FAQ'S
ACT and SAT
About the SAT and ACT
What do the SAT and ACT measure?
Not much. The notion that these tests measure any innate ability or predict your future has long ago been debunked. Yes, they do require basic mathematical skills and some level of reading comprehension and grammatical knowledge. However, they don’t measure quality of thought, intellectual insight, social intelligence, judgment, creativity or discipline in any meaningful way. These tests are simply a tool, crude though it may be, for colleges to somehow separate thousands of candidates from one another.
Do I need to take both the SAT and the ACT?
Gracious, no. Colleges accept both the SAT and the ACT and don’t prefer one to the other, so there’s no need to take both. In fact, we strongly discourage you from taking both. Life is short. Take a full-length practice test in each and then choose your test. Click here for a tool to help you compare the scores.
We discourage students from taking diagnostic hybrid tests, which purport to determine which test you’re better at. (Yes, sometimes we end sentences with prepositions. No, we don’t think that’s a big deal.) These may save time, but we feel that these provide flawed data.
What’s the deal with the change in the ACT?
Beginning in the fall of 2020, the ACT will allow students to retake individual portions of the ACT and avoid having to retake the entire test. Note that this can only be done after a student has taken the complete ACT. Click here to learn more.
Registration
Who registers me for the ACT or SAT?
With one exception, you or your parents do. Tutors will advise you when to take the test, but you or your parents must do the actual registration. Go to the ACT or SAT website, open an account and sign up for the test.
If you have accommodations for multi-day testing on the ACT, your counselor or learning specialist at school will help you sign up.
When should I take it?
For most students, a major impediment to success on either the ACT or SAT is a lack of math knowledge. To score well on either math section, students will need to have taken both geometry and algebra 2 - a bit of pre-calculus doesn’t hurt - that means junior year for most students. When you take it during the year also depends on sports schedules, theater performances, etc. Some students will be ready by late fall of junior year, others in the late spring. Remember that there are tests in the fall, and quite a few seniors will take their last shot then. However, try to take your first test before senior year. That timeline can add a lot of unnecessary pressure.
How many times should I take the SAT or ACT?
There’s no real limit on how many times you can take these tests. Having said that, colleges will probably be curious (in a bad way) if you take these tests more than five times. In our experience, the vast majority of students will take the test twice. Three times is not at all unusual. After the fourth time, you probably are at a definitive score.
Remember that these tests are valuable only for getting into college (and sometimes getting scholarships), so once you have a score that is strong enough for your top choices, stop taking the tests. We recommend that you check with your college counselors to see what that score is for you. Don’t forget these tests are tools to get what you want; they say nothing about you.
Accommodations
What is the deal with accommodations?
Both the ACT and the SAT offer students accommodations of various types. Your learning specialist or school counselor will help you with the process. If you already receive extra time in school or are able to take tests in a separate room, then you should apply for similar accommodations on the ACT or SAT. If you don’t currently have those accommodations in school, but feel you should have accommodations for the test, then you may need to be tested by a professional (we are happy to make recommendations) before applying.
To learn more, visit the ACT or SAT websites.
Do I have to take the ACT or SAT essay?
No, it’s optional. However, many colleges require it, so optional here really means that you probably should take it, alas.
Test Preparation
How should I prepare?
Well, that depends. We recommend taking a timed practice test under test conditions to see where you are. You can download real ACT or SAT tests and take one at home. Many companies offer free practice tests like we do. (You really shouldn’t go take a free test though if you have no intention of using that company – that’s kind of tacky.) Then you can either work your way through either the ACT or SAT prep books. You can also attend group classes or get a personal tutor. We do recommend that students sign up for the question of the day found on the SAT and ACT websites. ADD It’s a good way to stay in the game on a daily basis without taking up too much time or driving yourself crazy.
Do you offer practice tests?
Yes, we offer free practice tests on most Saturdays during the school year. During the summer, our schedule is more flexible. All you need to do is call or email to tell us what test you’re interested in and to make sure we have space available. Also, let us know if your child has any accommodations. We will have your scores for you by the next day.
The Day of the Test
Do I guess on the test?
You should guess on both the SAT and the ACT. Since the SAT’s revision in March 2016, students are no longer penalized for incorrect answers. The Guessing Penalty, as it was known, was a foolish part of the SAT, and we are glad to see it gone.
Can I eat during the test?
