Tag Archives: test prep

test prep

The Scoop on Test Optional Colleges

 

I was having a discussion on Twitter last night with a mom about the SAT, ACT and test optional options. I am of the opinion that not taking the test is a bad idea, even if you are applying to test optional colleges. And I’m not the only one. Paul Hemphill of Planning for College and Lauren Gaggioli of Higher Scores Test Prep agree with me (or I agree with them).

test optional colleges

Here’s a podcast Paul did with Lauren about the ramifications of not taking the standardized test. It’s worth a listen. Lauren says, ” It is worth hearing all of the facts before you make the testing decision for your student and this is the side of the argument that tends to get lost in the conversation.”

Also, read these posts as well:

The Financial Risks of Not Taking the SAT

Why the ACT May Be a Smarter Choice for ADHD Students

test prep

‘Twas the Night Before the SATs

 

It’s the night before Christmas and all through your house you’re putting college prep and studying for the SAT aside and enjoying the holiday.

The Night Before Christmas is a classic story we have all read to our kids throughout the years, but here’s a twist from Dr. Nancy Berk, author of College Bound and Gagged. I hope it gives you a smile today while you’re wrapping, backing, and listening to Christmas music.

App Tuesday, test prep

Test Precision: An App for Standardized Test Prep

1 Comment

 

test precisionTest Precision is a new app for students preparing to take the ACT or the SAT. It helps students prepare for the test where they are: on their smartphones. As we all know, teens are quite addicted to their smartphones and making Test Precision a part of that existing routine and habit just makes perfect sense.

More than ever today’s high school student has increasingly less free time to study for the ACT and SAT in between class work and extracurricular activities.  Being able to access Test Precision on the way to school or in between activities is a major advantage versus physically scheduling and attending a test prep weekend class or hiring a one-on-one tutor. Test Precision also lessens the anxiety associated with cramming for the SAT or ACT by providing an ‘access anytime’ app so the student can chip away at their preparation over time.  This is in stark contrast to attending high intensity classes or lugging around a static, one-size-fits-all book and trying to pour through too much content all at once.

I asked Mohak Rastogione, a student who has tested the app, to tell me about his experience with Test Precision:

Q. Why did you decide to get help preparing for standardized tests?

I decided to get help for standardized testing because I honestly didn’t know what to expect on the SAT/ACT. I figured by having help in preparing I’d be a little more prepared come testing time.

Q. Why did you choose an app to help with test prep?

I was offered the opportunity to help test the app, so I didn’t necessarily look for Test Precision specifically. I ended up taking the offer for two reasons. 1) I wanted to see how preparing for big tests like the ACT/SAT could be done on the go (on my phone), and how effective it would actually be. The second reason was because I was getting ready to take the ACT and I hadn’t had any prior experience with the ACT besides self studying, so I figured this would be a good time to get some practice in while helping test the app.

Q. How has Test Precision helped prepare you for the test?

Test Precision helped guide me to which test I should take. The diagnostic test determined that I was a better fit for the ACT and my chances of a higher score would be found with the ACT.

Q. How long have you used the app and have you taken a test since you started using it?

I tested the app for around 4-6 weeks and I did take the ACT twice since testing the application out.

Q. What is your favorite part of using the app?

My favorite part of using the application was the ability to take practice tests/questions where ever I would go. Instead of lugging around heavy test prep books, my phone was/is always on me so studying/practicing for the ACT was much easier and flexible

Test Precision is available for free download in both Google Play and on iTunes. Individual SAT and ACT tests are available for a one time subscription fee of $39.99 per SAT or ACT package.

Ready to download

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.testprecision 

iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/test-precision/id872423917?mt=8

test prep

Is Cheating the SAT Easier With Today’s Technology?

 

SATThere has been scandal after scandal of students cheating in recent years. And believe it or not, they are doing it on standardized tests for college. Why do students do it? Is it easy? What do they have to lose? Is cheating the SAT easier with today’s technology?

Peter Wayner, in “SAT Sneak Attack” addresses these questions and more. In his short ebook he uncovers how a group of elite students use tools that are allowed by the College Board, and by repurposing them, get close to that elusive perfect score. It’s not a “how-to” cheat book but it looks at how easy it is to cheat and what motivates students to cheat on the SAT. You might be very surprised as a parent to read some of those techniques.

