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.

We Received Your Tutoring Request

If you are in the class of 2025, sign up for spring ACT or SAT Prep

SAT Prep or ACT Prep is a No Brainer

Plenty of great schools still require or accept ACT or SAT scores!
The U.C. schools have become ridiculously selective and MANY local students are applying to other schools that consider your ACT or SAT scores.

So Why Choose Lafayette Academy for Test Prep?

We organize our students based on their ability levels, with differentiated instruction.
We analyze homework and practice tests, and WE respond accordingly.
We combine small classes with private tutoring to ensure personalized instruction. Even online, our tutors focus on your child’s needs.
We are dedicated to each student, and we will do whatever it takes to help him or her ace the test.
Our online test prep is just as focused as our offline programs. We make sure that every student is engaged.

Call (925) 284-1644 to enroll by phone or …

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(no credit card required to enroll online)

As always, Lafayette Academy has helped one of my children get a much higher score than she expected on the SAT. I honestly don’t know if you folks get better results because you’re smarter than your competitors or because you have a way to get more copies of old tests (just kidding). What I see more than anything is a company that cares about its clients more than anyone else. As I’m sure you know, many companies promise us the moon and offer tons of services that attract people to their test prep programs. Yes, we used another service with one of our children… She’s still mad at us, even though she picked it to be with a friend. Back to caring for a second. I had heard about your test prep service a few years ago from a friend of mine who had two children in the program 10 or so years ago. She still remembered a few of the things you did to help her daughter, who wasn’t your most enthusiastic student. I have had other people tell me similar stories and then we had our own experience last year. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate a company like yours and can’t understand why more people don’t try to emulate you. You’re a treasured business here in Lafayette and I hope you have children to keep Lafayette Academy going indefinitely. Thanks so much for everything. I know you like to report scores; here’s a pretty good one: Initial Score for Reading & Writing 610 and for Math 580. Actual score for R & W 720 and Math 700. We’re very pleased and will encourage all of our younger friends to use your services. Barbara B. Lamorinda Mom

Mrs. B.

Mom, Campolindo Inc

We Received Your Tutoring Request

If you are in the class of 2025, sign up for spring ACT or SAT Prep

SAT Prep or ACT Prep is a No Brainer

Call (925) 284-1644 to enroll by phone or …

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