Yes, you can eat a snack during the break. In fact, we are begging you to! A good snack will include complex carbohydrates (granola bars) and a drink that contains sugar – juice is always good. If you drink caffeine, then this is a fine time to do it. Caffeine does promote cognitive function, so a can of Coke, a quick cup of coffee or bottle of iced tea will all work. Don’t, however, do dumb stuff like chug hypercaffinated energy drinks.
Can I use a calculator?
Absolutely! Please do. Well, actually the SAT does have a “no calculator” section (why???). Some calculator models are not allowed on these tests, so go to the ACT or SAT website and make sure that yours is.
Scoring
Score Choice/Super scoring
Many colleges will allow students to submit scores from multiple SATs or ACTs and will then take the highest individual score for each section and recombine them for an entirely new score – the superscore. Others will allow you to decide which score to send. So if you have one test day that was stronger, you can use the scores from that day alone and not reveal any other scores. What a college does can change from year to year, so be sure to check with your college counselor or individual college’s websites.
Can I cancel scores?
Yes, you can! To cancel scores on the ACT, you must inform the ACT by noon on the Thursday following the test date. To cancel scores on the SAT, you have two options. Either you can request a form to cancel scores at the testing center and fill it out there. You can also submit a written and signed request to the College Board by the Thursday following the test.
When should I cancel scores?
We strongly recommend not canceling the scores at the test center unless you are positive that it was a total disaster. Give yourself a day to really be sure. If you are, then go ahead.
Why aren’t my scores posted yet???
Your friends have their scores and you don’t yet. Ugh! This happens sometimes. There may have been “irregularities” at your testing center – like suspicion of someone cheating. You may still owe money. You may have made a mistake when filling out your form. There are a variety of reasons, so give the ACT or College Board a call. They’ll help you.
Can I ever get a copy of my ACT or SAT test?
You can! The ACT offers a clean copy of the test you took, plus the correct answer and the answer you put down. This service is only available for the December, April and June tests, though. The SAT, similarly, will send you a clean copy of the test with the answers for those who took the October, March or May tests. You have to request a copy from the ACT or SAT.
HSPT
Registration
Do I need to register for the test?
Yes. For students currently enrolled in Catholic schools, please consult your child’s teacher. For students enrolled in Catholic parishes, please consult your parish. For all other students, please consult the Catholic high schools to which your child is applying. A great resource for all parents with a child taking the HSPT is the test’s official website.
My child has testing accommodations. Are these permitted on the HSPT?
Yes. You are able to register your child for his/her accommodations when you set up your account online.
Test Preparation
How many test prep sessions should my child have?
6 - 8 one hour weekly sessions are ideal, though it truly depends on your child. Six sessions allow us to devote 60 minutes to each topic of the HSPT and to tackle any outstanding problems. More sessions are recommended if your child struggles with a particular test section(s), experiences test anxiety, and/or simply finds additional sessions helpful. Multiple sessions do increase students’ comfort levels and abilities, though it is also important not to overload your child, leading to test burnout.
When should my child take his/her first practice test?
Some students prefer to take a practice test before getting started with a tutor; others like to wait until they have had a couple of sessions. Trust your child on this. It’s wise to take at least one practice test before taking the official HSPT. They provide students with a “real deal” feel for the HSPT, reveal continuing gaps in knowledge and show how performance has improved. We offer complimentary practice tests on Saturday mornings at 9. Please schedule these with your tutor so we have a space reserved for your child.
I would like additional guidance regarding my child’s high school application process.
Our tutors are all thoughtful resources and happy to answer questions. If you are interested in talking to counselors who specialize in recommending particular day/boarding schools and in guiding families through the application process, we are happy to make recommendations. Just ask!
SSAT/ISEE
Registration
Should my child take both the SSAT and the ISEE, or just one? Students should plan to take and prep for only ONE test. Most schools will take either, though the SSAT tends to be the standard test, largely because of inertia. Please consult school admissions requirements, and feel free to discuss with your child’s tutor.
How do I register for the SSAT or ISEE?
Tutors will advise you when to take the test, but you or your parents must do the actual registration. Go to the SSAT or ISEE website, open an account and sign up for the test.
My child has testing accommodations. Are these permitted on the SSAT? the ISEE?
