Hello digital SAT!

Are You Ready for the SAT Changes in 2024?

No more worrying about making a mistake bubbling your answer sheet, waiting for proctors to collect test booklets, or waiting a couple of weeks for test results. The new fully digital SAT launches in March of 2024!

International students have already experienced the new test format and report that the digital SAT is shorter and less stressful than the paper and pencil version. Be sure to take the digital PSAT offered in Fall 2023 to see if this option might be the right test for you.

What You Need to Know About the New Digital SAT

Beginning in March of 2024, students can expect to see the following changes in the SAT:

• Digital test format. To stay relevant to students’ learning (and life) experiences, the SAT will be fully digital—and the paper and pencil version of the test will no longer be available. College Board believes this will make the test easier for students accustomed to learning and testing using digital devices.
• The new test is adaptive. The level of difficulty for subsequent test sections is based on test performance. This adaptive format improves test security by creating a unique test format for each student.
• The digital SAT is shorter. Yay! The digital version clocks in at two hours and fourteen minutes, shaving nearly an hour off the pencil and paper test.
• The reading passages are shorter, too. No more huge blocks of text with multiple questions related to each passage. New digital SAT reading and math questions will be more concise, with one reading question corresponding to each shorter passage.
• You can use a graphing calculator for the entire math section. Bonus: The exam will have a built-in graphing calculator!
• Faster results. You won’t have to 2 weeks or more to receive scores. Scores will likely be delivered within days.

Digital SAT Accessibility:

• You don’t need to own a digital device. Students can take the digital SAT using their own laptop/tablet, use a school-issued device, or borrow a College Board device.
• You won’t lose your work during a power outage. Don’t worry! The new SAT ensures students won’t lose their work during a power outage.
• It’s not a take-home test. The digital SAT will be a proctored test offered during the school day and on weekends.
• You’ll get academic/career advice. The new digital SAT score report will also include information about two-year colleges, workforce training programs, and career opportunities tied to your achievements, interests, and financial goals.

What ISN’T Changing with the Digital SAT?

The new digital test format holds many changes, some things remain the same. The test will be based on a 1600-point scale and contain Reading/Writing, and Math sections. Although students will have access to a digital countdown clock and a way to flag questions within each section to come back to them for further thought, they will not be able to return to previous sections once the time has elapsed.

Test Preparation is the Key to a Great Score

Although many colleges have gone test-optional during the last few years, a great SAT score can help you stand out during the competitive college application process. Remember that test-optional doesn’t mean test-blind; colleges will still look at your great score and can use it for merit scholarships! Contact Test Preps today to talk about the pros and cons of the new digital format. Some students may benefit from taking the pencil and paper version in 2023—but all will benefit from our tried-and-true SAT test-taking tactics and strategies. Contact Test Preps today!

#SummerGoals: Write your college essay!

With so many moving parts to the college admissions process, knowing when or where to start can be challenging. Summer presents an ideal time to write the college essay, without the pressures of school, homework, and extracurricular activities. Many students find that they’re more inspired and motivated to write their essay during the summer when they have extra time to think introspectively about themselves – something that isn’t always easy to do!

Keep in mind that writing your college essay is personal and a very different task than an English class assignment. It’s essential to take the time to think about what to write about before the actual writing begins. Telling “your story” is a process, so it’s best to start well before the school year ramps up in September. Even the month of August can get busy with vacations, summer reading assignments, and team sports practices. So here are 3 great reasons to write your college essay during the summer:

Brainstorming  – before you begin!

The idea that optimal performance can be done under pressure does not hold true for the college essay. Formulating a well-written, high-quality essay requires a significant chunk of time. In fact, you may want first to read some sample college essays online before you begin writing. Many colleges post great examples of essays from accepted students that they loved and you can learn a lot from perusing these essays. Reading a wide range of college essays will help you tremendously when brainstorming what you want to share about yourself with prospective colleges. Keep a running list of ideas on your phone so that when it’s time to write, you’ve got some material to start with!

