Tip #1. What's the Difference?

Have you always wondered what the differences are between the ACT and SAT? Knowing which test is right for you can make all the difference. Outlined below are a few of the difference between the two tests:

Why it's important: While the college admission and testing process can sometimes feel stressful and complicated, it's essential to understand that the more a student understands about the process, the better the student's score. While the decision between taking the SAT oer the ACT may feel puzzling, a few key differentiations likely will help guide a decision that will yield the best results for each individual student. Whether a student likes to work in short sections like the SAT, or feels more comfortable answering every question without the threat of a penalty like the ACT, confidence raises scores. . .and scores help students get accepted!

Tip #3. Make a Plan!

Planning is crucial in making the college testing experience as comfortable as possible. Creating a clear schedule for when you are prepping, when you are testing, and when you are applying, will make you more effective and make every one's lives easier.

Here are some general guidelines to follow:

Freshman

1. Begin thinking about a college prep plan

Sophomore

1. PSAT


2. SAT Subject tests (if taking applicable honors/AP courses.)

Junior

1. PSAT in October (if it has not been taken.)


2. Speak with college counselor and attend College Nights


3. SAT/ACT should be taken in the fall, and again in the spring.


4. Begin exploring colleges that are of interest, and scheduling college visits in the spring.

Senior

1. Create a master calendar of all college application and financial aid deadlines and due dates.


2. Collect letters of recommendation and high school transcripts.


3. If necessary, take SAT/SAT/SAT Subject tests in the fall.


4. Determine whether you are applying for Early Admission, if not your college choice must be decided and financial aid package accepted by May 1.

Remember, things will come up along the way that may force you to alter your schedule slightly, but once you have a clear road map worked out a small detour won't break yours stride towards college admission.

Tip #4. SAT or ACT? or BOTH?

Making the choice between taking the SAT and the ACT might leave your head spinning, but not to worry! I've outlined some things to think about, particularly about considering BOTH!

Understanding the Tests:

• The ACT and the SAT showcase different skills and slightly different academic curriculum. Many students possess strengths that favor elements of each test respectively, but by taking both tests, students can provide a more complete picture of their knowledge and talent.


• Some students will be inclined towards one test or the other, but it's impossible to be certain which test students will perform best on without actually having explored both tests.

What do Schools Look At?

• Most colleges accept both the SAT and ACT and they understand that the two tests have differences, but do not view either as "harder" or "easier." Having both allows college admissions departments to consider both scores in determining admission and scholarship eligibility.


• Some schools, however, only accept one, or might accept both but express a strong preference for one. They should make these requirements clear in their admissions/application information.

Bottom Line: It is always best to collect as much information about potential schools you're interested in so you can make decisions based on knowledge rather than guesses. But, since many similarities exist between the two tests, think about preparing for both. It will only strengthen students' abilities come test day, and can provide future college choice flexibility, with no risk of being forced to eliminate schools unnecessarily.

Do your homework. Know what schools you want to consider and know what they require.

Tip #6. Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests may not receive all the hype that SAT and ACT tests receive, but all college-bound high school students need to be very aware the SAT Subject Test may very well be the deciding factor in determining their admission.

Top 5 Benefits of Taking SAT Subject Tests

1. While Subject Tests are not required for admission everywhere, they are "highly encouraged" at many colleges and virtually ALL highly competitive schools.


2. Subject Tests provide a great opportunity to demonstrate an individual's specific strengths and aptitudes. SAT Subject Tests provide applicants with the opportunity to differentiate their application from everybody else's.


3. The SAT and the ACT provide colleges with a broad sense of academic capabilities, but the Subject Tests provide dept and detail to the application.


4. For many colleges, Subject Tests may be necessary in order to be accepted into the desired major or program upon admission as a freshman.


5. SAT Subject Tests are content-based and scores generally directly reflect knowledge of the content (more so than test-taking skill.) Taking Subject Tests in the content you feel most confident can be a great opportunity to boost your application with the high test score.

Remember, while you may not know all the colleges you will be applying to yet, be prepared for admission by signing up for your targeted subject tests immediately following the completion of the AP/Honors classes.

Tip #7. Meet With The Counselor

Whether you're just beginning the college admissions process or far along and just fine-tuning your college application list, scheduling time to speak with your school's college counselor is invaluable! Your counselor has information about admission tests, college preparation, and upcoming college information events, which will all be of great benefit.
We've outlined 20 questions you should be ready to ask your Guidance Counselor:

1. What courses do I need to take to be ready for college?


2. How should I plan my schedule so I'll complete them?


3. Which elective courses do you recommend?


4. Which AP courses should I consider taking?


5. When is the PSAT/NMSQT going to be given?


6. How should I study for the SAT, and and is it given at this high school or do I need to go somewhere nearby?


7. Do you have any college planning sessions scheduled?


8. Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can browse or borrow?


