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.

Final Exam Cram … Online and in Lafayette

Final Exam Crams^® are our hugely popular two-hour review sessions that help local students prepare for finals. We offer school and subject-specific final exam tutoring in person and online for Lamorinda high schools. Our experienced instructors review the most important concepts for each school and provide one of our coveted study packets for follow-up prep.

Over 1,000 students attend Final Exam Cram^® yearly because it is a proven way to excel on your finals!

$99/Cram (2-hour review session & follow-up study packet) – only $79 if you enroll before Monday 12/4
Expert tutors who have shadowed classes all semester
Final Exam Crams will be in our Lafayette location & Online
Not sure? Scroll down for real testimonials.

Lafayette Academy has mastered the art and science of Final Exam preparation. We talk to our students every year, before and after our Cram sessions, to ensure we cover the right topics for the proper amount of time. Most students have everything they need to ace their finals between our two-hour test prep classes and take-home packets. We even include test-taking tips in each packet to ensure students take ownership of their tests.

Click on the schedules & registration link below or Call Us

Final Exam Cram Schedules & Registration (no credit card required)

Why do families return to Final Exam Crams semester after semester? Here are just a few reasons…

“We went over everything on the final, in detail. The packet will really help me study.” Natalie S.

“[My tutor] completely understood what we had to cover and made sure we got everything. He was very good to work with and he explained my answers fully.” Tim D.

“The packet he gave us helped a bunch. It was a better review than I could ever have done by myself.” Jeff C.

“We learned more in this class than the whole semester. THANK YOU!!!” An anonymous Danville Student left this message on the white board after a chemistry Exam Cram.

“The classes were REALLY substantial and overall a good review of the material over the semester, especially Spanish!” Megan I. (Spanish 2, Biology, Geometry)

“I thought the class helped a lot. [My tutor] was a great teacher and I ended up getting an A on my biology final.” Alex R.

“[My tutor] is awesome. He was really patient and his explanations were easy to understand. Now I get it!” Joella P. (Algebra 2/Trig)

“I thought it was very helpful and it made studying a lot easier. It made me see where I needed to direct my studies.” Caitlin C. (Geometry)

Lafayette Academy has mastered the art and science of Final Exam preparation. Each year, we talk to our students before and after our Cram sessions to ensure that we are covering the right topics for the right amount of time. Between our two-hour tutoring test prep sessions and the take-home packets, most students have everything they need to ace their finals. We even include test-taking tips in each of our packets to ensure that students take ownership of their tests.

Our final exam preparation tutoring always takes place the weekend before finals. This gives students plenty of time to identify their skill gaps and plan their finals week studies. We try not to leave anything to chance. Occasionally, we get something wrong (e.g. a new class or teacher), but we always do whatever we can to provide a FREE Cram session before the test to cover whatever topics we may have overlooked.

Final Exam Crams are ideal for students with an A, B, or C in a class heading into the final exam. If your son or daughter has a D or an F in a particular class, we strongly recommend scheduling tutoring sessions as soon as possible. It will take several sessions to bring your daughter or son up to an acceptable grade, and that assumes that the final counts enough to make a big difference.

More Finals Prep Tips:

https://shorelight.com/student-stories/21-best-study-tips-for-final-exams/

20 Study Strategies for Finals Week | Fastweb

Final Exam Cram … Online and in Lafayette

Why do families return to Final Exam Crams semester after semester? Here are just a few reasons…

Contact Us Today

(925) 284-1644

Connect With Us

Contact Information

Email Us

The Inside Story

Final Exam Cram … Online and in Lafayette

Why do families return to Final Exam Crams semester after semester? Here are just a few reasons…

Contact Us Today (925) 284-1644

Contact Us Today

(925) 284-1644