College test prep comes in a variety of packages. There are free SAT test prep options, classroom-based courses, test prep manuals, computer software and tutoring services. In short, there's a solution out there for any student, regardless of preferred learning style.
As your kids get closer to the end of their high school careers, they will need to take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or the ACT. These tests are an important part of your child's college application, and there is a chance that their test scores could make or break their chances of getting into the college of her choice. However, with some test prep courses costing $500 or more, you may be wondering if your children need formal preparation at all, especially considering that these tests are meant to be a comprehensive review of what students have learned in high school.
The Importance of the SAT and ACT
The SAT and the ACT are the two most common standardized tests given to evaluate a student's college potential. Most students take the SAT, which is administered by The College Board and consists of a writing exam and a math exam. The ACT, administered by ACT, Inc., consists of four exams in English, reading, math and science, with an optional essay exam. Some students who perform poorly on one exam may get much better results from the other. Four-year colleges in the United States that review entrance exam scores will accept results from either test.
In recent years, both exams have been overhauled to focus on topics and skills that modern educators feel incoming college freshman should have. These include more advanced math skills and essay writing. With the focus of the tests' formats shifted from multiple-choice questions to the application of reading and writing skills, it's important for students to practice these skills prior to taking a college entrance exam. This can be done either by completing a college test prep course or by utilizing one of the many free test prep options available to students.
There is fierce competition for the limited number of freshman spots at the top colleges and universities in the United States, especially for special programs. If your child wants to claim one of these coveted spots, then he needs to take the steps required to get the best college entrance exam score possible. While colleges and universities claim that they won't turn a student away because of an SAT or ACT score, they can be used to decide between two equally qualified students who are competing for the same freshman spot.
Do Students Need Test Prep?
Many parents automatically assume that their child will benefit from a test prep program. This isn't always the case. As you're comparing options, remember that test prep is designed only to improve test-taking skills. These programs can't make up for gaps in your child's education or turn a student who struggles in math into the next Pythagoras.
Most test prep programs provide a simulation of the SAT or ACT test-taking experience. Some of them use questions from previous versions of the exams. None of them have access to the current exams or can teach the material that will be covered.
After taking a practice exam, students are graded by the program's staff and areas for improvement are identified. Some programs will provide tutoring in these areas, such as vocabulary building, help with word problems or guidance on organizing and completing a written essay. After some study, students take another practice exam and the new scores are compared with the old.
College test prep services assume that your child has a solid high-school education. If your child is taking standard or AP level classes and has strong verbal and writing skills, test prep may not be necessary. A child who is gifted in math and hopes to pursue a career in engineering or science may not need writing skills as strong as students pursuing other degrees as long as the math score is high. Children who struggle with tests but have a good grasp of the knowledge that's covered tend to get the greatest benefit from test prep programs.
It's a good idea to get some information from your child's high school guidance counselor. Find out what the SAT or ACT scores were during the previous school year. Also find out what scores are needed for the colleges your child would like to attend. Compare the high school's average scores with the college's average entrance scores. If there's a small difference and your child tests well, a simple review or practice exam may be all that's needed. If there's a big difference in scores or your child has trouble with one or both parts of the entrance exams, it's time to look into a prep program.
Free College Test Prep
All students need to invest at least a small amount of their time in studying for their college entrance exams. Fortunately, they don't have to spend thousands of dollars to prepare for these tests. There are ways to study for these tests that don't cost a dime.
Simply reading can keep a student's mind sharp and help build vocabulary. Writing essays on favorite topics is also good practice. There are also free study materials for the SAT and ACT that students can get online or from a guidance counselor. For some hands-on practice, students can sign up for The Official SAT Question of the Day and track their results over time. Start this late in the sophomore year and your child will have enough time to assess strengths and weaknesses and get to know the format of test questions.
Fee-Based Test Prep Services
If your child needs more intensive preparation, you'll have a lot of options to consider, from self-guided software packages to classroom programs. It's best to avoid any program that promises to double exam scores or to teach "secret" strategies to beat the exams. Nobody can guarantee that your child will get a high score on the exams.
To sort through your choices, you'll need an understanding of your child's learning style, since a program that worked well for one child may not be the best choice for another. Talk to your child's English and math teachers to see what programs they recommend. If money is limited, check with test prep companies to see if they offer scholarships or financial assistance for students with hardships.
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