Yes. Register your child for his/her accommodations when you set up your account online and then provide contact information for an “approver” (their word, not ours), which pretty much means someone at your child’s school. Please also talk with the administration at the school your child currently attends.
Can my child take his/her official test more than once?
Yes. You should allow for 2 official test-taking opportunities. If you are totally happy with your child’s first set of scores, then congratulations you’re done! It’s more prudent to assume that every child will take it twice. If nothing else, knowing there’s another chance tends to reduce everyone’s anxiety!
Students may take the official test as many times during the testing year as they would like (1 flex plus 8 standard SSAT; 3 in all for the ISEE). More than 3 official tries can be stressful for students.
What is a Flex SSAT/Small Group ISEE?
A Flex SSAT/Small Group ISEE is given to an individual or group on any date other than the Standard dates. A student may only take one Flex/ Small Group test in a testing year. After taking a Flex/ Small Group test, any additional SSATs/ISEEs a student takes in the same testing year must be Standard tests. Flex/ Small Group tests may be given by member schools or approved educational consultants.
Test Preparation
How many test prep sessions should my child have?
4-8 one hour weekly sessions are ideal, though it truly depends on your child. Four sessions allow for one session devoted to each section of the test. More sessions are recommended if your child struggles with a particular test section(s), experiences any test anxiety, and/or simply finds additional sessions helpful. Multiple regular sessions do increase comfort levels and abilities, though it is also important not to overload your child as this can lead to test burnout.
When should my child take his/her first practice test?
Some students prefer to take a practice test before getting started with a tutor; others like to wait until they have had a couple of sessions. Trust your child on this one. It is wise to take at least one practice test before taking the official SSAT/ISEE. We offer full practice tests at no charge in our office on Saturday mornings at 9 am. It is a great experience for students as it provides them with a “real deal” feel for the SSAT/ISEE without it actually being the real deal, and it gives your child’s tutor a good view of strengths and weak spots to work on. When your child is ready for a Saturday morning practice test, please let your tutor know and we will get your child signed up.
The Day of the Test
Can I eat during the test?
Yes, you can eat a snack during the break. In fact, we are begging you to! A good snack will include complex carbohydrates (granola bars) and a drink that contains sugar – juice is always good.
Can I use a calculator?
No. The use of a calculator is not permitted for the SSAT or ISEE, unless your child has a calculator accommodation.
Scoring
Can I have my child’s scores sent home first, rather than straight to the school(s)?
Yes. When registering for the official test, simply select to have the scores sent directly to you. Schools will only see your child’s scores if you choose to send them.
Can I eat during the test?
Yes, you can eat a snack during the break. In fact, we are begging you to! A good snack will include complex carbohydrates (granola bars) and a drink that contains sugar – juice is always good.
Can I use a calculator?
No. The use of a calculator is not permitted for the SSAT or ISEE, unless your child has a calculator accommodation.
EAGLE EYE POLICIES
What is the policy about inclement weather?
We are definitely not fans of exposing our students (or ourselves!) to dangerous conditions, so if you feel that it’s not safe to drive, please just let your tutor know. There’s a good chance that we can get some work done via Skype or Facetime.
Do I get charged if my child is sick?
Nope. We don’t want to get sick also! The only time you would be billed is if you didn’t inform your tutor before the session, so please let your tutor know as soon as you can.
Do you tutor remotely?
Absolutely! We have students in different parts of the US and around the world. We can easily send you materials and prepare you or your child wherever you are! Skype and Facetime make it a snap!
Do you see students in their homes?
We only meet students at our office in Glen Echo, at school, or in public places. This is because our insurance would be shockingly high if we worked in private homes. Additionally, students tend to focus better when they are not at home.
Can you tutor students in school?
Private tutors can’t work in public schools, but we can work with private school students during their free periods. Just ask your student’s school if they allow tutors on campus.
What’s the role of Advanced Placement (AP) Exams?
AP exams are held over 2 weeks in May, and each exam takes place on a specific day nationwide. The results come back in July. The exam score is generally not that important regarding admissions, though the course grade is. Some colleges will, however, give credit to students with high scores, allowing them to place out of introductory-level courses.
What are Subject Tests?
Subject Tests are hour-long multiple-choice tests in a wide variety of subjects, including foreign languages, science, math, history and literature. Some colleges don’t require these. Others do, though the number they want can vary. Look at the list of colleges that you are considering and see if they require the tests. If they don’t, then no need to take them.