They take advantage of the proctors and their lack of interest during the tests. And, using the fact that the tests allow the use of calculators during the test, they reprogram calculators. In his book, Wayner notes:

One web site distributes the “SAT Operating System” that solves SAT problems and the little counter on the web site says that 2901 copies have been downloaded at this writing. That’s just a lower bound because it’s one of dozens that are offering the tool. Once the files are downloaded, kids can pass them around or load them on the machines of their friends. It’s fair to say that there many thousands of copies of just this free version.

While you’re not supposed to use your calculator during the verbal sections of the SAT, the proctors often don’t notice. If they happen to be patrolling, some students say the trick is to write the verbal questions down on their scratch paper and then return to them during the math section that comes later.

Wayner offers some suggestions on how to fix the problem as well. It’s an easy read and it will shed some light on how easy it is to hack the SAT.

You can get the book here:  http://www.satsneakattack.com/buy.html

Guest Posts, test prep

The Ultimate Guide to the PSAT

 

Anthony-James Green is a world-renowned SAT and ACT tutor with over 10,000 hours of experience teaching these tests, crafting curriculum, and training other tutors to teach their own students. He is also the founder of TestPrepAuthority.com. CNN recently named Anthony: “The SAT tutor to the 1%”. He’s providing today’s post: The Ultimate Guide to the PSAT.

____________________

psatOf all the standardized tests on the market today, few are less understood than the PSAT.  Almost every client who comes my way has the
same three questions about the PSAT:

1. What’s the difference between the PSAT and the SAT?

2. What’s the point of the PSAT?

3. How does my child prepare for the PSAT?

By the end of this short guide, you’ll know the answers to all three questions, and you’ll have an actionable plan that you can use to conquer this exam and get on with your life!  Without further ado, let’s start The Ultimate Guide to the PSAT.

What’s the difference between the PSAT and the SAT?

The simplest answer to this question?  Almost nothing.  For all intents and purposes, the PSAT and the SAT are almost exactly the same test.  The only differences between the two exams:

1. The PSAT doesn’t have an essay portion.

2. The PSAT is shorter.

The difficulty level of both exams is exactly the same, the material tested is the same, and the format is practically identical.  The PSAT is just a shorter version of the SAT without the essay.  Even the scoring is the same – while the SAT gives you an “out of 2400” grade, with three sections worth 800 points each, the PSAT gives you an “out of 240” grade, with three sections worth 80 points each.  A 50 on the PSAT math section is a 500 on SAT math, a 67 in Writing is a 670 in SAT writing, etc.  Which brings up a good question: if the two tests are so similar, what’s the point of offering the PSAT in the first place?

What’s the POINT of the PSAT?

The PSAT has two major purposes:

1. To give students and parents an idea of where their SAT scores currently stand.

In many ways, this is the most important aspect of the PSAT.  Many parents assume that their children will get good SAT scores because they’re smart, hard-working kids with good grades.  Here’s the issue: your SAT score has NOTHING to do with your academic performance.  The SAT has a bizarre, unique format that tests a limited, extremely random assortment of information in intentionally confusing ways.  I can’t tell you how many parents have said something like this to me:

“I can’t believe John got such a bad math score – he’s a great math student!”

SAT math and academic math are worlds apart.  Just because your child is a “good reader” or “good in English” does not mean that he or she will get a good SAT Reading or Writing score.

The PSAT is a “wakeup call” for parents and students alike.  If you know that you need 650+s to get into your target schools, and your PSAT scores are all in the 40-50 range, then it’s time to prep for the SAT!  Since the PSAT is administered as a requirement but most schools in the country, it’s a helpful warning system for students across the country.

