Academic Solutions is dedicated to providing quality service that caters to the unique and individual needs of its clients.
Academic Solutions is dedicated to providing quality service that caters to the unique and individual needs of its clients.
Consider if you currently have a score that is lower than you need? If that is the case, whether it is for admissions or scholarship opportunities, test prep often makes more substantial gains on scores.
Typically you can find almost any form: Individual, small group, online classes, and videos. The best form for you may be determined by how you study best. Are you motivated and disciplined enough for online classes and videos? Do you know that you can focus in a small group session? Do you think that you know that one to one individual sessions are the best way for you to learn? Each answer can help you pick and choose the best form of test prep. I often recommend a variety pack.
When students are dedicated to a program, the sky’s the limit! Here’s the secret, though. Learning how to take these tests is a new skill, like playing an instrument or starting a new sport. Your coach can show you the way, can model the best practices, but outside practice makes the difference.
There is no definitive answer: each student will have unique needs. As a general rule, test prep does not need to start before sophomore year. Most students who engage is some test prep fare very well during the summer and fall of junior year. However, exceptions apply for student athletes or students wanting to attend dual-credit classes.
That answer is changing as more universities and colleges are joining the test-optional mode. It is important for you to check your list of potential schools to see what the testing requirements are and if scholarships are linked to ACT or SAT scores.
Optional means that the tests are not required, but you have the choice to send scores in or not. If you have current scores that would be considered strong for that university and would strengthen your application - send them in. If the opposite is true - choose NOT to send in your scores and make sure your other application components are strong.
It is mostly due to the individualization for each student. Private coaching is geared specifically to YOUR needs. It is often the fastest and clearest path to higher scores. Your coach can determine quickly WHY you aren’t reaching your potential and then offer HOW you can improve.
The most common misconception is that the ACT or SAT is like an exam you would take in school. It most certainly is NOT. The tests do cover concepts that you’ve learned in school, but there are some major differences. Firstly, it is a long exam - over 3 hours! Also, each section of the test is tightly timed, and most students struggle to manage their time well. These tests are more about your ability to be efficient and productive, so flexibility and assertive test-taking skills make a huge difference in performance.
Both tests offer an essay component, but most colleges and universities do not require those scores since you will also submit application essays. With that in mind, it is now more important to have polished and unique application essays.
Be careful here. Never hire a coach to help you write your essay - not even your mom who’s an English teacher. Admission officers can easily determine the essays written by adults; plus, you’ve lost an opportunity to tell your story. Finding a coach who can help you brainstorm the story you want to tell or help you with how to develop the story is a smart and efficient way to start crafting your essay. Then, certainly, have some one (like your English teacher mom) proofread and offer edits.
Now that more and more schools are going test-optional, there is more focus paid to the submitted essays. This should be a process for you to craft the best possible story to share for consideration. Remember, you are unique and wonderful.