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.

ACT Tutoring & SAT Tutoring

SAT Tutoring & ACT Tutoring Packages & Hourly Support

SAT Packages

ACT Packages

ACT or SAT Hourly Tutoring

1 subject

$795
Choose one: Reading and Writing or Math
5 sessions (1.5 hours each)
2 practice tests

1 subject

$625
Choose one: Math, Science, Reading, or English
4 sessions (1.5 hours each)
2 practice tests

Any subject (two session minimum)

$129/hour

All subjects

$1,497
Includes Reading, Writing, and Math
10 sessions (5 per section)
3 practice tests

All subjects

$1,650
Math, Science, Reading, & English
12 sessions (6 for STEM, 6 for ELA)
3 practice tests

Hourly tutoring is useful for…

Last-minute prep
Less time commitment for busy students
Brush up before a second test sitting
Add on to a package or class (at a discounted rate)

Expert ACT & SAT Tutoring are Offered Online & In Person

One-on-One Tutoring

Lafayette Academy offers Private SAT Tutoring, Online SAT Tutoring, and Private ACT Tutoring.

We offer hourly tutoring, but encourage most students to purchase a package of lessons because they’re more structured, and come with a lower hourly rate.

Our students experience tremendous score improvements. Scroll down to learn why.

Cutting-Edge, Proven Strategies

Our owner (a humble Harvard MBA) has read over 45 test prep books and analyzed thousands of assessments taken by local students. His analysis and insights have led to a number of genuinely unique strategies to beat the SAT and ACT. Our program also includes “best of breed” strategies from around the country. Our students’ stellar results have not been by accident. See below for details on the structure and philosophy behind our programs.

Ongoing Analysis Leads to the Most Focused Instruction

Only the largest companies break down each SAT and ACT practice test the way we do. We track specific metrics for each student throughout the program. Moreover, our SAT/ACT director does all of the analysis. Other companies expect their tutors to review practice test results and respond accordingly. We love our instructors, but they’re instructors, not analysts. Our SAT/ACT director gives our instructors specific guidance based on assessment results. Each student completes up to 4 practice tests!

Lower Fees, Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plans

Our national competitors charge as much as $3,000 for their private tutoring packages with hourly rates over $140/hour! We offer a variety of ACT and SAT Private Tutoring packages that start at $625 for one ACT subject or $795 for one SAT subject. Our complete private tutoring packages for each test is less than $2,000 for over 20 hours of content. Plus, you can spread your payments over three months with no interest … ever.

Flexible Scheduling, Flexible Program

If your son or daughter has a busy schedule, our flexible private tutoring program will simplify your life. We can work around any schedule. If your schedule changes, we’ll change with you. You can also choose a 4 or 5-session package depending on your budget and your son or daughter’s needs.

Haven’t decided whether to focus on the SAT, ACT, or both, or neither?

Call us for a consultation. Our staff is trained to help you evaluate the best path for your student. And, we won’t push test prep if you don’t need it!
Schedule a full-length practice test for one or both tests (it’s free!). We’ll help you compare the results.

*SAT is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, our services.
*ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, our services.

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ACT Tutoring & SAT Tutoring

SAT Tutoring & ACT Tutoring Packages & Hourly Support

1 subject

1 subject

Any subject (two session minimum)

All subjects

All subjects

Expert ACT & SAT Tutoring are Offered Online & In Person

Haven’t decided whether to focus on the SAT, ACT, or both, or neither?

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