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.

Summer Test Prep is a No Brainer

Summer test prep at Lafayette Academy will not ruin anyone’s summer! We only teach a portion of our test prep programs during the summer: only twice a week for three weeks, in June, July, or July/August. Our students learn the key SAT strategies without having the pressures of high school hanging over them and without ruining their summer. “Summer” students return to Lafayette Academy’s ACT or SAT Prep program approximately 5-6 weeks before their actual test date. Then, they have 5 more classes, 3 hours of private tutoring, and 2 more practice tests that lead them up to their actual test date.

Why Summer Test Prep is the Way to Go

We pioneered the hybrid summer program in the summer of 2008 when my youngest daughters were heading into their junior years at Campo. I wanted to reduce the burden of test prep that most juniors experience, and both of my daughters ended up doing well on their standardized tests.

It is easier for students to concentrate on summer test prep when they don’t have so many other activities or issues hanging over them. Our summer students tend to grasp concepts more quickly and they consistently do all of their ACT or SAT homework. Yes, they really do! As you probably know, many students experience the “summer slide,” when they lose academic skills while playing, swimming, and/or traveling throughout the summer. Summer test prep helps teens stay sharp.

For the best results, you should consider getting experts’ help, like here at Lafayette Academy. We specialize in strategizing and tutoring students all year round Our test prep programs help students get the most out of their summer and give them a head start on ACT or SAT Prep.

Summer Test Prep Classes Are Unique and Innovative

At Lafayette Academy, our summer test prep classes are small. We group our students depending on their ability level and the topic. For advanced students, we offer accelerated instruction, focusing on the specific strategies and topics that they need to score high on one of the tests. We don’t waste time on the topics they can ace in their sleep. For other groups, we focus on the strategies that will help them achieve the highest score increases. It is not uncommon for a summer student to end up in one of the top groups when they return to our program during the school year.

We conduct practice tests, analyze the results carefully, and respond to our analysis. This allows us to provide custom-tailored instruction depending on the students’ ability and skill levels. Check out our summer schedules and feel free to call or email us with any questions.

Summer Test Prep is a No Brainer

Why Summer Test Prep is the Way to Go

Summer Test Prep Classes Are Unique and Innovative

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