Preparing For The ACT
Many students and parents ask about how important the SAT or ACT is for college admission. Having talked with scores of college admissions officers, I’ve learned that the answer in general is “very important.” When asked to rank the most important factors for an application, admissions folks at a high proportion of colleges say that grades and the rigor of one’s high school classes are most important. And right after that come standardized tests. This is particularly true for selective colleges, those admitting less than 50% or 60% of applicants.
The other issue is about colleges being “test optional.” It is true that 800 or so of the 2400 four-year not-for-profit colleges are test optional. But, the vast majority of the more selective colleges do still require either the SAT or the ACT. And, even if a college does not require submittal of one of these tests, it is still beneficial at most of them to submit a strong score if you have one.
The other issue is about colleges being “test optional.” It is true that 800 or so of the 2400 four-year not-for-profit colleges are test optional. But, the vast majority of the more selective colleges do still require either the SAT or the ACT. And, even if a college does not require submittal of one of these tests, it is still beneficial at most of them to submit a strong score if you have one.
It's clear that having a strong SAT or ACT score is very important if one is applying to colleges where admission is at all competitive.
How We Can Help You
I’ve been tutoring for the ACT for 18 years. I have taught numerous ACT classes, but for the most part, I tutor one-on-one, either in my office or via internet video.
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Each student can decide whether to submit the ACT or the SAT to their colleges. Having visited over 170 colleges, I can report that colleges do not express a preference for one vs. the other. I discuss this choice with each student, and, if necessary can administer an assessment test to see which test they are strongest on.
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Having tutored a thousand or so students in the SAT or ACT, I understand the tests in depth. I know which skills, math or verbal, are required and which are not required for the tests. Having tutored students over the entire range of capabilities, I know how to explain the required skills to any student. My students improve their scores. Often after tutoring one child in a family, the younger ones come to me in turn, as many as three or four siblings.
Since I live in a relatively small town, I have branched out to serve students in other locations. The availability of the Skype and Zoom platforms makes remote tutoring easy. I use my camera in such a way that the student sees clearly what I am writing on my notepad; I work math problems and the student follows along just as if they were in my office. For verbal materials, we talk face-to-face. After the session, I email my notes to the student. This year, I have worked with students in many states, from South Carolina to Pennsylvania to the state of Washington. |
What Client's Have to Say
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"I just wanted to thank you so much for your help. I received my scores this morning and my composite went from a 25 to a 29. My math score went from a 19 to a 26! So thankful for your help... Read More>
- MR
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