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.

AP Exam Crams

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AP Exam Scores Matter

Many schools have removed ACT and SAT scores from their admissions criteria. High AP scores can help students impress admissions officers, especially students with high ACT or SAT scores that may not matter. This may also be true for schools that had previously ignored AP scores but need more admissions criteria. The bottom line is that there is NO downside to higher AP scores!

What is AP Exam Cram?

AP Exam Cram is a series of subject-specific 2-hour review sessions that help students get higher scores on their AP tests. Our experienced, knowledgeable instructors review the course material and highlight the most important topics to prepare students for test day. Plus, each student receives a comprehensive study packet that complements and supplements the Cram (click on “study packet” to see a few sample pages).

Lafayette Academy has offered Exam Crams for over 18 years, and we have helped over 20,000 students ace their AP tests and final exams. This is a no-brainer opportunity to help your son or daughter.

AP Exam Cram Weekends: Fri. May 2 – Sun. May 4 & Fri. May 9 – Sun. May 11. Over 30 two-hour cram sessions in Lafayette, CA and Online. Only $99 for a 2-hour Cram & follow-up Study Packet.

Top 5 Reasons to Enroll Today

AP Exam Cram students get higher AP test scores.
Higher AP scores translate to college credits & greater college admissions success.
Our instructors review and explain the most important topics from the whole year.
Each Cram includes a comprehensive review packet for last-minute preparation.
Only $99 for a 2-hour session and study packet.

Introducing “Elite AP Exam Cram,” a new program at Lafayette Academy for students who want 5’s on their AP tests. Check back on Nov. 1st when we officially launch this exciting program.

What students and parents have said about AP Exam Cram

We could post hundreds of testimonials to demonstrate how many people have been helped by AP Exam Cram, but we will just post a few to give you a feel for how much students have appreciated this program.

“Thanks so much for your services, my older daughter, who will be a senior at Pomona College, also benefited from your exam crams for AP classes.” Mrs. W.

“The exam crams were extremely helpful, and I recommend them to all of my friends.” Jamie S. U.C. Irvine

“Because of your shadow classes and exam crams, Olivia (USC) received A’s in both of those courses. As far as I am concerned it was a great investment. Thank you.” Mrs. A.

“Our other son, Jefferson Creek, who also did SAT prep, exam cram and shadow classes is going to the University of Washington.” Mrs. C. (Jeff is now one of our best tutors!)

“The exam crams are a great service. We used a few of them over the years and only once thought it wasn’t worth doing. The rest of the times were great.” Mr. E. (son went to Tufts)

AP Exam Crams are in our Lafayette location and online … right before AP tests.

AP Exam Crams are only $99 for a two-hour Cram session and follow-up study packet. This is a very small price to pay for higher scores, college credits, and stronger college applications. We have offered AP Exam Cram sessions with follow-up study packets for many years. Hundreds of tutors have contributed their insights to our Crams and packets. If anyone offers better “last minute” exam preparation than Lafayette Academy, we would love to meet her or him.

AP Exam Crams

AP Exam Scores Matter

What is AP Exam Cram?

Top 5 Reasons to Enroll Today

Introducing “Elite AP Exam Cram,” a new program at Lafayette Academy for students who want 5’s on their AP tests. Check back on Nov. 1st when we officially launch this exciting program.

What students and parents have said about AP Exam Cram

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