With so many test optional colleges, should my student even be taking a test!?
The short answer is yes, probably. If your student 1. Has a GPA higher than the average for admission at her three favorite colleges. 2. Has severe test anxiety or otherwise passionately despises taking tests and/or 3. Absolutely does not have the time and energy to attend tutoring regularly and complete homework, your student may be better off focusing elsewhere. (The UC schools are test blind, so if your student is very certain he or she will stay within the UC system, that’s a consideration as well). For students who are applying to more selective colleges, who are hoping to qualify for merit-based aid, or who have a GPA lower than the average for admission at their favorite colleges, I recommend taking the SAT or ACT.
Keep in mind that test optional does not mean test blind, and your student may be competing with even more applicants than in previous years. You can always decide not to submit test scores, but you can’t prepare properly at the last minute.
When is the best time to prepare for the SAT/ACT?
The best time, if your schedule permits, is the summer before junior year. I work with rising and current sophomores on a case-by-case basis, current juniors, and rising seniors who begin by EARLY summer.
Does my student have to take both an SAT and an ACT?
I may ask for both a baseline SAT and baseline ACT to help us choose a test (sometimes students have a significant score advantage on one test or the other), but then we will prepare for SAT or ACT, not both. Colleges will accept either exam and will view them equally. The majority of students are very close in score on the two exams, and in those cases, the student can choose. I’m happy to discuss your particular situation in further detail.
Are you experienced with learning differences?
Yes! I’ve worked with many, many students who have dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, as well as students who have an auditory processing disorder, Tourette’s, dysgraphia, a traumatic brain injury, OCD, an eating disorder, autism, trichotillomania, and epilepsy. I’ve worked with English learners and students coping with traumatic life events as well.
Is there a score guarantee?
No, because score gains depend heavily on whether the student completes the homework as instructed and reliably attends tutoring every week. I do try to provide a lot of feedback during the process, including a short summary of each lesson and any timed section scores.
I think my student may need extended time. What should we do?
Keep in mind that applying for extended time can be a lengthy process. Aside from something like a sudden head injury, extended time accommodations need to be documented and in place at school before we can apply to ACT or College Board for special testing. If your student has a longstanding IEP or 504 at school that gives him 50% extra time, for example, we’re likely to have those same accommodations granted on the SAT/ACT. Once you register for an official exam and indicate that you will be requesting accommodations, your child’s school will (in most cases) apply directly to the College Board or ACT with the extended time request. If your student does not yet have accommodations at school, the first step is to contact a psychologist or other professional for assessment.