary: Billed as “America’s most historic prison” visit this site to learn about the history of prisons, criminals or just to get scared at night. 

Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art: While an obvious choice, make sure you “go see the art” rather than just Rocky or the stairs. While you are there, read the placards or listen to an audio tour. While you are not supposed to need knowledge from outside the reading passages, I know a few students who would have been helped if they knew the difference between abstract art and impressionism.

The Walnut Street Theater: Watching the drama unfold in a play will help especially with excerpts in fiction passages. Or maybe its just great fun and culture. Either way, go see a play.

Fiction
The Free Library of Philadelphia: Even if you’ve been to your local branch many times, make a point to visit the Central Library. The building is great but also, make it a point to visit the library’s rare book collection. Tours of the department are on weekdays at 11 a.m.. You can also make an appointment to see something specific. While you are there, go around back to the Book Corner and get some great deals while supporting the library. 

The Spiral Bookcase: While a small store, this used book store has done a lot of the selecting for you. The key to improving your reading is finding books you like and occasionally challenging yourself with something harder than you normally read. Ann, the owner will help you find something you’ll like.

Special Interest
National Museum of American Jewish History: One of the passages on the SAT is always, always about a minority group. Visit one of the newest museums in Philly to practice reading about minorities and hear about the very interesting Jewish history.

African American Museum in Philadelphia: This Museum has great visual and auditory elements and shows the impact that African Americans have had.