Test Prep Overview

The Role of Standardized Tests in Admissions

Standardized tests are used by admissions officers to differentiate between two applicants who might otherwise seem academically identical. Additionally, because grades do not register the same achievement or skill level from school to school, officers can’t rely solely on grades for assessment. They need an extra metric, one that reliably judges all applicants by the same standard. This is where standardized tests come in. These assessments–and preparation for them–are thus a vital component of students’ academic careers. 

Good Grades vs. Test Scores

Many students believe that good grades automatically result in good standardized test scores, and vice versa. While there is certainly overlap between what is registered by grades and what is assessed in summative exams like the SAT or ACT, these standardized tests also indicate how well a student can navigate the specific testing format. Standardized tests thus also assess a student’s ability to take the test itself, making such exams a kind of scholastic obstacle course, or academic sport, that students must train for in specific ways in order to succeed.

Timeline

The best approach to test preparation and the college application process is to start early, know what’s required, and plan ahead. An ideal timeline template is as follows: 

Completing Algebra II is a common benchmark for starting SAT or ACT preparation, as it ensures the test taker will have been exposed to all possible math content on either test. Since most students complete Algebra II during sophomore year, a typical time to start is the summer before junior year. That said, math knowledge is not the only factor to consider. Strong reading comprehension, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning abilities are crucial. A rich vocabulary and broad knowledge base also help students understand context and tackle diverse questions. Additionally, even cognitive maturity can contribute to a student’s ability to handle complex problems effectively and navigate tests under pressure. Therefore, the establishment of a broad academic foundation should also be considered. 

Tutoring Hours

The test preparation requirements of individual students vary widely, depending on factors such as timeline, starting score, goal score, current workload, innate learning speed, aptitudes, and study habits. Some students may be preparing for a test while also juggling sports and several rigorous courses, which means their opportunities for tutoring and studying will be limited; others may start in the summer and will therefore have time to meet with a tutor multiple times a week. Whatever the context, our tutors can help set a tutoring program and pace that is right for your student. Note: our minimum tutoring package is 20 hours, which is the baseline requirement for getting through the entirety of the material for either the SAT or ACT.

Score Improvement

On average, our students improve 250 points on the SAT and 7 points on the ACT. Though, keep in mind that averages can be misleading. For instance, on the ACT a 6-point jump from 20 to a 26 is not interchangeable with a jump from, say, 28 to 34, and a 3-point jump from 33 to 36 may be more difficult than either of those 6-point increases, just in a different way. Taking a diagnostic exam and meeting with one of our tutors can help clarify these distinctions, which aid in setting realistic expectations. 

The SAT or ACT?

The SAT may have more brand recognition, but it’s important to note that of all high school students who take a standardized test for college admissions purposes, roughly half take the ACT. Some key basic differences between the tests are in the table below:

For more in-depth explanations of each test (as well as details on the SAT’s adaptive feature), visit our ACT page and our SAT Suite of Assessments pages.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which test is right for your student is to take a diagnostic version of both, and then meet with one of our experienced and highly trained tutors to discuss the results. This will ensure you make the best decision that fits your needs, goals, strengths, and timeline. For more information on our diagnostic exams and how to get started, visit our Test Prep Diagnostic page. Another option is to sign up for our summer group programs, during which students learn the fundamentals of both exams. For more information on our summer group tutoring, see our High School Group Programs page. 

The Importance of Test Preparation

Learning to navigate the tricks and traps, utilize strategies to help narrow down answers, and manage time effectively can mean the difference between getting into a top-choice school and a safety school. Therefore, whether it’s getting into a competitive middle school, a private high school, or a college, we recommend students sign up for a tutoring program to help them meet their goals. The best way to begin that process is to take a diagnostic exam, which will help our tutors assess your student’s strengths and weaknesses, and enable us to suggest the most personalized tutoring program. See our Test Prep Diagnostics page for more information, or email us at contact@gecollegeprep.com for more information on how to get started. 

Which test should I take — the SAT or ACT?

The most common strategic error high school students make: jumping into the SAT without considering the ACT. Both are accepted by all universities and respected equally, and with the redesigned SAT on the market, the ACT is actually the only known entity for Admissions Officers. In the past, the SAT was a better exam for students who struggled with pacing but excelled at thinking outside the box. The new version, however, is eerily reminiscent of the ACT’s format and question type — the most noticeable difference is that the new SAT’s Math section is far more challenging and tests students on higher level math. Since the ACT is a proven, trusted exam and the redesigned SAT is a tougher newcomer with a greater margin of uncertainty, it seems wise for most students to focus on the ACT.

 

It’s worth pointing out that, historically, College Board has been more liberal with accommodations, so if you are seeking extended time, you are perhaps more likely to have it granted for the SAT. For more information, please visit our Extended Time page.

 

NOTE: We do NOT recommend taking the exams that some companies and schools offer that are half ACT, half SAT, and basing your decision on which section you scored highest. If you got distracted on one section — or struggled on a single passage — your score would be skewed. Additionally, how would you possibly do well on a section you’ve never seen before (the ACT Science section, for instance) if you have no clue what it’s testing or how to approach it? These blind tests (which you take without any introduction to the material) are NOT good gauges of which you’ll do better on after learning some fundamental facts/strategies for each.

 

We will work together to determine which exam is best for your particular skill set. Do you excel at thinking outside the box? Are time limitations a problem for you? For those students who don’t know which exam they want to pursue, we offer a summer program that is an efficient, cost-effective way to truly determine which test is the best fit. We encourage you to visit our High School Summer Programs page to learn more about what the program offers, how it works, et cetera.

How much will my SAT or ACT score improve?

While all students obviously start from different points, the average SAT score increase for our students last year was 200 points, and for the ACT, 6 points.

When should I start test prep?

Many students begin prepping for the SAT/ACT as early as the summer before their junior year, while others put it off until fall of their senior year. Whether you fall in the first or last group (or somewhere in between), the important thing is that you wait until you have taken the necessary high school courses (particularly math) and leave yourself enough time to take the exam more than once.

 

Athletes on the recruitment path typically need to start preparing at the end of sophomore year or very beginning of junior year in order to have scores to share with coaches — but this does depend on the sport and division, as the recruitment timeline can vary.

 

From our experience, though, for the average high schooler, the optimal time for test prep is spring of junior year; you’ve likely learned everything you need to know by this point, and you don’t have to balance college essays and applications, like you would in the fall of senior year. Our goal is for students to start preparing in January and wrap up their final test date (we encourage taking it 2-3 times) by June so you’re completely done by the time summer begins.

Based on your performance in school, extracurricular commitments, and college goals, we will determine the right time for you!

How many sessions will I need?

The answer to this, of course, depends entirely on what you hope to accomplish. Some students only want a few sessions to review the broad strokes of the SAT/ACT, while others set weekly or bi-weekly sessions that span several months to cover specific problem types and increase their scores as much as possible. Still others are looking for assistance preparing for AP exams, as well. Based on the number of exams you are preparing for and the score improvement you are seeking, we will sit down and come up with a plan that fits your goals.

 

Explore our various Classic packages and Founder’s Circle packages to determine which is best for you!

Since many schools are going test-optional, should I still test?

It depends on how you test. If you are capable of scoring on the upper end of a college’s average range, you should absolutely include your scores with your application. However, if you are unable to score within a college’s average range and your scores will be the weakest part of your profile, it is best to omit them. Simply put: if you can give colleges yet another reason to be impressed by you, do it!