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 Tailor Our Tutoring to Suit Each Student’s Ability Level and Learning Style

Lafayette Academy is Lamorinda’s most trusted learning center. We personalize all of our programs, including SAT and ACT Prep. We do not put each child into the same instructional model. Instead, we cater to every child, helping each student find his or her’s quickest path to academic success. Here the emphasis is on “his or her” because all students are unique in terms of their approach to learning and innate capacity to absorb. information.

Tutoring Custom-designed to Address Students’ Distinctive Learning Profiles

In order to help your child make use of his or her innate abilities to the greatest degree possible, we customize our tutoring approach. The first step is to have each student complete a VARK learning styles profile to help us identify students with atypical learning styles. We then utilize a personalized tutoring approach that caters to each student’s unique academic requirements and skills. Afterward, our tutors interact with students once or twice weekly either one-on-one or in small groups and also help them with challenges they may be facing with their existing coursework.

Our SAT Prep and Shadow Classes Typify our Personalized Approach to Tutoring

In an ongoing effort to “Bring out the Best” in our students, we have led the way in using differentiated instructional strategies for our SAT Preparation and Shadow classes. Since students have dissimilar personalities, learning needs, and skills, they acquire knowledge more efficiently and thoroughly if tutoring is geared to their particular style and degree of aptitude. Although this type of tutoring system is more challenging to manage and schedule, it is well worth the effort because our students invariably flourish and grow both academically and personally after attending Lafayette Academy for a time.

Let Lafayette Academy Help

Our entire instructional philosophy is founded on the belief that all students are unique. So, the methods by which they can achieve the greatest possible educational outcomes must be based on their particular learning mode and level. To find out more about our personalized approach to tutoring designed to bring out your child’s optimal abilities, contact us today at Lafayette Academy.

Tutoring to Each Student’s Learning Style & Ability Level

Tutoring Custom-designed to Address Students’ Distinctive Learning Profiles

Our SAT Prep and Shadow Classes Typify our Personalized Approach to Tutoring

Let Lafayette Academy Help

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