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.

Online Algebra Tutoring

Best Online Algebra Tutoring (on Zoom) – Ideal for

Students in Lamorinda, Walnut Creek, and Schools with Big Ideas Math textbooks

We’re putting the “A” in Algebra 1 and Algebra 2

Online Algebra Tutoring & Classes

Top Five Reasons to Request Algebra Tutoring at Lafayette Academy

Our tutors are local, incredibly skilled, and very familiar with the local (“Big Ideas Math”) algebra curriculum.
Most tutoring companies hire tutors to help students complete homework and better understand topics. Their tutors wing it.
Lafayette Academy has developed best practices “tutoring curriculum” for Algebra 1 and 2.
There are many ways to teach most topics and we make sure our tutors use the best techniques and respond to your child’s specific learning style.
At Lafayette Academy, we don’t wing it when we’re teaching foundational subjects like Algebra 1 and 2.

Last year, Lafayette Academy finished a best practices tutoring curriculum for all levels of Algebra 2 and some Algebra 1 topics. This curriculum is the result of extensive analysis and research to ensure that we can help any Algebra 2 student understand the most challenging concepts. Algebra 1 will be ready in the Fall.

Our tutors will pinpoint skill gaps and utilize our curriculum to help each student experience “aha” moments. Our curriculum covers all of the challenging topics in Algebra 2 (and all its variations) and many Algebra 1 topics. Even if we don’t have a curriculum worksheet for some Algebra 1 topics, our tutors own the material. Our tutors will also spend time on previous math topics if they find that a lack of understanding hinders a student.

Some Early Feedback

We have already heard from a few long-time Lafayette Academy students: “When I first looked at the worksheet, I was overwhelmed and a little mad because I thought I was supposed to figure it out myself. But then C. explained it to me, and I owned differentials. I wish I had started tutoring earlier because these worksheets are amazing.” Ashley S. Acalanes “I almost canceled my appointment when I heard I was seeing a new tutor. I’m still not sure if he’s a good tutor, but I don’t care because those worksheets are amazing. I’m totally ready for my quiz. Thanks to whoever wrote that worksheet. Do the Shadow Classes have the worksheets?” Mike B. Campo

Online Algebra Tutoring Benefits

Your child’s confidence will soar (yes, in math!) and allow her or him to approach future concepts with less anxiety. When kids get anxious, they often freeze up (just like us). Our goal is to provide students with the tools and instruction to approach new math concepts without anxiety and master them. You should see more A’s this year … and more smiles. Lafayette Academy WILL become the place for Algebra tutoring.

Online Tutoring

Little girl learns from home while her teacher teaches on Zoom.

Still Not Sure?

If you can find a local tutoring center with a more invested owner than Lafayette Academy, you should go there. Seriously. From our perspective that’s high praise, especially if that owner’s idea of “investment” is in the students who attend his learning center and the tutors who work there. Anyone can brag about their dedication to employees and students, but do they show it on a regular basis? We do. We will always put the interests of our students before everyone else. Period. Lafayette Academy will do whatever it takes to help its students thrive in school and ace standardized tests. We have been doing it for over 20 years and we’re not stopping!

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Online Algebra Tutoring

Best Online Algebra Tutoring (on Zoom) – Ideal for

Students in Lamorinda, Walnut Creek, and Schools with Big Ideas Math textbooks

We’re putting the “A” in Algebra 1 and Algebra 2

Some Early Feedback

Online Algebra Tutoring Benefits

Contact Us Today

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The Inside Story