ACT

ACTs vs. SATs Revisited: A Closer Look at the ACT

 tagged ACT / SAT / standardized tests by

In one of my first blog posts back in June, I discussed a growing trend among college-bound students—taking both major college admissions exams as a no-lose way to gain an edge in the most competitive era in admissions history. Based on the number of parents and students I’ve talked to since then, the key reasons bear repeating: “There are several compelling reasons why student SHOULD TAKE BOTH tests. First, the tests are different enough such that most students will do better on one of them, but there’s no way of knowing which one if they don’t take both. Second, it’s a no lose […]

Preparation for Standardized Test Game Day

 tagged ACT / junior year / PSAT / SAT / senior year / sleep / stress management / test anxiety / test prep by

October marks the first big month of standardized testing for college bound juniors and seniors.  SATs, SAT Subject Tests, PSATs, and ACTs are all given this month.  Hopefully, you have been taking practice tests, going over every item you got wrong or left blank, and studying the material you need to learn.  If you haven’t been, stop what you’re doing and callCollegePrepExpress at 413-329-7540: do not pass go, do not collect $200, do not even finish this blog. No seriously, as your game day approaches, here are some valuable tips for squeezing out your maximum score on whatever exam you’re taking: […]

Standardized Test Planning, Grades 9-12

 tagged ACT / freshmen / junior year / PSAT / SAT / senior year / sophomores by

Don’t let the title of this week’s blog fool you: the most significant thing you can do in any grade for college admissions is to take the most rigorous classes available to you and earn the best grades you can in them.  Period. So as this year begins, keep your eye on the prize: A’s in school! Having said that, another important component in the college admissions game is, for better or worse, standardized test scores.  Consequently, it’s never too early to start to plan which ones you’re going to take, and when you’re going to take them.  Forewarned is forearmed, […]

In-Coming Senior To-Do’s

 tagged ACT / applications / college interviews / college visits / CommonApp / SAT / standardized tests by

You’ve waited your whole academic career to be a senior, and now you’re finally here.  One way or another, it’s likely to your most memorable year yet, and if you’re wise and pro-active, you can make the memories predominately positive.  There are four general areas about which you can be pro-active in the waning weeks of your final high school summer: 1)   Application To-Do’s 2)   Standardized Test Plans 3)   College Fairs, Visits, and Interviews 4)   Mental Preparation for Academics and Extracurriculars 1) Application To-Do’s: By now you should have a list of colleges from your guidance counselor. a) Spend some time […]

Painless Ways to Get Ahead this Summer

 tagged ACT / reading / SAT / vacation studying / writing by

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how most students lose academic ground during the summer and, consequently, why summertime presents a great opportunity for ambitious students to get ahead.  But short of signing up for summer school classes, what specifically can you do to improve your grades and better position yourself for college admissions? One easy thing to do, whether you’re an incoming freshman or senior, is to read a few good books.  Dickens, Hawthorne, Salinger, Dotoyevsky, Steinbeck, Hesse.  Classic books that you know you won’t regret having read.  The trick is not just to read them, but […]

SATs or ACTs?

 tagged ACT / admissions process / SAT / scores by

SATs or ACTs, that is the question?  No brainer: BOTH! In the most competitive era of college admissions ever, high school juniors and seniors are looking for any competitive edge they can get.  Historically, students from the northeast and the west coast primarily took the SAT as the standard college admissions test, while students from the mid-west and south took the ACT.  In the past several years, however, perhaps as a response to the increasing competitiveness of college admissions, more and more students are taking BOTH, but then only releasing one or the other to colleges. There are several compelling reasons […]