Article about whether you should take the SAT or ACT exam:

College admissions tests can be overwhelming, but choosing the test (SAT vs. ACT) that best suits you puts you on the path to success early on. While the SAT is historically regarded as the typical admissions test, the ACT is quickly gaining ground and becoming an important part of your college application. For many schools in the Midwest and the South, this test is even the standard for admissions. As you consider your testing options, it is important to determine what kind of student does well on the ACT. This guide should help identify if the ACT is the test for you!

About the ACT Exam:

First off, it’s important to understand what the ACT is all about. There are 4 sections to the test: English, Math, Reading, and Science, and there is also an optional writing section that some schools require. The test takes approximately 3 hours to complete, or 3.5 hours if you choose to complete the writing component. The SAT, meanwhile, takes just under 4 hours. If you tend to get restless during tests or lose focus, the ACT may be a better test for you, because the test has more breaks and a shorter run-time.

In addition to the testing length, the character of each test differs. Although both tests evaluate similar skills and knowledge bases, particularly in math, the ACT tends to ask questions in a more straight-forward manner. The test writers are not trying to trick you in the same way the SAT writers may try. Because of this difference in each test’s style, improving your score on the ACT often involves reviewing concepts, while much SAT prep focuses on test-taking strategies. If you prefer straight-forward questions rather than nuanced or “trick you” questions, the ACT is probably your best bet. That being said, the ACT does tend to focus on grammar (think, “what is wrong with this sentence” type of questions), while the SAT emphasizes vocabulary. You may choose your test based on your strengths in these areas.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the ACT is its science section. At first, many students are fearful of this section, but it is important to realize that very little prior knowledge is required! The science section mostly tests your ability to make connections, use reasoning, and employ basic skills like using information in tables or graphs to answer questions.

Overall, if you tend to be the type of student who works harder in school than your peers and does better in difficult classes, the ACT is for you. If you consider yourself to be more intuitive with strong reasoning skills, but not always the best work ethic, the SAT might be a better test. In general, however, it is important to recognize that with hard work in school and in your test preparation, you can succeed in the college admissions process.

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This post on the ACT exam was written by Beryl Manning-Geist; she’s part of the SAT private tutoring and ACT private tutoring team at Top Test Prep. To learn more about how to prepare for either exam, simply call Top Test Prep at 1-800-501-7737.

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Studying for the SAT is no easy task: often, students feel like all their hard work is in vain, or they become frustrated with ambiguous study concepts. A common symptom of SAT studying is “burnout,” when students lose motivation to keep working hard. One of the best things to do in the face of burnout is to form an SAT study group.

Study groups for the SAT go beyond motivation—teaching others is one of the best ways to ensure that you understand important concepts. There are clear advantages to adding a study group to your test preparation regimen. You must, however, think carefully about the dynamic you want to form when assembling your study group. Here are some important things to think about:

1. Keep your study group limited to 4-6 members. More than this and you will get bogged down with each student’s weakness.
2. Try to work with students who are aiming for a similar score as you. This will ensure that you achieve a balance of learning from others and helping others learn.
3. Make sure that everyone brings a different strength. Try not to have a study group where all four of you are math whizzes, but no one knows the definition of “coincidental.”
4. Meet consistently, and have a schedule. It is easy to get distracted when you are hanging out with a bunch of friends, and it is often difficult to find a time that works for everyone to meet. Find a specific time and discuss a “study plan” at your first study group meeting. Stick to it! Generally, it is a good idea to meet for 1-2 hours once per week.
5. Try to do a “homework task” every week. This will ensure that you all are doing the same preparation, and that week’s homework can illuminate weaknesses that your study group can work through together.

Good luck, and most importantly remember that a study group is there to create a change of pace from solo studying. Keep at it on your own, and use this as a tool to continue motivating your progress!

If you find yourself in search of SAT test prep and SAT tutoring, give us a call at (800) 501-7737.

This article was written by Beryl Manning-Geist, an admissions counselor and private tutor with Top Test Prep.

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According to a new study of freshman, students who include SAT scores in their applications have higher GPA’s their first year than those who don’t do so. The study tracked students at Bowdoin College where both SAT and ACT scores are optional for applicants, and Barnard College, Colby College, Carnegie Mellon University, and Georgia Institute of Technology where students may submit one or the other.

At Bowdoin, students who did not submit standardized scores received grades in the first year which were .2 lower than those students who submitted scores. This pattern carried over to Barnard, Colby, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgia Institute of Technology for students who submitted ACT as opposed to SAT scores.

