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.

The Inside Story Blog

What I Wish I Knew When …

Get The Inside Story

Emailed Insights that Matter (and aren’t obvious)

5 Overlooked Reading Comprehension Benefits

Reading comprehension is the most important academic fundamental, with immeasurable benefits. Some reading comprehension benefits are well-documented: improved reasoning skills, insightful writing, faster reading, and better performance in many subjects. These...

High School Student Challenges

3 Unexpected Challenges of Raising High School Students (and How to Solve Them) Are you wondering why your chatty child has turned into a brooding teenager? Many parents focus on the academic aspects of raising high school students because their children are...

Should You Take the SAT Test or ACT Test and When?

The ACT or SAT is not required to get admitted to a great college, including the University of California schools. Nonetheless, doing well on either test will enhance a student's profile at many schools. Most higher achieving students should take the SAT test, ACT...

Improve Your Child’s Academic Confidence

Academic confidence distinguishes the top students from everyone else. At Lafayette Academy, we do whatever we can to help our students gain more confidence in school. We personalize instruction so our students can experience "aha" moments in their tutoring sessions...

« Older Entries

The Inside Story Blog

What I Wish I Knew When …

Get The Inside Story

5 Overlooked Reading Comprehension Benefits

High School Student Challenges

Should You Take the SAT Test or ACT Test and When?

Improve Your Child’s Academic Confidence

High School Student Challenges

Should You Take the SAT Test or ACT Test and When?

Improve Your Child’s Academic Confidence

Does Your Child Have Learning Disabilities or Challenges?

A Leadership Perspective from Cal

Love of Learning

Learning Styles Matter

The Curse of Low Expectations

Lafayette Academy & Honors Students

Academic Self-Confidence & Optimism

Help With Test Anxiety

Tutoring to Each Student’s Learning Style & Ability Level

Connect With Us

Contact Information

Email Us

The Inside Story