SAT and ACT Prep

 

Test preparation can often be confusing and intimidating.    As students are ranked on a percentile score which compares them to one another, not receiving the same level of preparation as other students can put your son or daughter at a serious disadvantage.  How do I decide which test to take?

 

 

The SAT:

In keeping with the evidence about essential requirements for college and career readiness, the redesigned SAT requires a stronger command of fewer, more important topics. To succeed on the redesigned SAT, students will need to exhibit mathematical practices, such as problem solving and using appropriate tools strategically. The SAT also provides opportunities for richer applied problems.  The redesigned SAT ’s Math Test has four content areas:

 

1)  Heart of Algebra

 

2)  Problem Solving and Data Analysis

 

3)  Passport to Advanced Math

 

4)  Additional Topics in Math

 

The recent changes for the SAT were also promoted by the fact that the College Board was losing ground with their competitors that administer the ACT.  The ACT was seen as a more "straight forward" test without the need for tricks or tricky wording.  The ACT was more in line with what is taught in schools across the country.

 

For more in-depth information about the new SAT visit the the College Board website.

 

 

The ACT:

Requires you know the formulas: ACT math is based on knowledge as much as reasoning.  The ACT also requires knowledge of more difficult math (trigonometry) than the SAT.  Does not penalize guessing: Wrong answers do not count against a student on the ACT.  Thus, the percentage of questions students answer correctly tends to be slightly higher than average SAT scores. 

Does not test vocabulary: Beyond context-based questions in reading passage (which the SAT also uses) the ACT does not cover vocabulary.  Does not split sections up: ACT sections run from 45 minutes to over an hour.  Your overall score is based on an average: The ACT is scored on a 1-36 average of each of the four sections. This can make it more difficult to increase an overall ACT score.

 

When should I start preparing?

Taking the SAT or ACT can be intimidating, but with proper preparation these tests can be far less stressful.  Ideally a student should begin preparation at least six to eight weeks before the test, and allow themselves time to take at least two if not three tests.  Even if you only want to take the test once, this buffer takes away much of the pressure of having only one opportunity to shine on the exam.  Again, six to eight weeks is a good minimum prep time, but more can always be beneficial.  

 

When should I look for help?

Test preparation can be effective with most time frames, but the more time you can set aside with a tutor the better. With several weeks of prep time a tutor can help diagnose potential problem areas with a college entrance exam and focus on strategies that will minimize these problems, as well as buffering strengths. 

 

Can you guarantee a score increase?

Because of the focus on student performance on the SAT and ACT, it is impossible for a tutor to guarantee a specific score increase.  While I cannot promise a specific result for a student, Mr. Eric has tutored a number of students who have met with great improvement on their SAT and ACT.  I have seen many of my students increase  100 to 200  points on the math section.  There's no secret formula; practice makes perfect!

 

Mr. Eric provides every SAT/ACT math student with their very own "Mr. Eric's MathWorld" SAT/ACT prep.  binder that includes the following:

 

• SAT/ACT 100 Key Concepts

• Almost every type of math problem broken down for easy learning

• How and when to use your "own" numbers to make problems much easier to solve

• Latest practice tests and problems to "hone" your skills

• And of course, Mr. Eric - Expert Math Instructor to guide you through this experience

 

 

 

Contact Mr. Eric and increase your exam scores!