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 Exams – Does Your AP Test Score Matter?

by Mark B | May 7, 2021 | AP Exam Cram | 0 comments

AP Exam Cram: Our AP Experts Review the Most Important Topics

Do AP Scores Matter?

AP Exams If you look closely at the image below, you will see that two people from the same company posted blogs with different takes on the importance of AP test scores. I could find 50 other examples of conflicting information. So whose information should you trust the most, why? Mine. This blog is based on my spending countless hours researching the answer to this question, including conversations with admissions officers. We will provide the “definitive answer” to the “do AP scores matter?” question.

AP Scores Can Matter, Bigly

High scores on AP exams have many benefits for students. From an admissions committee’s perspective, high-level performance on AP tests confirms your academic excellence – it’s hard to skate through AP classes and ace the “final exam.” Also, when you arrive at many colleges or universities, you can start taking more advanced classes based on your AP Test scores. Still, if you’re a business major, who really wants to take that Zoology class, you can.

Because AP courses are more difficult than regular classes, taking them shows an admissions committee that you challenged yourself in high school with college-level material and aced it!. Rigor is one of the most important factors considered by admissions officers. There is no better way to substantiate a rigorous course than a high AP test score.

Will AP Scores Begin to Matter Even More?

There is no definitive response to this question because it’s too early to ascertain how colleges will respond to a non-ACT SAT score environment. We think there is a high probability that the test scores will matter because it’s an easy measure to attach to the process and it will add a lot of value to the student’s AP grades in high school: either buttressing, confirming or questioning high grades or boosting students who may not have aced the class itself.

At Lafayette Academy, we will continue to hire armies of highly qualified AP tutors to make it easier for our students to take multiple classes. Almost everyone agrees that AP classes are hugely important for college bound students.

AP Exam Cram Students Get High Scores On AP Tests

In light of these facts, it’s important that you do well on your AP exams so you can get a head start in your academic career and save money on tuition by not having to take a lot of basic courses. Our tutors are here to help you in this process by reviewing the subject matter of the exams with you and instructing you on the topics that are most likely to appear on the AP tests. They will also explain how to take a standardized test like the revised 2021 AP so you’ll be mentally prepared beforehand and more likely to do well.

Our comprehensive programs are specific to each test. Here are a few examples of questions that we answer in our AP Exam Crams:

What differentiates a score of 4 from 3, 5 from 4, 5 from 3, and 3 from 2. ? We think it’s vital for students to know what is expected to reach each scoring level. This helps students organize their studying.
We quickly ascertain our students’ problem areas; then, we tackle all of the aforementioned errors that we know matter on the test. We do NOT waste time on obscure topics that have limited impact on your score.
We have developed many innovative methods to explain complicated topics. Our methods work. Period.
Every AP Exam Cram includes a comprehensive, take-home, study packet. The packets cover topics that we knew we couldn’t get to in the Cram, practice problems with answer keys, and study materials based on the Cram session.
We are also available to answer follow-up questions via email

For the best in AP exam prep tutoring online, link up with us today at Lafayette Academy.

Still not sure what to think? Listen to what some experts have said about AP Test Scores:

AP Exams – Does Your AP Test Score Matter?

Do AP Scores Matter?

AP Scores Can Matter, Bigly

Will AP Scores Begin to Matter Even More?

AP Exam Cram Students Get High Scores On AP Tests

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