SAT/ACT Test Prep
Why bother with test prep if 2,000+ colleges say they are test optional?
The truth is, while many colleges now say that they are "test optional," meaning students don't need to submit SAT or ACT Test scores, those scores can matter! If your student has a great test score, college admissions officers will take that into consideration when reviewing her or his application. Taking either test also gives colleges more information about you.
Both the SAT and ACT Tests cover reading, writing, languages, and math; the ACT also covers science. I help students learn critical thinking and logic, which is important for success in all the test sections.
For example, the writing and language sections of the tests are largely about grammar and editing skills. My instruction trains students to recognize what is wrong with a passage and how to correct (or edit) it. Students don’t get much instruction in those skills in public schools.
Time management counts
Time management is critical to getting through the entire test (or most of it). I tutor you on:
How to go through the test to first pick out and answer the “no-brainer” questions, and then go back to those that require more thought. This is important because some questions have “weighted” answers, which means the answers count more than others. It also helps you complete more of the test.
How to take apart a question and figure out which answers it would NOT be, so you can choose between the two most likely possibilities, rather than pure guessing among all the possibilities.
Which test should I take?
It you’re good at taking tests, either the Sat or ACT test is fine. However, if you don’t do well on tests, I recommend the ACT test because it evaluates how well you know the subject matter.
Start early with PSAT prep
The sooner the better! I like to start getting eighth grade students ready to take the PSAT in tenth grade. Sophomores can sit for the PSAT/NMSQT or the PSAT-10 and can use either as a practice test for their junior year.
If you take the test, check “yes” to the Student Search Service option on your answer sheet. That allows scholarship organizations to see your score and reach out with scholarship application opportunities. More than $300 million in scholarships are available for qualified students who take the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 10, according to the College Board (see page 4 of this link).
For more information on SAT, ACT and PSAT services, please contact me at Nancy.kachursky@rteseduc.com or 240-405-7568.
