Score At The Top Blog

Standardized tests are a fact of life, ranging from educational assessments in schools to the SAT to a driver’s license test to professional certifications. And as long as there are standardized tests, there will be test prep for one simple reason: it works. After all, these aren’t IQ or intelligence or aptitude tests, they’re simply tests of acquired skills. And skills can be acquired and refined through practice. Effective test preparation, therefore, provides many benefits beyond the content knowledge and test-taking strategies that manifestly lead to a higher test score.

Topics: Test-Prep

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Are you wondering how does Bright Futures Scholarship works? Let us explain.

We understand that Return On Investment can go hand-in-hand with risk: no pain, no gain. But how would you respond to a proposed investment of $2,000 that could result in saving between $19,759 (a 957% return on your money) and $30,528 (a 1,526% return on your money) over roughly four years? While this investment isn’t risk-free, it is low risk, assuming you have a student willing to work hard and follow instruction. Simply put, this investment is in test preparation for the SAT and ACT! When paired with a motivated student (and the right test-prep tutor), the result is a hefty scholarship from Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarships (BFSs).

Topics: ACT/SAT, Test-Prep, Financial Aid

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What is an ACT superscore?

A superscore is the selection of your best scores. For example, let's say you took the ACT three times and received the following scores:

1. English 27, Math 28, Reading 29, Science 25 = Composite 27
2. English 28, Math 31, Reading 28, Science 26 = Composite 28
3. English 27, Math 30, Reading 28, Science 30 = Composite 30

The colleges listed above would cherry pick your best scores for their super-score:

• English 28, Math 31, Reading 29, Science 30 = Composite 30

As you can see, the super-score is better than any one of the tests. The sum of the parts are greater than the whole! And, more good news, obtaining your super-score is easier than ever. Previously, you needed to self-calculate your super-score, then send score reports from each testing date to colleges super-scoring the ACT. Now, ACT provides its own super-score report. Curious what it looks like? Here’s a sneak peek:

You’ll notice that the recalculated composite super-score appears along with the individual section scores and dates from which it was generated. Included in your super-score report are all scores from the single test with the highest composite score, and the composite and section scores from the tests used to obtain your super-score. You’ll access your super-score report in the same way you’d find the results from any ACT by logging into your myactstudent.org account and accessing your scores. Remember that you’ll only see a superscore after you’ve taken the ACT two or more times.

While there are many schools out there that superscore the SAT, the list of schools that superscore the ACT is much smaller. To aid you in search for information, we have compiled a list (with the help of fellow consultants at IECA) of many of the schools that super-score the ACT. While the list does not cover every single college in the US, it is fairly comprehensive.

Want to learn about the Superscoring the SAT? Check out our blog post on Colleges That Do NOT Superscore the SAT

 

Topics: ACT, Test-Prep, Concordance, superscore

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Most people experience some amount of stress when taking a test - which is often why they choose to get tutored in the first place. According to Brain Connection, the increase in standardized testing may actually be adding to the level of stress many students experience in the classroom. Excessive stress can be harmful in a variety of ways, including reduced test scores.

This makes proper diet all the more important for students facing important exams. When your student is focused, well-nourished, and satisfied, they can focus on the task at-hand far better. 

Topics: Test-Prep

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Many students wonder if they should prepare for the PSAT, which, by virtue of its name, is a “preliminary” or practice test. Certainly, if you are taking it in your freshman or sophomore year, the main goal is to get a feel for the test and an approximation of how you might perform on the SAT. These “baseline” scores can help you set your college admission goals and give you an indication of how much more you may need to prep for the SAT or ACT. In junior year, however, the PSAT/NMSQ holds more weight, because that score is the best predictor of your junior SAT score. In addition, your performance may qualify you for National Merit Scholarship recognition, can provide a scholarship for college and make you a standout on your college applications.

Topics: Test-Prep, PSAT

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So, you’ve decided that the ACT is your test. You prefer its straightforward approach, and sense that you can handle the quicker pace, and the math and science knowledge it requires. Now it’s time to start prepping! You might want to begin by taking a look at our Ultimate Guide to Preparing for College Entrance Exams which gives several tips for getting the most out of your prepping.

Topics: ACT, ACT/SAT, Test-Prep, Tips

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Now that you’ve decided to tackle and conquer the SAT as part of your college admissions game plan, it’s time to start preparing and practicing. You’ll find lots of great overall information and advice for preparing for standardized tests in our Ultimate Guide to Preparing for College Entrance Exams. For instance, you will want to create a consistent practice schedule, set realistic goals, and make sure to take plenty of official practice tests in test-like conditions that are timed and completed in one sitting.

Topics: Test-Prep, SAT

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We get it. The mere mention of standardized tests might make you cringe and shudder. You’ve got enough to do with schoolwork and extracurricular activities – how will you find time to prepare for college entrance exams that may determine your future?

Topics: ACT, Test-Prep, PSAT, SAT

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For most high school juniors, spring semester is a busy season filled with events and exams. Often, students are beginning to make college plans that include scheduling the SAT and/or ACT, even in this “test-optional” era. The process of registering for one of these tests is easy enough: go to CollegeBoard.org or ACT.org, and click on the test registration link. Answer a few questions, ask for mom and dad’s credit card, and you’re all set. However, before you register for a test date, a few words of wisdom….

Topics: ACT, ACT/SAT, Test-Prep

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There’s no other way around it when it comes to prepping for the SAT or ACT Tests. To properly prepare, you have to practice — and most importantly, practice properly. What we do mean?

Topics: ACT/SAT, Test-Prep, Simulations

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