The study suggests that the SAT may predict academic performance in a meaningful fashion, though it must be expanded to additional schools to produce a more definitive conclusion. It also takes place against the backdrop of an increasing number of colleges who have decided to make the submission of selective standardized test scores optional.

David Dickson is a counselor at Top Test Prep which offers private tutoring and test preparation with admissions experts who help you gain admission to your top schools. Call Top Test Prep to learn more at (800) 501-Prep.

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Here are some helpful tips to improve your SAT and ACT exam scores and overall performance:

First note: If it’s possible, find a reputable private test preparatory service early in your high school years to assist you in reaching your testing potential. General guidelines for test preparation include the following.

(1) Take several mock ACT/SAT exams. Using actual test questions from The Real ACT Prep Guide and The Official SAT Study Guide will help you improve your scores. Actual test questions are always better for your SAT and ACT prep. In fact, Top Test Prep’s curriculum is based the premise that students always do better when practicing with previously administered SAT and ACT exams. Think like the test makers do! Students should be cautious of other companies who use their interpretations of SAT and ACT questions.

(2) Some sections are more challenging. Recognize that SAT math questions become more difficult as you go through each section. If you can’t answer the last few questions in a section, devote your time to reviewing questions from the beginning and the middle.

(3) Read questions carefully to avoid misinterpreting them.

(4) Make calculated guesses. Avoid random guessing in the multiple choice section of the SAT which will penalize you for incorrect answers. However, if you can eliminate at least one answer as incorrect however, it is in your best interest to guess.

(5) Retake the SAT or ACT if your score is not indicative of your true ability.

Conclusion
Like many things in life, the ACT and SAT have their flaws. However, they aren’t disappearing in the short term, and your performance on them could have a major impact on the academic strength of the college that you attend. Start the test preparation process as soon as you enter high school.

David Dickson is a counselor with Top Test Prep, which offers private SAT tutoring and private ACT tutoring with admissions experts who can help you gain admission to your top schools. Call (800) 501-Prep to learn more about SAT and ACT Prep.

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The 1^st Annual “Fear No SAT!”Tournament 

Who:  Top Test Prep, a local SAT and ACT prep company, will be holding its 1^st Annual “Fear No SAT!” tournament, bringing students from the best schools in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia to compete for prizes and the crown of Washington DC’s top SAT school.

What: Students in grades 9-12 from local private and public schools will compete in a tournament called “Fear No SAT!”  Students will have the opportunity to take free practice tests and win great prizes. 

When:  The tournament will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2011.  There is no entry fee.

Where:  Top Test Prep’s local headquarters located at 3615 Wisconsin Ave, NW Washington DC 20016.

Why:  The student with the highest overall scores through the Finals wins a new iPad 2. 

The school with the winning student will win a trophy, and the school’s PTA with the greatest number of entries will receive a $500 donation.

How:  To enter the tournament, parents/students should simply call Top Test Prep at (202) 618-4474.   

Interested schools can post the announcement for their students via email and website.  The deadline to register for the tournament is June 11, 2011.

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Here’s some information on what happens when students get a perfect SAT or ACT exam score at Top Test Prep.

While it’s a challenge to get a perfect score, it’s possible. As a test prep company, we want every student to improve their SAT and ACT scores, and strive for the best.

The Top Test Prep perfect score challenge will reward you with a $10,000 scholarship to attend any college in the country when you receive a perfect SAT or ACT score.

Call Top Test Prep to learn about private tutors and test prep programs.\

Contest rules: The Top Test Prep, Perfect Score Challenge is valid until September 21, 2011.

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Punxsutawney Phil poked his head out on Groundhog Day and declared an early spring. But even if he’s wrong, spring is around the corner, which means SAT and ACT tests are in only a few weeks. You may have taken one – or both – of the tests already. But what if you rocked the math section and had a terrible day with the critical reading section? Are you pondering taking the test again to have colleges superscore your results?

If you haven’t heard, superscoring tests is when colleges receive scores from tests you’ve taken more than once. For example, say you’ve taken the SAT three times. In superscoring, colleges take the best scores from each section, giving you the best comprehensive score combination.  It could be the tipping point to getting into your top choice.

But before you jump to the conclusion that this is a great option, think of these following points:

1. Will retaking the test help you significantly?

If you bombed the math section on the SAT but had a bad night or got sick before the test… retaking the test will probably help you considerably and verify other parts of your application, including transcript grades. If you barely passed your math classes and scraped by on the test, maybe it’s ok and other parts of your application stand out. In any case, talk with your parents, a teacher, and consult with your tutor.

