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 Cram Registration Opens March 2025

Lafayette Academy is Introducing a New, Exciting Approach to AP Exam Cram …. LIVE ONLINE & In Lafayette

If you would like to hear about the new AP Exam Cram before it sells out, please click on the Email link below and enter your student’s name.

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AP Exam Crams have been two-hour review sessions to help students ace their AP tests. All students attended the same Exam Cram for a particular subject and we covered the most heavily tested topics on each AP Exam.

Each AP Exam Cram includes one of our highly coveted study packets that help students with additional last-minute prep before their test.

Our instructors are intimately familiar with each AP subject, so they know what to focus on during the Cram and in their study packets.

Thousands of students have aced their AP tests thanks to Lafayette Academy’s Exam Crams. BUT WE CAN DO BETTER! Why do we want to do better?

Scoring high on AP exams saves you an average of $1,800 on a 3-credit course, but you can save as much as $4,200 for a 3-credit course at a top school.

Each credit also gets you closer to finishing your degree sooner and/or gives you more scheduling flexibility throughout your college career.

Moreover, if you are a sophomore or junior, your strong AP test scores may help you get into a more exclusive college.

In other words, your AP test scores are more important than most people realize and we want to help you ace the tests! Stay tuned because we really are launching some exciting initiatives for the 2025 AP Exams!

AP Exam Cram students get the highest AP test scores!

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. Katherine W.

“My AP Bio packet was amazing and I got a 4 on my AP test!” Gina C.

“I thought they were very informative and they helped me for later in the week. I also had fun so I enjoyed it.” Julianna D.

“My shadow classes and the Exam Crams were really really helpful!” Lauren H.

“Your staff is wonderful and they know how to teach. They all help with any questions and everything. I did really well on my AP tests” Shane R.

This is a small selection of testimonials. Perhaps the best testimony to our Exam Cram programs is the fact that 70% of our students return to Exam Cram, and most people who don’t come back don’t need help or they graduated.

AP Exam Cram Registration Opens March 2025

Lafayette Academy is Introducing a New, Exciting Approach to AP Exam Cram …. LIVE ONLINE & In Lafayette

Email us

Each AP Exam Cram includes one of our highly coveted study packets that help students with additional last-minute prep before their test.

How to register for AP Exams

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