10 Tips for Taking the ACT This Saturday
Clearly it is too late to do an in-depth study for this weekend’s ACT, but there are things all students can do in the next couple days to help improve their performance (and scores) on Saturday’s ACT....
View ArticlePersonal Experience with 7th Grade Duke TIP
Every year I get dozens of comments that I’m too negative when discussing the pros and cons of the Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP). So I thought I’d share my positive personal experience....
View ArticleHow to Compare SAT and ACT Scores
Copyright: RaymondG / 123RF Stock Photo All colleges and universities that require standardized test scores for undergraduate admission will accept students’ scores on either the SAT or ACT. Many...
View ArticleWhat SAT or ACT Score Do I Need To Get In?
Many students are curious about what standardized test scores they will need to make in order to gain admission to a particular school. Unfortunately, the admission process to most colleges and...
View ArticleDon’t Leave the SAT or ACT For Fall of Senior Year
In today’s college admissions timeline, it is a mistake to leave the SAT or ACT until the fall of a student’s senior year. What? I thought senior year was when most students took those tests? I thought...
View ArticleWhen Should We Begin ACT / SAT Prep?
“When Should We Begin ACT / SAT Prep?” This is a common question at the start of every school year as families plan ahead. As parents we want to avoid last minute panic and do things right, but there...
View ArticleWhen Should I Take the ACT / SAT?
Even with the upcoming changes to the SAT, the answer to “when should I take the ACT / SAT” remains the same: sometime during junior year. Here’s why. Complete Testing As A Junior Your goal should be...
View ArticleWhy You Shouldn’t Take the New SAT (Spring 2016)
I’ve talked to a lot of parents and students this fall who felt the redesigned SAT, the one that will make its debut in March 2016, might be a better alternative for students. They couldn’t be further...
View ArticleWhen Taking the ACT or SAT “Just For Practice” Can Hurt You
I’m a big fan of practice when it comes to standardized tests, but not all practice is beneficial. In fact, there are times when a “practice” test can hurt you. Good Practice I’ll start with the...
View ArticlePractice SAT / ACT or Sales Tool? Why some practice tests give bad results.
Today I’m exposing a dirty secret in the test prep industry. Those free or low cost practice tests you see advertised are not good practice; they are sales tools. Last week I told you taking the SAT or...
View ArticleDo You Need Extra Time on the ACT / SAT?
In the past year almost half of my private tutoring clients have come to me needing extra time on the ACT. Unfortunately, only a few of them knew their learning differences could qualify them for...
View ArticleNew SAT Scores Are Inflated
Scores from the new format March SAT were released this week. A lot of students were excited to see scores that matched the profile numbers of their top choice colleges. What most test takers didn’t...
View ArticleDo You Need to Take the SAT for College?
My son has taken the ACT and we are pleased with his score. Does he need to take the SAT? I’m hearing a lot of parents say kids need both and that seems to be the advice from his … Continue reading →
View ArticleACT or SAT: Which Test Is Better?
I’m finalizing my ACT and SAT prep schedule for the coming school year and have debated a question that troubles families of juniors each year. ACT or SAT: which test is better? Of course, I’m looking...
View ArticlePlan Your High School Testing Calendar Now
When should my daughter take the SAT? Do we need to take the PSAT this year? Are you sure juniors are ready take the ACT in the fall? These questions and more fill my inbox this time each year. There …...
View ArticleWhen Is Another SAT or ACT Unnecessary?
Earlier this week I got an email from a friend asking what her senior son needed to do about the ACT. He was scheduled to take the exam this Saturday, which also happens to be homecoming. (No thanks...
View ArticleKey Standardized Tests You May Need This Spring
Now is a good time to plan all standardized testing for the remainder of the school year. Most families with juniors know it is time to take (or retake) either the SAT or ACT. But there are some...
View ArticleFree Tool to Help Decide if Your ACT / SAT Scores Are Good Enough
“Are my ACT (or SAT) scores good enough?” This is a popular question that follows many high school juniors and their families. Along with other questions: Should I retake the test? Try taking the other...
View ArticleHow Do Colleges View Multiple Attempts at the ACT/SAT?
Standardized tests can be a key factor in college admission and scholarship awards. As a result, students often take the SAT or ACT more than once, attempting to earn the highest scores possible....
View ArticleHow to Plan for Junior Year Tests (PSAT, ACT & SAT)
Hi Megan, Your newsletter is helpful as always! I had questions about your test prep schedule. I know we’re still finishing up this year but should my daughter plan to start the August classes when you...
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