The SAT and the ACT are very different college entrance exams and most colleges are now accepting both. This has led to most students taking both the SAT and the ACT tests, although that is not required or suggested by many professionals in the college admissions field. Junior and senior year of high school are already very busy times so planning ahead really helps! When should my child take the SAT or ACT? While it looks like there are … [Read more...]
News about SAT and ACT Tests
Update June 2020: The ACT has decided to add 3 new test dates to Fall 2020. Registration opens the last week of July. Mark your calendars! September Saturday, September 12 Sunday, September 13 Saturday, September 19 (new test date) October Saturday, October 10 (new test date)Saturday, October 17 (new test date)Saturday, October 24Sunday, October 25 … [Read more...]
How to Improve SAT or ACT Reading Scores
Vocabulary isn't as critical on the SAT/ACT anymore, but to improve reading comprehension and speed, I usually recommend kids do 2-3 of the items on this list for several months before the test: Read the New York Times (or other higher-level newspaper) once a week. You can get Sunday delivery or order digital access online. Students should highlight words they don't know, look them up, then read it again, then explain the news to someone … [Read more...]
How to Prepare for the ACT Test
The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in: English (grammar) Math Reading (passages and comprehension) Science (charts and graphs) The ACT Plus Writing includes the four subject area tests plus a 30-minute Writing Test. The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over four hours if … [Read more...]
How High School Courses Impact SAT Scores
Every year, high school juniors and seniors take the SAT. More than 1 million students annually across the nation participate and many take it more than once. Many students have been preparing for months after realizing how important high SAT scores are in college admissions and scholarship awards. Others don’t prepare or study much, many believing that it’s an ‘intelligence test’ and can’t be studied for, or that they want to just see how well … [Read more...]
The New ACT Essay
The ACT Writing section (aka the essay) is new for the 2015-2016 school year. What’s the difference between the old and new ACT essay question? The old essay prompt was relevant to teenage issues and asked students to consider issues such as student dress code, curfew, whether or not students should be required to take PE or arts classes, or even whether or not texting while driving laws should be enforced. In other words, as the ACT puts it, … [Read more...]
Changes to the PSAT
Do you graduate in 2017 or after? If so, you’ll be taking the new redesigned PSAT, starting in October 2015, the new PSAT will be given to all juniors across the country. Some 9th-10th graders take this test as well. So what's new about the PSAT? Let’s dive into the changes being made to the redesigned PSAT. Changes in Format The new redesigned PSAT is 35 minutes longer than the old PSAT. It clocks in at 2 hours and 45 minutes, rather than … [Read more...]
6 Questions to Ask When Selecting SAT/ACT Test Prep or Tutoring
Selecting a test prep method can be a daunting task. Every student is different, so there isn't one option out there that works for everyone. You know yourself better than others, so ask yourself the questions below, and make sure you do your research! When will I have time to prepare? Consider your academic course load and extra-curricular activities. If you have a busy schedule, have a job, or are involved in many different activities, it … [Read more...]
Which Colleges Superscore the SAT?
A student's test scores from the SAT or ACT are crucial for college admissions. But it's tricky to know when and which scores to send to which of the colleges on your list. Most colleges will use the highest scores sent to them, either from the same test day or highest score in each section over time, called superscore. What is an SAT Superscore? According to College Board, the creators of the SAT, Score Choice is "score-reporting feature that … [Read more...]
Major Changes to SAT Announced
The College Board, creators of the SAT, just announced major changes to the SAT! These changes won't go into effect until Spring 2016, so will only affect the class of 2017 and younger students. Here are the major changes: The essay will become optional, and will require students to analyze a passage. (Keep in mind that colleges may still require the essay for admissions. The overall scoring will revert back to the 1600 scale, with just … [Read more...]
