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.

SAT Prep

SAT Prep until right before your actual test!

Small classes, organized by ability level, enable …differentiated instruction.
Updated digital SAT curriculum for 2025/26, with homework that we analyze & respond to!
SAT Prep students take 3 practice tests; we evaluate and respond to all of them.
3 monthly payments of $395 ($1,185 total) for 11 classes, 3 hours of tutoring, and huge score improvements!

Feel free to call us for personalized, honest test prep advice! We don’t sell you; we advise you!

Click here to enroll (no credit card required)

Private tutoring packages are always available for ACT or SAT Prep.

Still not sure?

Here Are More Reasons to Choose Lafayette Academy’s Test Prep

We have spent countless hours analyzing digital tests to identify less obvious, but important problem areas.
This leads to innovative methods to teach challenging topics. How do we know they’re innovative?
We have hired tutors from competitors. Our best strategies are often new to them, and always preferred!

Hundreds of Lafayette Academy students have achieved significant score increases thanks to our ACT prep & SAT Prep programs.

Summer SAT Prep near me

OMG! I just got my ACT scores and … drumroll please, I got a 35. A COMPOSITE OF 35. Sorry about all caps, but I don’t GAF (sorry for that too).

Thank you so much to all of the tutors at Lafayette Academy. You helped me in every area, even math which I thought would be a waste. I wasn’t thinking about the ACT before your boss encouraged me to take a practice test. I’m pretty sure that my practice test score was only a 27 or 28, but it was high enough to give me hope. Now I’m def applying to some schools that care about test scores.

Rachel S.

#1 SAT Prep Big Score Increase

Lafayette Academy has been helping students get huge score increases since before our current students were born! Luckily, we have changed and updated our curriculum many times since then. Summer SAT Prep near me is also apt because we have classes in Lafayette and online, where we are near everyone. ACT Prep near me is also apt because we offer online ACT Prep. Lafayette Academy offers differentiated instruction, small classes, experienced and fun instructors, and many other features and benefits that set our ACT Prep apart from everyone else. Moreover, we genuinely care about our students. We are a small company, rooted in Lafayette, but we have a talented team of professionals who have led our test prep programs for many years. Our owner is a Harvard MBA who does all of the analysis for our programs.

We have summer SAT prep tutors for Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and beyond – the best, proven approach to scoring high on these important tests. In-person or online SAT tutoring for all Lamorinda students

“Summer SAT Prep near me for everyone in Lamorinda and nearby cities.”

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Summer ACT PrepSummer ACT Prep Near Me

SAT Prep

SAT Prep until right before your actual test!

Click here to enroll (no credit card required)

Private tutoring packages are always available for ACT or SAT Prep.

Still not sure?

Here Are More Reasons to Choose Lafayette Academy’s Test Prep

#1 SAT Prep Big Score Increase

SAT Prep Near Me ACT Prep Near Me

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