Which college applicants submitted ACT or SAT scores?

Reporting was “far higher … among applicants living in more affluent communities, as defined by local median household income in applicants’ local ZIP codes.”

Which test should my son or daughter take: ACT or SAT?

This is (by far) the most frequently asked question, even though it has a relatively simple answer: have your daughter or son take practice tests and then we can help you make the decision. Ideally, students should take both practice tests within a 2-3 week period. If your student is a junior, you might be able to compare an ACT practice test score to his or her PSAT score. At Lafayette Academy, practice tests are ALWAYS FREE.

When should my daughter or son take the actual ACT or SAT?

Most students take their first ACT or SAT during the spring of their junior years. Advanced juniors can take a fall test (the beginning of their junior year). In all cases, you should consider extracurricular activities and how your student is scoring on practice tests when choosing a test date.

How many times can a student take a test?

Many students take the ACT or SAT test twice; some take each test once and then take one of the tests a second time. You should NOT take any of the tests more than three times.

What are the major differences between the ACT and SAT?

The math on the ACT covers more topics, ranging from Algebra 1 to Pre-Calc. The math on the SAT tests fewer topics, stopping at Algebra 2, but more in depth. The ACT has a science section while the SAT includes a few reading passages that focus on science topics. Time management is a big challenge on the ACT, especially in reading and science. The content on the SAT reading section is more challenging, even though you have more time. Again, taking practice tests is the best way to pick a test.

“What about the PSAT?” (for some reason, people often phrase PSAT questions like this example)

The PSAT is a good opportunity to get your son or daughter to take a practice test because most students take the PSAT. If you happen to have a genius living under your roof, the PSAT could be hugely beneficial because of the National Merit program. For most students, PSAT scores don’t matter so you should not spend money preparing your son or daughter for this test.

How can I be a great test prep parent?

In the interest of full disclosure, this is not a FAQ. If it were a FAQ, this would be my answer: challenge your children to embrace the preparation challenge on their own by promising to leave them alone (after you enroll them in one of our programs). We all mean well, but we fail to realize how much added stress we place on our children by micro-managing their test prep experience.

Does my son or daughter really need to take either test?

This has become a frequently asked frequently asked question because the University of California schools will no longer consider ACT or SAT scores in their evaluations, and other schools have followed their lead. There are many schools that still require or consider ACT or SAT scores in their evaluations or for scholarship purposes. Unless you are certain that your son or daughter will only apply to schools that won’t consider ACT or SAT scores, your child should still take one of these tests. Give us a call if you want to hear our more detailed thoughts.

Trusted Tutoring for
Lamorinda students

OUR TUTORING

Online, Everywhere

In-Person, at Lafayette Academy

Why is Lafayette Academy
Your #1 Tutoring Option

Our Unique Tutoring Model

Our Unique
Tutoring Model

We focus on local curriculum wherever we tutor, identifying the best ways to help students understand challenging concepts. Our growing slack channels feature the most innovative ways to explain specific topics that have challenged our students, and all of our tutors are invested in the collaboration.

We prepare our students to ace their tests and earn higher grades. Other companies brag about technology, mentoring, and other “benefits” that don’t relate to grasping concepts and acing tests. We’re rolling up our sleeves to help your children because we’re always “on the case!”

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Local Learning Centers

Local
Learning Centers

Our Shadow Classes and Final Exam Crams focus on local high school classes; said differently, we never offer “generic” tutoring that may not be relevant to a particular school or teacher. Our instructors are intimately familiar with the local curriculum, including local alumni who remember their high school classes and teachers.

We have developed curriculum that is specifically targeted to solve the problems that students encounter, year after year. We are applying these same strategies online, in other districts that use the same textbooks.

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Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated
Instruction

Whether you sign up for a class or one-on-one help, our instruction is differentiated. Our Shadow Classes™ and Final Exam Crams™ are school-specific; our Test Prep classes are organized by ability level, and our one-on-one private tutoring includes a learning styles assessment so we can teach to each student’s strengths.

If you want a “factory” approach to education, you’re in the wrong place.

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Our ACT SAT Prep

Our ACT &
SAT Prep

Many students have dramatically increased their ACT & SAT scores at The Academy!

How do we do it? We organize students based on their initial assessment scores, so we can offer truly differentiated instruction. We monitor weekly homework and intervene when necessary. We also give and analyze 3 practice tests, followed up with 3 hours of one-on-one tutoring to address problems. Our students’ huge score improvements are not an accident.

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