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.

Tips for Kids and Parents Restarting In-Person Learning

by Mark B | Sep 22, 2020 | Tips & Suggestions | 0 comments

Back To in Person School

As we begin the fall, there are a few things on everyone’s minds. For kids and parents, that’s the mass return to school. There are some kids who are still adjusting to the transition and worried parents. All of this is natural, of course. Here are some of our favorite tips to help you and them, as we all return to the classrooms. We apologize in advance that some of them are self-serving.

For Kids: Help is Always Available: Shadow Classes for Every Difficulty

As your child moves back to school and possibly into a brand-new environment, they will need to adjust to the new things and responsibilities in their life. For some kids, this will mean a dramatic shift in what they knew and understood. That may, in turn, make things hard for them to understand or pay attention to in class. Lafayette Academy is one of the best choices for students having these problems. We provide Shadow Classes® and private tutors to ensure that your children do not fall behind.

Shadow Classes® operate like an extra class on whatever subject your student struggles with. It is a chance for them to ask questions and more. On average, the students who take our Shadow Classes as a serious opportunity end their semesters a full one grade level higher than they would without us. Click here to read more about Shadow Classes and see the schedule.

For Adults: Check in with Your Student

Your kids need you to check in with them regularly, even if they don’t realize it. For example, middle school parents should check their students’ test scores and not just their grades. In many middle schools, you can get good grades simply by doing the work, even if you don’t really understand the concepts. Test scores are key. High school parents should ask their children to show them their specific homework process. Perhaps you can ask, how do you study history? When the student says, “I read the book, no duh mom.” Ask him if he just reads chapters from beginning to end. If he says yes, then take the time to show him more advanced ways to read chapters that greatly enhance his reading comprehension. Want to learn more? We are just a phone call away!

Lafayette Academy is your answer for K-12 tutoring, Shadow Classes, SAT, ACT, or any other test they need help with. Call us today to find out more about what we can do for your student and you.

Tips for Kids and Parents Restarting In-Person Learning

Back To in Person School

For Kids: Help is Always Available: Shadow Classes for Every Difficulty

For Adults: Check in with Your Student

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