HOW IMPORTANT IS THE SAT?
Many students and parents ask about how important the SAT 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.
Most colleges are “test optional.” But, even if a college does not require submittal an SAT or ACT, it is still beneficial at most of them to submit a strong score if you have one. A strong score will help with admission and may be very helpful in securing a scholarship.
Most colleges are “test optional.” But, even if a college does not require submittal an SAT or ACT, it is still beneficial at most of them to submit a strong score if you have one. A strong score will help with admission and may be very helpful in securing a scholarship.
Having a strong SAT or ACT score can still be very important for admission or for getting a scholarship.
Perry's Experience
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Over 20 years ago, Perry decided he wanted to teach high school studets. So, he got certified as a high school math teacher and applied for a job at nearby schools. His first opportunity to use his certification was teaching in an evening SAT class at the local high school. In addition to being highly qualified with the math topics, he found that he was good with the verbal materials as well. That class experience soon led to private tutoring opportunities for the SAT, and Perry has been tutoring for the test ever since. When he got teaching job offers from the local schools, he decided that he was happy working one-on-one as a tutor and has never stopped.
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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 help them decide 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 nationwide. The availability of the Zoom 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. In recent years, I have worked with students in many states, from Florida to Pennsylvania to California and Washington state. |
A Parent Writes...
"Perry Youngblood delivers the results students need to get into competitive colleges. High test scores in the classroom and on standardized tests are a very real possibility if a student follows his study plan. He has helped two of my children who have very different learning styles perform better than they ever hoped. Perry works until the student has a strong understanding of the material which minimizes anxiety and gives confidence to the test taker. Getting to work with Perry made such a difference in my children’s experiences and I am so very grateful for all of his help and support."
"Perry Youngblood delivers the results students need to get into competitive colleges. High test scores in the classroom and on standardized tests are a very real possibility if a student follows his study plan. He has helped two of my children who have very different learning styles perform better than they ever hoped. Perry works until the student has a strong understanding of the material which minimizes anxiety and gives confidence to the test taker. Getting to work with Perry made such a difference in my children’s experiences and I am so very grateful for all of his help and support."
