Tag Archives: SAT
Do I need SAT Subject Tests?
The lesser known SAT Subject Tests may be required at your colleges of choice; typically, these are used by more selective colleges where they’ll want to see two tests. Be sure you are checking all testing requirements for each school in which you are interested, so you don’t overlook these important tests if they are required. What are They? Really, just what they say they are. These tests, formerly known as SAT II’s to your parents, are meant to measure achievement in high school courses. There are 20 possible tests across 5 content areas. They are different in nature to the SAT, which is a reasoning … Continue reading
Honoring ACT and SAT Score Choice
Back in the spring of 2005, SAT joined ACT in allowing for Score Choice. This means regardless of the number of times a student takes either test, the student is able to CHOOSE which single score report (or more) they would like to send to the colleges at the time of application. This policy, in my opinion, goes along with all the other privacy laws we’ve gained in recent years. I like it! Who’s Not Playing Fair? Unfortunately, there’s a rather small group of selective schools who believe they are above the policy of score choice and have a school … Continue reading
Don’t Get Turned Away on Test Day
In the wake of the SAT testing scandal on Long Island last year, ACT and SAT are putting similar security changes in place starting with the 2012-13 testing cycle. Sadly, the dishonesty of a few impacts the whole. Don’t rely on what your older sibling or friend had to bring on test day to get in the door, or you might just be turned away. Smile! At the time of registration, students must submit a picture of themselves. Be sure it’s an individual picture with no sunglasses or hats and your face is easily discernible – you can find examples … Continue reading
Will Super Scoring Help with College Admission?
As June ACT and SAT scores rolled in, students started asking us IF they should retest. I wrote about this last year in our post Who Should take the ACT or SAT Again? Since that article, ACT has updated their statistics on who actually improves on a second attempt. Overall, 57% of students will improve. To see your odds, according to ACT data which differs from students who prep with LEAP, consult the chart on the ACT site. While considering whether to retest or not, the option of Super Scoring should be taken into consideration for students who already have two or more testing attempts on … Continue reading
Shame on You, SAT!
Students and families, for many years, have begged both SAT and ACT to add summer test dates at the end of summer, so students can prep and test during the summer months when they are removed from the pressures of school. Additionally, Collegeboard (owner of the SAT test) has warned families to not use test prep as they say it doesn’t make a difference. Finally, SAT is doing something about it this August AND it looks like they are endorsing test prep! Excited? Don’t be. The August SAT will be given to a select few 50 students. Not only are the … Continue reading
Dominate the SAT Subject Tests
Your college(s) of choice may have stringent testing standards that require you to take the SAT Subject Tests. Be sure to check all testing requirements for each prospective school to avoid overlooking important admissions criteria. What are Subject Tests? As their name indicates, these tests (formerly known as SAT II) measure achievement in specific high school courses. There are 20 possible tests across five content areas. They are different in nature to the SAT, which is a reasoning test. They also differ from AP tests, which measure college level curriculum. Many students find Subject Tests similar to classroom tests or … Continue reading
Timing is Everything with Testing
Every fall LEAP receives at least several calls of anxiety ridden parents whose senior student has yet to have a first attempt at the ACT or SAT, let alone the recommended second attempt. Now they realize their back is up against the wall with limited testing dates and college application deadlines. With the ample number of ACT and SAT test dates year-round, there is no reason for a family to ever get in this position. Make a Plan LEAP has been prepping students for college entrance exams since 1999 with great results. From our experience, we advise for most students to start … Continue reading
ACT or SAT: Which One is for YOU?
ACT and SAT: either or both? Many juniors are faced by this dilemma. There is no one cookie cutter answer. The good news is all colleges accept either, so you have options. LEAP is in the business of helping students sort out the details and make the best possible decision for you. Which is exactly what our FREE ACT-SAT Essentials Seminar is all about on October 12th, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. If you are in the Greater Cincinnati join us by RSVP’ing here. Different Types of Tests To begin with, the nature of the ACT and SAT are different. The ACT is an … Continue reading
ACT & SAT College Readiness Benchmarks
ACT and SAT College Readiness Benchmarks are meant as a guideline to indicate students likely to be successful in college as a freshman. That is they have the ability and if they put the work in they are likely to succeed. ACT Benchmarks Came First In 2005 when ACT added the optional Writing portion to their test (remember: LEAP encourages all students to take the writing portion!), they also established College Readiness Benchmarks for each of the subtests: English, math, reading and science. Meeting the benchmark would indicate a student has a 50% chance of earning a B or better and … Continue reading
What’s New at Ohio Colleges
On Monday, I spent the day on the big and beautiful Ohio State University campus for the annual Articulation Meeting for the Ohio Association of College Admission Counselors (OACAC). A highlight was the session on Ohio’s public 4-year institutions, where there is always something new! ACT and SAT When it comes to college entrance exams, Miami University surprised many when they announced they are dropping the requirement for the ACT optional writing test. From an advising stance, I’m still going to continue to encourage students to take the writing portion of the test as many schools still require them. University of … Continue reading
