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ACT or SAT?
ACT or SAT, which one is right
for your
student? Many colleges now accept either test
so it benefits students to take the test they are
best suited for, according to their skills. For
example, the ACT tests a student's knowledge
of what was learned in high school. If a pupil
has received good grades in challenging
courses, the ACT may be a good choice. SATs
are more of a reasoning test and measure
aptitude. A student with good deductive skills
may find the SATs a good fit. Below are some
differences between the two tests in four basic
areas.
- CONTENT-ACTs focus on grammar and
punctuation, contain 4 sections: English, Math
Reading and Science and the math portion
covers some trigonometry. SATs emphasize
vocabulary, contain 3 sections: Critical
Reading, Math and Writing and cap off at
Algebra II regarding the math
section.
- STRUCTURE-ACTs are all multiple choice
questions, the level of difficulty is fairly
consistent throughout and it contains about
215. SATs require some student-generated
answers, difficulty increases as the test
progresses and there are 140 questions. Both
test require the same amount of time so
student have less time per question with the
ACTs.
- STRATEGY-The ACT does not penalize for
wrong answers. If time is running out, guesses
are suggested on unknown or unfinished
questions. The SAT does penalize for
incorrect answers so ii's best to eliminate two
choices is possible then make an educated
guess at your answer.
- SCORING-Each section of the ACT counts
for 36 points then a composite score is
obtained by averaging the 4 sections. SATs
can earn a maximum of 800 points per
section.
No matter what test your child
decides to take, he/she doesn't have to
prepare alone. Back to Basics tutors can work
with your student 1-on-1 to focus on the exact
areas he/she needs. Not only will subject
matter be addressed but also timing and
strategies for taking
the tests, such as pacing and "educated
guessing"
techniques will be covered as well. Help your
children get accepted to the college of their
choice with Back to Basics!
Find out more....
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When To Take College Admissions Tests
With the new school year just about 6 weeks
away, rising juniors and seniors may turn their
thoughts to college. One important concern is
standardized admissions tests, ACTs and
SATs. But when should your student take
these tests?
It is recommended that
you initially sit for these exams in junior year,
preferably the March date or later. By that time
in the school year, much of the content area of
the tests will have been covered in the school
curriculum. This will also allow time to receive
scores and retake the tests on an upcoming
date of
the current school year, which is May & June if
you
wish. As a senior, it is advised that a student
take the October or November tests, at the
latest, to be sure that college application
deadlines for the following fall are
met.
Students can contact their
guidance department or consult the College
Board website for further information on test
dates and registration.
Quote of the month: "A
professor can never better distinguish himself
in his work than by encouraging a clever pupil,
for the true discoverers are among them, as
comets amongst the stars."-Linnaeus
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| Student Showcase...Pepper S. |
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During the summer, many students take
advantage of our summer school program.
Courses that were failed in the school year
can be made up or original classes can be
taken to get ahead, enhance transcripts or
lighten the course load within the school year.
One such student seizing this opportunity and
being featured in our student showcase is
Pepper S.
Pepper is a rising senior at
an out-of-state high school. She is currently
taking a Spanish class with us over the
summer. Pepper loves the 1-on-1 instruction.
She feels this is a perfect fit for her because,
in her words, it matches her learning style.
She benefits from the sessions because she is
able to stop and ask questions and go over
material a second time if needed. Pepper
enjoyed the flexibility of the scheduling for the
course as well.
When she's not doing
school work, Pepper is very involved in sports.
She plays basketball, cycles, does crew and
plays field hockey! All the best in senior year,
Pepper, and in your college years ahead!
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| Tutor Spotlight On...Gretchen Boyd |
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Our July spotlight shines on Gretchen Boyd.
She has brought 20 years of
teaching experience to our team. (All of those
years at the same school!) Gretchen is
certified in Elementary Education. She tutors
grades 1-4 in general science, study skills,
and many aspects of language arts, including
phonics, reading, spelling and
writing.
Gretchen is a native
Delawarean, born and raised, and has three
children of her own. When she's not working,
she enjoys reading and running. Gretchen
also volunteers and her favorite service
commitment is Sojourners' Place. It is such a
special facility in that it goes far beyond
providing emergency shelter for the homeless.
Residents are found jobs, housing and are
taught life skills such as saving money and
providing for themselves. Only when they feel
they are ready to be out on their own do they
leave.
Gretchen, we truly appreciate
all the dedication you show towards your
students and the community!
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