9. What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college?


10. What kinds of grades do different colleges require?


11. Are there any college fairs at this school, or nearby?


12. What colleges do other kids from our school go to?


13. What are the requirements or standards for the honor society?


14. Can you put me in touch with recent grads who are going to the colleges on my wish list?


15. Do you have any information to help me start exploring careers?


16. If my colleges need a recommendation from you, how can I help you know me better so it can be more personal?


17. Are there any special scholarships or awards that I should know about now, so I can work toward them?


18. Is my transcript as complete as I think it should be?


19. What forms do I use to apply for financial aid and where can I find them online?


20. How does our school's test scores and reputation compare to others?

The college admissions process can feel overwhelming, but remember to reach out the the support systems around you to take advantage of their experience with the process as well as their numerous resources.

Tip #8. Score Choice

SAT Score Choice is a new option offered by the SAT allowing student the option to choose which scores to send to colleges, after seeing the scores themselves first. If students decided NOT to use Score Choice, all scores are sent to the colleges selected at registration immediately.

What does this mean?

Does Score Choice affect how many scores I send or receive?

Any or all of your scores can be sent to a college on a single report. It does not cost more to send multiple test scores, or all of them. If you choose not to use Score Choice, all of your scores will be sent automatically in each score report

Should Score Choice influence how many times I take the SAT?

No. While you may see a small score increase if you take the test a second time, there is no evidence to suggest that taking the SAT more than twice is beneficial to your score. Remember: Score Choice allows you to choose your scores only by test date, not by test section.

Why should I use my registration score reports if I can't see my scores?

Using the registration score reports ensures that the test scores are sent to colleges at the earliest possible moment. Colleges use standardized test scores for admissions as well as scholarship awards, course placement, or selection to a specific program or major.

Bottom Line: Score Choice is a significant change in score reporting for the SAT because it means students generally have greater control of who sees their scores. It does not however, change the need to maximize each test date as a scoring opportunity.

Make every test take be a test worthy of submitting to schools!

Tip #9. Tackling Anxiety

The college admissions process can really be a time of anxiousness--the high stakes of college entrance exams a major contributor! Here are some test tips that are certain to help ease nerves, raise those SAT and ACT scores, and set your student up to succeed!

• Start Studying early: Help your child set up a study schedule months in advance to allow leisurely preparation and eliminate the need for cramming.



• Encourage effort: College entrance exams will have a big influence on a student's college admissions. Be honest with your student that it is an important test and that they need to take it seriously, try their best, relax and remain calm.



• Take practice tests: Taking multiple practice tests will make students feel more comfortable with the testing experience and remove much of the mystery involved with college entrance exams.



• Get a good night's sleep: Studies have found that stress is elevated by fatigue. Be sure that your student has plenty of uninterrupted sleep a few days prior to the test day.



• Eat a healthy breakfast: The SAT and ACT are generally offered in the morning, so having a good, healthy breakfast will keep them energized for a long day, and allow them to stay focused and alert.



• Come early and prepared: Make sure your child is at the test site early and has all of the appropriate testing supplies. Being late or missing materials will cause stress they do NOT need.



• Stay calm: This can be a very nerve-racking time for students. Remind them that testing is only one piece of the admissions puzzle and reassure them of your confidence and pride in all they have accomplished!

The SAT is Coming. Top 10 Tips

We have started a "Count Down of Top 10 Test Prep Tips" as an e mail series to our families. I thought it would be nice to post them here as well! My next 10 posts will be counting down those tips over the next several weeks. Remember, the SAT is a bit early this year (October 1), so prep classes need to start sooner than in years past.

There's been much debate regarding the validity of SAT and ACT scores as "fair" or "accurate" predictors of future college success. However, no debate exists regarding their impact on a student's ability to be accepted to the college of their choice.

Pretend you are a college admissions specialist. You've not met the student, all you have is the below information. Which student would you accept?

As you can see, it can become very subjective comparing students in most areas of their application, but the test scores speak loudly, clearly, and require no clarification or explanation.

Test scores are important...very important. Many factors such as GPA, admissions essay, extracurricular activities, etc) will be considered by college admission departments, but SAT and ACT scores factor in largely in part because they are objective and serve as an easy point of comparison for colleges viewing many applications.

Students should use the SAT and ACT tests as an opportunity to set themselves apart from other students. It's an opportunity! Take it!

Free SAT Diag Day February 21

Free SAT Practice Test Offered at
Sylvan Learning
February 21, 2011


If you would like to know how your child is likely to do on the SAT, plan on attending the free Diagnostic Day at Sylvan Learning Center.
Following the test, parents and students are invited to attend one of two score review seminars that will explain how to read your child's scores, as well as tips and strategies for test day.
If your child has already taken the SAT, attending the Sylvan Diag Day will help you to identify your child's strengths and weaknesses and get an in-depth look at what improvements can be made to reach your desired score.

• Three out of four Sylvan Prep students raise their SAT* scores by 160 points or more!
• Small group settings for individual attention
• The most instructional hours of any leading test prep service
• State-of-the art course materials and practice tests
• Targeted approach focusing on the exact skills needed to successfully answer test questions

GREAT MLK Day!

Thanks to all our students who came in on their day off school! We enjoyed working with you! We are still taking enrollments for our Note Taking Seminar and the SAT class preparing for the test in March.
What a great start to the week!

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.