2. The National Merit Scholarship

Students who score in the top ~3% of their state’s population on the PSAT are considered for the National Merit Scholarship.  Students who become National Merit Finalists are extremely coveted by competitive schools – the number of National Merit Finalists at any given school plays into the school’s ranking and prestige.  Furthermore, students who get NMF status can receive grants and scholarships for their tuition.  To learn more about this entire process, including the scores you’ll need, the process for becoming a finalist, etc., you can visit the official site here:

http://www.nationalmerit.org/

If you’re able to achieve NMF finalist status, you have an enormous leg up in the college admissions process.  Not only will you potentially receive free money for college, but you’ll also have a much better chance of getting in (and, because PSAT scores are directly indicative of SAT scores, there’s a darn good chance that you’ll have high SAT scores, which are essential for competitive college admissions).

If you’re interested in competing for the National Merit Scholarship, the key is to start early.  Getting a high SAT score takes time, diligence, and effective preparation.  Which brings us to our third question:

How does my child prepare for the PSAT?

The same exact way that you prepare your child for the SAT!  There’s literally no difference between an effective SAT prep program and an effective PSAT prep program.  If you simply prep your child for the SAT, he or she will have all the skills necessary to crush the PSAT and compete for National Merit Finalist status.

However, there are a few key details that you’ll want to keep in mind:

1. Call your child’s school and find out exactly when the PSAT will be administered.

You need to think ahead, and it’s important that you know precisely when the PSAT will be given so that you can prepare accordingly.

2. Give your child at least two months to prepare.

A solid SAT prep program takes at least two months (and ideally four or five).  If you have less time than this, all is not lost – but you need to get started immediately.

3. Avoid classroom SAT courses like the plague.

Countless studies have shown how remarkably ineffective these courses are.  Choose either an online, self-directed course, or, if you have the means, get a reputable one-on-one SAT tutor.  Never spend your money on SAT classroom courses, which charge you upwards of $1,000 to read a book out loud to your child.

4. No matter which prep option you choose, be sure that it has both an excellent track record of results and extensive testimonials and references.

There are few barriers to entry in the SAT prep space, and literally anyone can become a tutor, write a book, or craft a program.  No matter which online course or tutor you choose, be sure that you know exactly what past students have experienced, and be sure that the option comes highly recommended.

That’s all there is to it!

The PSAT is simply a “warm up” for the SAT, but if you do well, you’ll be able to achieve scholarships, gain a leg up in the admissions process, and get a headstart on your SAT prep.  If you’re interested in shooting for a NMS Finalist position, get started as soon as possible.

Thanks so much for reading my guide, and good luck with your prep!

 

App Tuesday, test prep, Uncategorized

SAT Prep to your Smartphone

 

prepcube

 

Say what? Yep. SAT prep to your smartphone via text message. What could possibly be easier. And here’s even better news–it’s affordable. Just $9 a month for the bronze plan and $19 a month for the silver plan. Why not reach kids where they are–on their smartphones?

What is Prepcube.com?

Prepcube.com is a learning management system that allows students to study for the SAT via SMS and our proprietary instant messenger platform. Prepcube has the ability to administer questions and video based solutions for real time feedback via sms and instant messenger. Our system allows students, parents and teachers to track all of their student’s results through our dashboard.  Our data shows that students will engage our platform because they are more engaged when they interact with content via sms or instant messenger, which are their preferred mediums of communication.

How does it work?

As the system currently stands, students are pushed one question and solution via text message and have the option for mobile and web based private tutoring. After the initial question they are given the option to study unlimited amounts of questions via a web based instant messenger system. While on this web-based system they are also given the option for mobile and web based private tutoring.

Who is running the show?

All content was developed by the Co-Founder of Bell Curves, a leading standardized test preparation company. He oversees all aspects of the development of programs and materials, as well as the training of tutors. He has spent the last 18 years working as a standardized test prep trainer and materials developer at three different test prep companies.

Score! A developer who knows how to reach teens, has a background in SAT tutoring, and knows how to use the medium to help them learn.

App Tuesday, test prep

6 Test Prep Apps

 

test prep appsToday’s apps of choice are test prep apps. Some are free, others are free to test, and some are paid apps. Knowing how important test prep is, use them to help prep for standardized tests.

