SAT/ACT Prep - Is 10th Grade Too Soon?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Remember she doesn't need both tests (ACT and SAT). Find out which test she prefers and have her focus on that test. SAT involves more "read" between the lines skills and ACT is more straight test but faster moving test.

Oh, I didn't know that! DD probably knows that - me....I'm clueless.

My SAT scores were very mediocre, but it got me into UMD College Park. If I applied today with those scores they would burn my application.

[Anonymous]

My dc is a sophomore also. Some of dc's friends have taken the ACT. My dc has so much on the plate right now that I thought they could at least wait until summer to start prepping for the test.

[Anonymous]

Apparently there's a diagnostic test you can take to determine whether your kid is ACT or SAT material, although I didn't know about it until after we'd identified the ACT for our DCs. I would limit this year's task to figuring out which test is best. Then start working on practice tests this summer, with the goal of taking the first test in late spring of junior year. Then you'll have summer before senior year to get ready for another round, if necessary. If your DD is disciplined enough to do practice tests on her own, don't bother with the test prep courses. Just get a tutor to work on specific math skills or reading strategies -- those seem to be the two biggest areas of weakness.

Literally the best day of the whole college process for us was when our last child got her ACT score and it was in range for her target schools. All the practice books went straight to the trash. Unless you're a natural, those tests are pure torture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Apparently there's a diagnostic test you can take to determine whether your kid is ACT or SAT material, although I didn't know about it until after we'd identified the ACT for our DCs. I would limit this year's task to figuring out which test is best. Then start working on practice tests this summer, with the goal of taking the first test in late spring of junior year. Then you'll have summer before senior year to get ready for another round, if necessary. If your DD is disciplined enough to do practice tests on her own, don't bother with the test prep courses. Just get a tutor to work on specific math skills or reading strategies -- those seem to be the two biggest areas of weakness.

Literally the best day of the whole college process for us was when our last child got her ACT score and it was in range for her target schools. All the practice books went straight to the trash. Unless you're a natural, those tests are pure torture.

One easy way to find out is give your DC both tests and see how she scores - use the Blue Book from the College Board (maker of SAT test) and RedBook for ACT. Both books contain retired exams. Have your DC study for SAT for 2 weeks and have her take the practice exam (time measured). Do the same for ACT. You will know if she prefers one vs the other. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Not too early in my book. Have her check out the website PwnTheSAT. I think he tutors also but he has books/ answers questions on his site. FYI I have no connection to him; I just like his style. Very helpful and motivating, I think.

[Anonymous]

DEFINITELY try the ACT. Our DC did and score in the upper 90s percentile. Slightly better overall that the SAT but in one area, much better. The ACT works better for many students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DEFINITELY try the ACT. Our DC did and score in the upper 90s percentile. Slightly better overall that the SAT but in one area, much better. The ACT works better for many students.

+1. And I would try it first. The SAT can be emotionally deflating especially to kids who really are bright but don't test well with the SAT. I know a few kids who got a serious ego boost with the ACT after bombing on the SAT.

[Anonymous]

OP, this article was just wriiten 8 hours ago so the information is definitely current and should bring you up to speed.

http://m.ibtimes.com/sat-vs-act-facts-help-decide-which-college-entrance-exam-you-should-take-1777944

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, this article was just wriiten 8 hours ago so the information is definitely current and should bring you up to speed.

http://m.ibtimes.com/sat-vs-act-facts-help-decide-which-college-entrance-exam-you-should-take-1777944

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DEFINITELY try the ACT. Our DC did and score in the upper 90s percentile. Slightly better overall that the SAT but in one area, much better. The ACT works better for many students.

+1. And I would try it first. The SAT can be emotionally deflating especially to kids who really are bright but don't test well with the SAT. I know a few kids who got a serious ego boost with the ACT after bombing on the SAT.

OP here - This would be my DD for sure. She is a bright girl - not gifted. Tests poorly, and it is very upsetting to her. This is very helpful information.

[Anonymous]

Just saw this on the College Board website. I believe this will be prep to help with the new design of the SAT:

Beginning in May 2015, all students will be able to access Khan Academy’s world-class SAT practice resources for free. Practice for the College Board’s redesigned suite of college readiness exams through Khan Academy is not just test prep — it is an instructional experience that will serve students well throughout their lives.

[Anonymous]

It will help with the PSAT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DEFINITELY try the ACT. Our DC did and score in the upper 90s percentile. Slightly better overall that the SAT but in one area, much better. The ACT works better for many students.

+1. And I would try it first. The SAT can be emotionally deflating especially to kids who really are bright but don't test well with the SAT. I know a few kids who got a serious ego boost with the ACT after bombing on the SAT.

OP here - This would be my DD for sure. She is a bright girl - not gifted. Tests poorly, and it is very upsetting to her. This is very helpful information.

It varies - one of mine did very well on SATs, and not well on ACTs and the other one (with ADHD) the opposite. So definitely need to try both.

The ACT requires much less test taking strategy (although that may change with the new SATs).

[Anonymous]

I apologize if my questions are silly. This is my first born, which means I haven't seen an SAT test in 30 years!
Your questions are far from silly! My SAT scores from 30 years ago wouldn't get me into a matchbook trade school today but got me into a pretty good college yesteryear. Go figure.

Slightly off topic, but for parents who think their SAT scores from way back aren't so great compared to what colleges want today, you should know that the SAT scoring was "recentered" a number of years ago. There's a chart on line where you can compare your old score and see what it would be under today's scoring guidelines. Most people are pleasantly surprised!

Here's the link:

http://research.collegeboard.org/programs/sat/data/equivalence/sat-individual

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I apologize if my questions are silly. This is my first born, which means I haven't seen an SAT test in 30 years!
Your questions are far from silly! My SAT scores from 30 years ago wouldn't get me into a matchbook trade school today but got me into a pretty good college yesteryear. Go figure.

Slightly off topic, but for parents who think their SAT scores from way back aren't so great compared to what colleges want today, you should know that the SAT scoring was "recentered" a number of years ago. There's a chart on line where you can compare your old score and see what it would be under today's scoring guidelines. Most people are pleasantly surprised!

Here's the link:

http://research.collegeboard.org/programs/sat/data/equivalence/sat-individual

developed by a parent?