2. Check the policies of the institutions to which you are applying!

Some colleges already take the highest scores from each section if an applicant submits multiple scores. Others will only accept one scores from each test. Check with individual institutions before submitting multiple scores. If you did really well on a verbal section and retake but score lower on the verbal, higher on the math, is it worth retaking if a college will only look at uncombined scores? Again, talk with someone first.

3. Think about the commitment and your willingness to prepare.

Take a broad perspective for a moment and consider mental and financial commitments. Will taking the tests again stress you out and take away from current school work? Are you concerned about the cost of the retesting? If either answer is “yes,” you might want to reconsider taking the tests. Other parts of your application are essential, too.

Best of luck considering!

This article is titled, "Superscoring – 3 Points to Consider." It was written by Marta Casey, who is a writer for Top Test Prep's team.

To learn more about Top Test Prep's programs, call (800) 501-Prep.

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Many students want to know how their scores would compare between the SAT and ACT exams.

The SAT and ACT test prep team at Top Test Prep have prepared this helpful image for you to download in better understanding your SAT and ACT scores.

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For many years, top colleges required not only SAT or ACT scores, but SAT Subject Test scores, too. The general rule was that competitive schools required three SAT IIs. Last year, Princeton reduced its three subject test requirement to two. This year Harvard and Georgetown – the last institutions to require three subject tests – both dropped their requirement to two.

What brought the change?

Two reasons are commonly cited.

The first is the 2005 addition of the writing sections of the ACT and SAT in 2005. Many colleges claim that the writing section is a viable gauge of future academic work. In the New York Times, Harvard Spokesman Jeff Neal said that “Many colleges, including Harvard, became confident that by reducing the number of required tests, they would not reduce their capacity to make good academic assessments.”

The second main reason for requiring fewer subject tests is an attempt by institutions to be open to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Financial aid officers and sociologists cite economic reasons as a barrier for lower-income students to take tests. As part of a general trend to educate the public about the accessibility and financial aid options of top institutions, many admissions offices made the decision to relinquish the three subject test requirement.

So, is it worth taking three (or more) SAT Subject Tests anymore?

Yes.

Requirements at schools are fewer, but standards are not lower, and the recommendation for taking three tests is still present. Georgetown very carefully reworded “required” to “it is strongly recommended” for all candidates to submit three SAT Subject Test scores. In any case, an optional third test – or a first test in a unique subject – will not hurt a student’s candidacy, but show a different part of the student. Who can say no to that?

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Here are SAT exam and ACT exam test dates…

Our recommendation is to take the SAT and ACT exams sooner than later. We’ve posted the SAT exam schedule and the ACT exam schedule and test dates below. Mark your calendars for these exams, and let us know if you need private tutoring for the SAT and ACT.

The SAT Exam schedule and test dates are as follows:

November 6, 2010 (SAT)

December 4, 2010 (SAT)

January 22, 2011 (SAT)

March 12, 2011 (SAT)

May 7, 2011 (SAT)

June 4, 2011 (SAT)

The ACT Exam schedule and test dates are as follows:

October 23, 2010 (ACT)

December 11, 2010 (ACT)

February 12, 2011 (ACT)

April 9, 2011 (ACT)

June 11, 2011 (ACT)

Contact us if you’re looking for SAT prep or ACT prep, at (800) 501-Prep.

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Top Test Prep’s Perfect SAT and ACT Score Challenge is here!  To find out about the Perfect SAT / ACT exam score, call (800) 501-Prep.

The Perfect SAT and ACT Score Challenge (TopTestPrep.com)

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Note, Contest rules: The Top Test Prep, Perfect Score Challenge is valid until September 21, 2011. The challenge included a scholarship over 4-years for 1 student.

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Here’s a helpful information for students taking the SAT exam, ACT exam or if you’re trying to determine the difference between the two tests (SAT vs. ACT).

You can print this poster.

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In the next few posts, I’m going to cover some basic information on how students can best prepare for the SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT, SSAT and several more. The College Board’s SAT test is released and administered roughly six times per year, and students often use a combination of test prep books, tutoring, and self-study to be prepared for the exam. No matter your method, there are some basic tips you can follow to be best prepared on test day.

SAT Test Strategies:

(1) Practice under timed, actual conditions. By simulating the test environment, you will be better prepared on test day. What this means is that if the SAT exam will be held on a Saturday at 9am, then you should take every practice test at the same exact time. You should also follow the exact instructions on the test and take only the amount of time allowed for your breaks. Often times students prepare for the SAT by taking random sections of the test at odd hours of the week. This disorganized approach won’t help you on test day. Every time you take a test, it must be under the exact conditions – time, day of the week and a quiet location.