1. EduPath SAT Prep

EduPath’s adaptive platform picks up on a student’s weaknesses and exercises them until they’re strong. It’s optimized for in-between moments like waiting for the bus, between classes, or before bed. Their world-class instructors are trained in the same proven methodologies that power their technology, providing constant, seamless instruction between the App and live sessions. There is also an industry-first dashboard for parents that lets them see the student’s progress in real-time—and provides an easy starting point for positive conversations about the college admissions process.

2. SAT Question of the Day

Created by the College Board, the SAT Question of the Day App provides real SAT questions and SAT preparation materials from the test maker. With the question of the day Application you can answer a real SAT question each day.

3. ACT Student

ACT Student helps users anticipate and manage the ACT Test experience. Using the “Practice” feature, students can attempt answers to practice items and gain feedback from their attempts. “Account” allows users to log in for limited, read-only access to their own registration and score information. Accessing the link to ACT’s mobile site, users can find straightforward answers to typical questions test takers have about events leading up to the test and the test day itself.

4. eTextPrep

Though it’s not an app designed for a smartphone or tablet, this new mobile service is simple and targets the activity woven into nearly every high school student’s life—text messaging. Students receive three vocabulary words a day via text to help them prepare for the SAT, ACT, or an array of Advanced Placement tests. The eTextPrep premise is simple – students receive 2 to 3 SAT, ACT, AP, Middle School Challenge or  word-of-the-day text messages (SMS) that contain essential vocabulary words, their definitions and parts of speech. Students simply click, look and learn. It’s mobile. It works. It’s that easy.

5. BenchPrep

This comprehensive product for SAT and ACT is intended to help students prepare stress-free, giving them everything they need in one place; hundreds of practice questions, detailed explanations, and high-quality reading content from the world’s most respected publishers. With study plans to guide students along, and material that syncs across all devices, they will be ready for test day.

6. AllenPrep

Allen Prep has published multiple test prep iPad/iPhone apps for multiple exams.  The ACT and SAT apps are free to download and include a substantial number of test questions for each section of each exam.  Once the apps are downloaded, you can access the question bank by entering a valid email address.  An email with an activation code will be sent to this email address.  Each mock exam includes a free sample test, covering all subjects, and includes hundreds of questions.  You can also make an in-app purchase of different test banks to target a specific area.

test prep

The New (and Improved) SAT

4 Comments

 

new satThe College Board announced today some sweeping changes to the SAT. These changes will take affect in the Spring of 2016. If you have a high school, college-bound freshmen—heads up! The test is going to change drastically. According to the College Board, “The redesigned SAT will ask students to apply a deep understanding of the few things shown by current research to matter most for college readiness and success. They’ll find questions modeled on the work of the best classroom teachers and perform tasks practiced in rigorous course work. The SAT redesign is centered on eight key changes.”

In order to better understand these changes, I’ve gathered some excellent articles on the subject for you to pursue further reading.

_________________________

Jenn Cohen, the Dallas SAT Prep Examiner and owner and founder of Word-Nerd.com, along with an SAT prep tutoring service geared toward ADHD students, had this to say:

Overall, my take is that the SAT is going to be an easier test, and that it is clearly making some changes based on the growing popularity of the ACT. I wonder if the SAT is actually tolling its own death-knell by shifting to an easier product that’s less useful to colleges. But on the other hand, maybe a lower than average score will more clearly signal to colleges that a student is not ready for college level work. I guess it remains to be seen!

You can read more of her comments at Examiner.com–New SAT Coming in Spring 2016.

_____________________

Lynn O’Shaughnessy, author of The College Solution and Shrinking the Cost of College, as well as a regular contributor on CBS MoneyWatch, voiced her thoughts on the changes:

What I found encouraging today was Coleman’s other big announcement that the College Board has entered into a partnership with the Kahn Academy to develop a state-of-the-art test-prep system for any students who want to tackle the SAT. This SAT program will be free.

Sal Kahn, the creator of the Kahn Academy, (see photo) who was present for the announcement, said that the test-prep program will go well beyond providing tips to test takers. The program will identify student deficiencies and teach them the fundamentals, of say, fractions or basic algebra, when needed.

The College Board plans to train tutors, counselors and mentors on how teenagers can take full advantage of the Kahn Academy resources. Coleman noted that the College Board has never entrusted its name to an outside organization until now.

