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.

How Parents Can Respond to a Bad Test Grade

by Mark B | Oct 21, 2021 | Tutoring | 0 comments

Parents Reaction To Bad Grades

Throughout the course of their academic careers, children inevitably get a substandard grade now and then. At times their own sense of unhappiness or embarrassment is strong enough to put them back on track to successful test taking. At other times, however, intercession by parents may be required to ensure that it’s not the start of a trend. After learning about a bad test grade, parents may wonder about the best time to bring up the subject, and also ask, “How should I respond?” The following are some tips on reacting to a poor test grade that will help preserve your child’s self-esteem and hopefully inspire them to do better in the future.

1. Set the Child Apart from the Grade

A bad test grade can be discomforting, so make sure to tell your child that while you’re not happy with the grade, you love and appreciate them, nonetheless. Commend them for work in other areas where they’re excelling, while reassuring them of their abilities and saying that getting a bad grade doesn’t make them a failure. By working together, you’ll come up with a strategy that will help to ensure their success on future tests.

2. Handle the Topic with Compassion, not Annoyance

While it’s important to deal with a bad grade right after it occurs, take time to calm down if you feel yourself getting upset. Then inform your child that what happens from this point onward is what matters and that they can’t change what occurred in the past. Getting to the root of why the grade was received is the most important topic of conversation at this time. Ask questions and let your child give their honest feedback so you can figure out together what can be done to help them improve their grades.

Lafayette Academy Can Help Your Child Better their Test Grades

Children who get a bad test grade sometimes feel that that they want to stop trying in school. At Lafayette Academy, we can help your child overcome this feeling and learn how to be successful in both school and life. Contact us today for more details.

How Parents Can Respond to a Bad Test Grade

Parents Reaction To Bad Grades

1. Set the Child Apart from the Grade

2. Handle the Topic with Compassion, not Annoyance

Lafayette Academy Can Help Your Child Better their Test Grades

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