(2) Focus on fewer questions. Students are perplexed when I tell them this. There’s a belief by many students that quantity will out measure quality when prepare for the SAT. Yes, you should still try thousands of SAT questions – but when you go through and grade them – pick a few from each section to focus on for during your remaining preparation. So do 2000 to 3000 SAT practice problems, but pick 5 to 10% of these – between 100 to 300 – from all of the combined questions, and focus on them for the rest of your SAT preparation time. These questions will no doubt be similar to those that will appear on the actual SAT exam.

(3) Set a solid study schedule. I can’t emphasize this enough! If you are preparing for the SAT and you don’t have a study schedule that balances all of your work, school, and extracurricular activities, you’ll likely lose focus and your long-term vision of improving your test scores. Your study schedule should include at least 15 to 20 hours per week of actual SAT preparation. You need to treat your SAT prep as if it were a part-time job. Too often I hear students say they’re too busy, or just don’t have enough time to get your scores up. The bottom line is…you do have time. Any high school student can prepare – no matter the number of AP courses, extracurriculars, other jobs – there’s no excuse. Set a solid study schedule, and stick to it!

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This article about “How to Prepare for the SAT” was written by President and Founder of Top Test Prep, Ross Blankenship. Top Test Prep provides test preparation and private tutoring for the SSAT, ISEE, SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT and more. Ross Blankenship is also an admissions expert and educational expert who helps students get into top schools.

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Here’s some information on the SAT 2010: SAT Test / Exam Days:

The SAT exam will be offered on the following days for 2010-2011:

Oct. 9, 2010: SAT and Subject Tests
Nov. 6, 2010: SAT and Subject Tests
Dec. 4, 2010: SAT and Subject Tests
Jan. 22, 2011: SAT and Subject Tests
March 12, 2011: SAT Test Only
May 7, 2011: SAT and Subject Tests
June 4, 2011: SAT and Subject

In a few posts, we have discussed how to prepare for the SAT exam, here are some of the best…

Should I take the SAT or ACT?
Other SAT Test Days
How to improve your SAT scores

For more information on the SAT 2010-2011, or to get some help preparing for the exam, call (800) 501-Prep or check out SAT Tutoring.

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The SAT writing section on the SAT exam can be mastered. Use these tips on how to improve your SAT writing scores from the SAT tutors at Top Test Prep.

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Here’s a lesson on SAT Math Word Problems and how to answer SAT math questions. This should help you prepare for the SAT.

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Here’s some helpful information on the College Board’s SAT exam, if you are planning on taking the SAT- this should explain much about the SAT test. The video is produced by SAT prep tutors with Top Test Prep.

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Top Test Prep’s summer SAT and ACT prep programs have started. If you’re preparing for the SAT or ACT this summer and need help, our test prep programs can help you improve your scores. Summer test prep doesn’t have to be difficult.

If you need help with the SAT and/or ACT exams, give us a call today at (800) 501-Prep or fill out our contact form.

This is the time to improve your test scores so that you can apply to the best colleges and universities.

Top Test Prep’s private tutoring and test prep programs continue to lead the field. Be part of the best program.

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One of the most frequently asked questions at Top Test Prep is whether a student should take the SAT or ACT.

To answer this question, here are the differences between the SAT and ACT, and reasons why you should take one versus the other.

About the SAT:

The SAT is administered 7 times per year.

The SAT includes three critical reading sections, three math sections, three writing sections and one experimental section.

The SAT math section goes up to basic geometry and algebra II.

There is no science section on the SAT.

The SAT reading section includes sentence completions, short and long critical reading passages, and reading comprehension sections.

There is a penalty for wrong answers!

The highest combined score on the SAT is 2400, and the highest per section for the SAT is 800, including math, reading and writing.

Unless you’re enrolled in the SAT’s “Score Choice,” all of your scores will be reported to colleges.

About the ACT:

The ACT is administered 6 times per year.

The ACT includes four sections, including English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and an optional writing test.

The ACT math goes no higher than trigonometry.

The ACT science section includes charts and experiments (theoretically, you don’t need a strong science core base before taking the test)

The ACT reading section includes four passages total.

The ACT English focuses on grammar and the ACT writing essay is similar to most standardized tests including the SAT’s essay prompt.

There is no penalty for wrong answers!

The highest combined score on the ACT is 36, and they’re averaged together for a composite score.

You can decide which schools receive your ACT scores.
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In general, we recommend taking the ACT exam over the SAT exam if your approach to problems is more straightforward. The ACT math and other sections are drier compared to the SAT, which requires a bit more reasoning and analysis. However, our SAT tutors know exactly how to give you in-depth strategies for the SAT test, as it does require more analytical thinking. Also, if you do better in school generally without having to work as hard, we always recommend taking the ACT.

