We normally start our students off with a diagnostic test, so we can assess the student’s strengths and weaknesses and recommend one test over the other.  About half of the students show a propensity for one test over the other, while the other half does equally well on both the SAT and ACT.  For the majority of students, it’s best to choose a single  test, focus all of their energy into that test, and stick with that test.  

There are several benefits to focusing on a single test.  It is better to focus on a single test and become an absolute expert in it. Mastering one test alone is far easier than splitting your attention between two different exams, with different pacing, different question types, and even different topics!  It is also a lot less stressful to study for a single test.

While it can be very rewarding, studying for the SAT or ACT is intensive, exhausting, and time consuming.  Adding a second test into...

I get a lot of questions from parents about using the summer to prepare for the SAT or ACT, because they want to take advantage of a calmer period of time, when students aren’t inundated with the demands of schoolwork and extracurriculars.  

Rising Juniors 

Since both tests include Algebra 2 questions, students who have already completed Algebra 2 will really benefit from summer preparation (and taking the exam in early fall/late summer).  For students who will be starting Algebra 2 in their junior year, using the summer to get a head start on test prep might be a good idea; however, it’s important that these students to take the test after they’ve completed a chunk of Algebra 2, so they should plan to do some prep during the school year and take the SAT or ACT in December or the early spring.

Rising Seniors

For seniors, it’s really important to use the summer to review/prepare for the exam.  I’ve seen many seniors...

Each month we tell clients "Here's What You Should Be Doing Now," so that they never have to wonder about deadlines for applications, financial aid, when to visit colleges, more. I hope you take the advice to heart! -Andy Lockwood Links mentioned in this episode: facebook.com.lockwoodcollegeprep lockwoodcollegeprep.com/bootcamp www.LockwoodCollegePrep.com

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