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.

High School Student Challenges

by Mark B | Sep 24, 2024 | Academic Parenting, Tips & Suggestions | 0 comments

3 Unexpected Challenges of Raising High School Students (and How to Solve Them)

An image of a mother consoling her teenage son.

Are you wondering why your chatty child has turned into a brooding teenager?

Many parents focus on the academic aspects of raising high school students because their children are reluctant to discuss the social aspects. However, your consistent emphasis on good grades, college prep, and talks about the future might blindside you from other problems. Many teens avoid asking for help from parents because it’s awkward to discuss social or personal problems.

The “Inside Story” will provide insights into raising teens through intuitive interventions and interactions.

Raising High School Students: How to Overcome Challenges

Raising teens requires patience, acceptance, quality time, and unconditional (in your teenagers’ eyes) love. We identify challenges you may be unaware of and share actionable parenting tips to tackle them.

Here’s what you should know:

Strict Parenting Can Lead to Rebellion: Be Strict & Reasonable

Generations of parents have used curfews and penalties to discipline teens. You may ground them, take their phones or reduce their monthly allowance, but be reasonable.

Research shows that authoritarian parenting styles may cause “teens to act out.” Defiant teens might sneak off to parties, hide report cards, and skip school to take control over their life. They also tend to become more reckless than peers raised by liberal parents. On the other hand, the most mature students, often the ones who are the highest academic achievers, come from families with stricter parenting. What’s the solution: be strict, consistent, and reasonable.

Parenting Tip: Build Boundaries Based on Trust and Unconditional Love

Promote “positive youth development” by involving your teens when you set the rules. During these discussions, explain why some things are off-limits instead of dictating a list of dos and don’ts. Then allow teens to make individual choices and reinforce that your love is unconditional. Your children will be free to explore life and learn from their mistakes without hiding anything from you.

Generational Gaps are Real

Raising high school students means dealing with intergenerational conflicts, even though you may think that you’re the coolest mom. Just because you star in your child’s Tik Tok videos doesn’t mean that you’ve found a way to bridge the generational differences. It’s normal to have different opinions on fashion trends, friendships, screen time limits, and study habits. However, the way you discuss these matters can influence your relationship in the long run. Don’t let slight differences create a “power struggle” with your opinionated teen. Rigid thinking and stubbornness might cause them to feel alienated.

Parenting Tip: Embrace the Difference

Use these conversations as an opportunity to learn from your teens. The socially aware and eco-conscious Gen Z might teach you something new. These meaningful interactions allow you to grow with them instead of growing apart.

Teens Often Struggle Silently

Parents subconsciously project their dreams and aspirations onto their children. You might want your teen to follow in your footsteps by asking them to join the same profession. You may persuade them to do things you couldn’t or criticize them when they fail. These expectations can add to academic pressure.

Some teens thrive under pressure others fail. Research reveals the correlation between parental expectations and mental health problems can be 12 to 15%. These adolescents experience stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues to gain your approval. Due to this, they are less likely to disclose problems with you.

Parenting Tip: When Your Children Act Out, Look for Underlying Causes

This tip has been hugely important to my development as a person and parent. My empathy level has skyrocketed and I am less likely to lash out at one of my children when their behavior is unacceptable. Your interest in academic progress comes from a place of love and worry. Yet, it can be an underlying cause of their discomfort. Don’t look at their inattentiveness as defiance, as these might be signs of burnout. Raise healthy, well-rounded teens by taking time out for heartfelt conversations. Show sincere support and navigate learning challenges together. It may require you to hire tutors or change their college plans entirely to align with their interests.

Raising High School Students … In a Nutshell

Raising high school students is a challenge … and that’s okay. Adolescents are at an age where they want independence to grow. Helicopter parenting and excess rules might inhibit their growth. The worst-case scenario is that they start rebelling. It can cause disinterest in studies, create conflicts, and affect their mental health. You can avoid this by adapting the way you’re raising teens. Empathize and provide guidance according to their needs. Effective communication, trust, and quality time build healthier parent-teen relationships.

As a result, you’ll be the first person your teen approaches when things go wrong.

Looking for more parenting tips? Read our blog and contact us today for homework help.