We recommend taking the SAT versus the ACT exam if you have fewer issues with time management. The ACT exam requires more endurance, as students are required to do up to 60 questions in a short amount of time. Our ACT tutors can help you better understand the exam, and ways you can prepare.

If you’re unsure whether you should take either or both, you should take both tests. Your scores will likely be similar according to concordance table.

If you need help with SAT prep or ACT prep, give Top Test Prep a call at (800) 501-Prep and we’ll help you improve your scores.

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Here’s Top Test Prep’s SAT Vocabulary, Word of the Day -

Hackneyed – adj. repeated too often; over familiar through overuse

Find out more about Top Test Prep’s SAT Prep or ACT Prep, by calling (800) 501-Prep.

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Here’s Top Test Prep’s SAT Vocabulary, Word of the Day:

Dauntless – adj. invulnerable to fear or intimidation

Find out more about Top Test Prep’s SAT Prep or ACT Prep, by calling (800) 501-Prep.

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For those students taking the May 1st SAT exam, we want to give you some SAT tips to help you get ready. These SAT tips will hopefully reduce your test anxiety and improve your SAT scores.

First, remember that the SAT is a time intensive examination. You must manage your time wisely. If you get caught on one problem, which you can’t answer quickly, keep moving! For the SAT math section, know that the order of difficulty increases as you move through the math section. So try to get through the easier math problems first, and then keep plugging until you complete the section. For the SAT verbal (Reading and Writing), the order of difficulty does not increase as you move through the sections. Keep this in mind as you’re completing the sections.

Second, make sure to get tons of rest before test day. If you mess up your sleep pattern before the exam, you’re likely to come to the SAT test disheveled and unprepared.

Lastly, remember when you’re writing your SAT essay to be organized and write your argument with cogent examples that make sense. The more examples you use without quoting the actual SAT essay prompt, the better. To write an essay that goes from good to great, you need to have structure, and a great argument based on real-life examples.

If you need help with SAT prep or SAT private tutoring, give us a call at (800) 501-Prep, or fill out or quick contact form for more information on Top Test Prep’s SAT programs.

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SAT Test Dates
January 23, 2010, SAT and Subject Tests
March 13, 2010, SAT only
May 1, 2010, SAT and Subject Tests
June 5, 2010, SAT and Subject Tests

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Top Test Prep provides SAT and SAT Prep courses and SAT private tutoring for students across the country, and helps get students into top colleges with their test prep and college admissions counseling.

Call Top Test Prep today at (800) 501-Prep.

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There are several ways you can improve your SAT or ACT scores.  At Top Test Prep, we have improved SAT and ACT scores by isolating the following common issues: timing and test anxiety.  We’ve found ways to help you prepare for these exams and battle these major issues.

How to Improve your SAT or ACT scores:

(A) Timing: The biggest that most students have for either exams is timing.  Learning how to pace yourself for these exams is crucial.  One recommended strategy to use for the SAT and ACT exams is to take practice tests in real, timed conditions.  Often times students take “practice” SAT/ACT exams in pieces instead of in their whole parts.  First, always take the exams at the same time and day of the actual exam.  If you’re taking these SAT/ACT exams on a Saturday at 10am, I would highly encourage you to do all of your practice exams during the same time period.  In addition, if you’re having trouble keeping pace with the time allotted – usually 20 to 25 minutes for the SAT and 35 to 60 minute section on the ACT – try taking the exam under faster conditions.  Both strategies will give you an advantage over other students.

(B) Exam Anxiety: Taking these exams could be the biggest day of your life. You are bound to be nervous and anxious to complete the exams so that you can move on to bigger and better things like college.

I would recommend you do the following before exam day to calm your test exam anxiety:  (1) Don’t try to rush your studying to the last minute.  Instead, complete your test prep studying a full day prior to exam day.  This will give you some time to relax and not worry as much.  (2)  Don’t have too much caffeine before the exam.  Drinking too much coffee might off-set your heart rate and could cause you unnecessary  anxiety.  (3) On test day, if you can get up early enough, go for a quick jog in the morning.  A short 20 minute jog will get the blood flowing in your body and will allow oxygen to travel with it.  Exercise can help you perform better on the exams, and will keep you happier.

Overall, if you can conquer both SAT/ACT exam timing issues and anxiety, you’re half way through the battle of improving your test scores.  Our SAT tutors and SAT prep program can help you, as well as our ACT tutors and ACT prep programs.

Give us a call at (800) 501-PREP if you have more questions.

Best regards,

Ross Blankenship

Chairman, Top Test Prep

Education Expert

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