Having been students ourselves at one time, we know that test preparation and college admissions can be a very stressful time for students and parents. In order for you to make the best decisions for your future, we have made it our job to know all about the different exams, dates and deadlines.
Listed below you will find useful information on what tests on needed to get into colleges and universities, along with how when these exams are offered and where you can get any questions you need answered... of course we are here as a first line of defense.
PSAT
The PSAT is offered each year during the month of October. Although many freshman and sophomores take the PSAT as practice for the SAT I exam, only Juniors can qualify for NMSC scholarships. Students who are scoring at a level that could enable them to achieve scholarships or awards may want to consider PSAT preparation. However for the majority of students, the PSAT serves as an opportunity to practice for the SAT. These students should focus their preparation on the SAT Reasoning Test and begin after they have completed geometry as a minimum math requirement. The Learning Shack offers individual PSAT tutoring for students who need extra help.
SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT Reasoning Test is offered 7 times per year. Although there is no limit on the number of times students can take the SAT, most students take the exam 2-3 times. All colleges and universities will use a student's best score for admission purposes. However, some universities will average the scores of several exams. Therefore it is always best to adequately prepare before taking the SAT.
There are many ways to prepare for the SAT. The best method of preparation is to practice. If a student chooses to prepare on their own, the most valuable resource is The College Board Guide to the New SAT, available at most local bookstores. The Learning Shack also offers 2 types of preparation for the SAT: Small Group Classes and Private Tutoring. Students should choose the option that best fits their overall needs.
SAT Subject Tests (Formally SAT II)
Most competitive schools require SAT Subject Tests exam scores for admission purposes. University of California schools, for example, require two SAT Subject Tests in any two different subject areas. Some subject areas include: physics, chemistry, Spanish and French. Students should visit the admissions webpage of the schools they are consider to get details about specific standardized test requirements.
The Learning Shack offers individual tutoring to prepare students for SAT Subject Tests. Students who have taken our SAT Group Class can purchase additional tutoring at a discounted rate. New students should choose a Tutoring Package that fits their needs.
SAT Subject Tests (Formally SAT II)
Although there are many misconceptions about the exam, the ACT is not necessarily more difficult or easier than the SAT. But it is different. Some students do better on the ACT while others do better on the SAT. Generally, students who have a stronger bias toward reading comprehension prefer to take the ACT. All schools will accept either the SAT I Reasoning Test or the ACT for admissions purposes. Students tend to score at roughly the same level on each exam. However, some students do achieve higher scores on one or the other. Students should take a practice exam to assess their performance on each exam.
The Learning Shack offers one-on-one tutoring to prepare students for the ACT Test. Students who have been through our SAT Group Class can purchase additional tutoring at a discounted rate. New students should choose a Tutoring Package that fits their needs.
AP Exams
Most students take AP exams in May at the end of an AP high school course that covers the material tested on the exam. However, students are not required to take any specific course work in order to take the exam. Students should take a practice exam to assess their performance on each exam.
The Learning Shack offers individual tutoring to prepare students for AP Exams. We also offer small group session for AP Chemistry. New students should choose a Tutoring Package that fits their needs.
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