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.

Help Your Child Find the Cure For Their Test Anxiety

Is your child suffering from test anxiety? It can be difficult to tell if your child has this problem. Kids that have test anxiety may get stomach aches, feel weak, or get headaches before and during tests. They might even get sick to their stomach right before the start of the test. If you notice these symptoms, sit down and talk with your child. She may tell you that taking tests makes her nervous. Thankfully, there are cures for test anxiety, but some cases are more difficult than others.

Keep the Conversation Open and Positive

Don’t make fun of them or embarrass them in any way. If your child was crying over not doing well on a test and you say something they take as making fun of them, it can make the situation worse. Let them know you want to help.

Be supportive. If your child is freaking out over a test, give her positive reinforcement. Tell your child that he can do great and help him try to calm down.

Make Sure Her Tutors Address Study Skills

Good tutors should help their students study more efficiently. Email your student’s tutor and ask him or her to respond with some of the study skills techniques they incorporate into the tutoring sessions. It can be difficult for some kids who have test-taking problems to focus when studying, but there are ways around this problem.

When students learn proper studying techniques, they learn more quickly and can absorb more information. This has a hugely positive impact on their academic self-esteem which in turn helps eliminate a lot of the anxiety. Turning to a tutor may be the best way to help your child get past the anxiety and start taking confident steps in their education.