For high school juniors and seniors, springtime means college entrance exam time. Scores from the ACT and SAT are the current measure for student acceptance for many U.S. colleges and universities. In recent years, admissions policies have started including other student records and talents in more of a holistic application process.
However, academic ability is and likely will always remain the main point of acceptance or denial to post-secondary education institutions. While the ranking of individuals in this manner seems a bit limiting, millions of high school students continue to flock to testing centers annually to be evaluated by the ACT or SAT test.
There are many ways to help your student prepare for college entrance exams, whether your student attends an online school or not. Not surprisingly, many families spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on test preparation. Are you looking for ways you can prepare your student to get a good score without spending a fortune?
Here are a few common sense tips to get started:
Know what test to take. Depending on where you live, you might take either the ACT or the SAT. Another factor to consider is colleges of choice. Where are they located and what test score do they accept? Find this out first! Also consider the cost of taking each test, including test fees and preparation. Normally, students choose one test but not both.
Consider preliminary exams. The PSAT helps younger high schoolers (generally sophomores) become familiar with taking timed standardized exams, studying, and scoring. Think of it as the precursor to the big she-bang of the SAT. This test also allows students to compete for National Merit Scholarships as juniors. The ACT equivalent is the PLAN test. Additional practice tests can also help your student adjust to the real thing.
Circle test and registration dates. This seems like a basic thing right? Putting off scheduling the test can come back and bite you since there are limited times to take the test, cut-off dates for registration (generally one month in advance), and limited testing locations nearby.
Carefully choose prep tests, courses, and books. Some test prep resources are good, but some aren't. Evaluate preparation material very carefully. Do your research. Do they really help? How? Or do they just want your money? Consider your student's strengths and weaknesses and what additional tests, courses, or books are really necessary and worth your money.
Take advantage of free resources. You can find a multitude of practice questions and tests at the ACT or SAT websites, along with tips, hints, and advice online. Find discussion boards and ask questions. Focus on testing areas that your student struggles with (such as vocabulary, reading comprehension, or essay composition); then find tools to help build those skills.
Don't procrastinate preparation. Tempting as it is, don't push off test preparation until the last minute. Ideally, one to two years preparation time is warranted. Daily practice and exposure to test formatting can help alleviate cramming and stress. Burnout is likely if you're stuffing prep time into the last few months, and it won't help your student do better.
Keep scholarships in mind. Tests scores can qualify your student for scholarships (i.e. free money). Student loans are costly, so shoot for scores at which scholarships are awarded. An ACT score of 25 and up and a SAT score of 1300 are generally desirable. Scholarship award policies vary widely, so check with your colleges of choice first. (Scholarships are available through companies and private institutions, too.)
Talk to someone who's taken the test. Nothing can replace the real thing. Visit with other students who've taken the test already. Better yet, have your student talk with them. Discuss the best way to approach the test, considering timed sections. Get advice on what to bring along and how to schedule the testing day with sleeping, eating, and traveling.
Take tests multiple times. Your student can take tests multiple times to see if he can improve on a previous score. However, this can be costly and take more time for your student. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of repeat testing. Re-evaluate colleges that get results if scoring is below what's desired. Have back-up colleges ready just in case.
Use tutoring only if necessary. Private tutoring, such as that offered through Sylvan or The Princeton Review, can be extremely expensive (up to thousands of dollars), often charged on a per hour basis. Tutoring can help your student focus on challenging areas and can also give testing advice. However, you should only use tutoring if your student is willing to do the additional work.
Facing college entrance exams can be daunting for any teen, especially if he's not a natural test taker. The burden of getting a good score can be tremendous. Often this pressure is applied by parents or teachers; sometimes students put the pressure upon themselves. This do-or-die attitude to the ACT and SAT is unhealthy and unrealistic.
Remember that tests can be taken multiple times and that the future hasn't collapsed if your student doesn't get into his college of choice. There are always other options. Encourage your student to put testing in the correct perspective. Aim high, but keep grounded.
How are you preparing your student for the ACT or SAT test?