It's Time for SAT Prep

The pressure is on. To compete in today’s global economy, which includes international students attending North American colleges in record numbers, U.S. teenagers must obtain collegiate degrees now more than ever. According to the latest research of the U.S. Department of Education, college enrollment grew 16 percent between 1985 and 1995. Between 1995 and 2005, enrollment increased at a faster rate (23 percent), from 14.3 million to 17.5 million. The number of graduating high school seniors is expected to peak in 2011, with 67% trying to gain admission to an institution of higher learning.

What does this mean for students with college aspirations? Acing the college entrance exam is critical. Most students applying to competitive colleges now take the SAT*/ACT® more than once, and as early as sophomore year.

Our growing global economy has made it necessary for more students to attend college in order to obtain good paying jobs. Tools, such as the common application, encourage students to apply to more schools - which increases the competition. Thus, making it more difficult for students to gain acceptance into the top institutions and colleges that were once seen as “safeties.”

More students and parents today are learning the secret that top colleges have known for years - systematically preparing for the SAT/ACT gives students more confidence and more confidence can lead to higher SAT/ACT scores.

New college admissions rules now allow students to score their best by taking the SAT/ACT as many times as they like, but educators suggest taking the tests no more than two or three times. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to all ages, grades and skill levels, offers the following advice to ensure students properly prepare for their college entrance exams – Sylvan’s 10 STRESSFREE Steps to Reduce the Stress and Ace the Test!

- Studying for the SAT*/ACT® takes weeks, even months, of review. Don’t try to cram overnight.
- Trust yourself. Rely on your instincts. Never leave an easy question blank.
- Read the questions and answers critically.
- Easy questions have easy answers.
- Stop and check. Every few questions, ensure the question number on the answer sheet corresponds with the booklet.
- Save time. Make sure you have enough time to answer as many questions as possible, in order to rack up as many points as possible.
- Focus on what the question is really asking. If you don’t fully understand the question, finding the correct answer is going to be tough.
- Rushing only hurts you. Keep track of the time remaining for each section.
- Eliminate answers. If you can eliminate at least two incorrect answers, make an educated guess.
- End each section by reviewing. If time permits, revisit the questions you didn’t answer.

It’s never too early – or too late – to begin preparing for college and lifelong economic success.

Students who are interested in a test prep course should visit the “College Prep” area at www.SylvanLearning.com or call 1-866-949-4776 to learn more about Sylvan SAT Prep and Sylvan ACT Prep. These courses are offered exclusively through Sylvan Learning and provide proven test-taking strategies, state-of-the-art course materials and content review in small team environments that give students the confidence and personalized attention that help raise test scores.

Preparation for the March 12 SAT test will begin January 24 in Glendale, with classes running on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and in Phoenix on Saturday, January 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Instruction includes 30 hours of test prep and three full length practice tests. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to sign up early as space is limited.