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.

Do I Still Need to Take the ACT or SAT?

Many parents ask us if their children still need to take the ACT or SAT because some schools no longer require these tests for admission. The answer is “yes” because a number of popular colleges continue to require the ACT or SAT for admission.

What If the Student is Not Applying to a School That Requires These Tests?

Most students take the ACT or SAT during their junior year of high school, before they have created a list of target colleges. This means that many students are still unsure of what their academic future holds. They have an idea of what they want, but that idea can, and often does, change. If they avoid taking their ACT or SAT during this time, and do happen to change their mind, it could alter which colleges they can apply to in the future.

Getting Ready for the ACTs and SATs

Once a student decides that taking the ACTs or SATs, or both, is best, he or she should get help to make the process easier. The best time (by far) to begin preparation is during the summer prior to junior year when you don’t have to compete with the demands of school and extracurricular activities. Do check out Lafayette Academy’s genuinely unique summer/fall or summer/spring test prep program. We pioneered a new way to prepare for the SAT and ACT, helping students achieve tremendous success for many years. We will help yours, too. Call us and set up a consultation today!

Do I Still Need to Take the ACT or SAT?

What If the Student is Not Applying to a School That Requires These Tests?

Getting Ready for the ACTs and SATs

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