You can read more of what Lynn has to say about the new test on her blog: Big Changes In Store for the SAT.

_________________________

The College Board in their announcement today, outlined how the test will change:

When students open their SAT test books in spring 2016, they’ll encounter an SAT that is more focused and useful than ever before. The full specifications of the exam along with extensive sample items for each section will be available on April 16, 2014. The redesigned SAT will focus on the knohttp://www.free-tv-video-online.me/wledge and skills that current research shows are most essential for college and career readiness and success. The exam will reflect the best of classroom work.

For more detailed information and the changes to the SAT, go to the College Board’s site: Delivering Opportunity, Changes to the SAT.

Guest Posts, test prep

Top 3 Ways a Test Prep Tutor Will Improve Your Test Score

2 Comments

 

test prepStandardized tests such as the ACT, PSAT, and SAT have a lengthy tenure, and they are unlikely to disappear in the near future. They continue to serve as a valuable component of college applications and therefore must be approached very critically. Given the competitiveness of college admissions, a growing number of parents are seeking tutors to guide their children in preparing for these crucial assessments.

So, how can a test prep tutor best assist your student?

Teaching test-taking strategies: The makers of these tests typically rely upon question banks of thousands of problems for each portion of the assessment, so students can succeed when they learn the appropriate strategies for solving these types of questions, rather than just the correct answers. A talented tutor can teach your child how to approach difficult problems, decode mathematics questions, and work through verbal passages – even those with unknown vocabulary.

As these tests are timed, students with strong time management skills are more likely to earn higher scores; possessing the correct answers to the remaining questions won’t matter if time runs out and you are unable to answer them. Depending on the test, it may be useful to either skip more difficult problems or answer them with educated guesses – tutors familiar with the grading of the examination will identify which strategies are useful, as well as how a student’s time should be spent.

Recognizing strengths and improving weaknesses: No two test-takers are alike; the ACT and SAT are standardized, but the individuals who complete them are not. Everyone has certain areas where they consistently perform well and areas where they struggle (perhaps with decoding problems, working toward the right answer, or identifying key vocabulary). A capable tutor will assess your child’s abilities and develop a plan for improvement in his or her weakest subjects.

Many students who excel in the multiple-choice section often struggle with their writing, or vice-versa. Addressing an essay prompt within a specific period of time is a skill your child may or may not possess. A tutor will be able to aid your student in brainstorming, outlining, and writing within the exam’s time limits, all without sacrificing valuable time that could be applied to other portions of the test.

Developing motivation: Reviewing for a standardized test can be a lonely endeavor – unless your student is working in a study group or completing study sessions in school, he or she will likely be reviewing alone. A great test preparation tutor will provide guidance, motivation, and encouragement. Preparing for an assessment can be stressful; students may not grasp the point of devoting so much time to an examination, or they may become overwhelmed by how much the ACT or SAT matters on a college application. A tutor will assist with this. Undoubtedly, the tutor will have his or her own experiences with taking the test and applying for college and university, and he or she can serve as a fantastic role model for your student.

__________________

Richard Bamattre is a professional tutor and contributing writer for Varsity Tutors. He holds a Master’s in Education from UCLA.

test prep

Direct Hits Vocabulary–an EARLY Christmas present

 

direct hits vocabularyAn early Christmas present? What’s the catch? There is none. All you have to do is follow the links below and download the book from Amazon for your Kindle. Holiday break is a great time to study for standardized tests and with vocabulary a key component, every student should take advance of this FREE offer.

Today (December 19, 2013) until 11:59. PST the Direct Hits Vocabulary Books will be available for FREE!

The link for the Volume 1, Direct Hits Core Vocabulary of the SAT is http://amzn.to/1cz29G8

and for Volume 2, Direct Hits Toughest Vocabulary of the SAT  is http://amzn.to/18OYjrh.

Students who already have the very popular paperback version can now add the book to their Kindle device at no charge. Especially if they plan to take a standardized test such as the SAT, PSAT, SSAT, and even the GRE, it can be even easier to build vocabulary skills.

Spread the word, share the post, pin it on Pinterest, and link the post on Facebook.