Get some feedback

Fall is a busy time for both students and teachers so it’s in your best interest to get feedback about your essay before the start of the school year. Be sure to have at least one or two people whom you trust to review your essay and provide both support and constructive criticism. It’s important to seek feedback and insight from others who have experience reviewing many college essays, as they will be able to provide the most valuable critique.

Edits and rewrites are key

It’s a given that you’ll have to rewrite your essay many times until you finalize your finished product. Summer offers a stress-free time to work on your essay without worrying about academic homework, tests, and grades. Because you don’t have a tight deadline, you can take a couple of breaks in between your rewrites and revisit your drafts at your own pace. This will help you be more creative in crafting an outstanding college essay that reveals who you really are!

Being proactive about your college essay this summer will take a lot off your plate this fall. This gives you more time to complete other college application requirements including the Common Application. You may even enjoy the essay process more when you can relax a little and write at your leisure.

Are you ready to make a plan to write your college essay this summer?

Check out our Buffalo partner Stress Free Admissions for their summer 2023 College Application Workshop held the first week of August – just after the Common Application opens up. This intensive four-day, sixteen-hour IN PERSON workshop allows students to get a head start on college applications BEFORE the first day of senior year!

Test-Optional Is Not Test-Blind

If you are a high school junior, deciding whether to take the SAT or ACT when so many colleges have adopted a test-optional admissions policy is a conundrum. So, what’s the difference between test-optional and test-blind? And what does it mean for you?

In a nutshell, test-blind means a school won’t accept standardized test scores. At all. If you send them, they won’t look at them.

Test-optional means that standardized test scores are not required for an application, but they are welcomed and valued in the competitive process of college admissions.

So, should a college-bound junior sign up to try the SAT or ACT? In a word: YES!

3 reasons to try an SAT or ACT 

1. Test-optional colleges will look at SAT and ACT scores. All other things being equal, in an application, a higher test score might earn the acceptance letter. Furthermore, test score submission rates at prominent test-optional schools indicate that the majority of applicants still submit their scores.

2. If you are planning on applying to more affordable state schools, guess what? A lot of families are making the same financially prudent choice during these uncertain times. Having a solid SAT or ACT score can help a student distinguish themselves in the crowded admission process.

3. Many schools require standardized test scores for out-of-state students and athletes. In addition, merit aid, scholarship applications, and honors programs may still require a standardized test score.

Finally, nothing ventured, nothing gained! Take the test. If the score is above average, send it. If it isn’t, you can still apply test-optional.

Test Preps still remains devoted to our small-group SAT/ACT preparation programs. Our sessions begin 5-6 weeks before the test, and our tutors would love to help you get a leg up on the college competition.

So get ready. Get set. Prepare for possibilities! Contact Test Preps to talk about a plan that fits your school schedule, and join us for a small group SAT or ACT Course. Private tutoring options also available. We’ve got you covered.

Summer SAT/ACT enrichment for motivated students!

I have been asked by so many parents what their teen can do NOW to utilize some of their extra time. All students can review content areas that are tested on every SAT and ACT.  Below are some ideas they can get started on right away. Be aware that if you are ordering texts online, some companies are experiencing longer than usual delivery times.

• Grammar

  I would love to suggest an excellent workbook that can be purchased on Amazon (or any online store with better pricing or faster shipping options): The Complete Guide to ACT English or The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar, both written by Erica Meltzer. Even 15 minutes a day of grammar review and practice can make an impact on the ACT English or SAT Writing & Language sections. Grammar isn’t hard, but most kids haven’t studied or practiced grammar regularly since middle school. We always tell our students that improving grammar is one of the easiest ways to increase an SAT/ACT score.

  Here are links to our SAT and ACT Grammar Review Guides using the Meltzer texts listed above:

• SAT Grammar Guide
• ACT English Guide

Additionally, TheCriticalReader.com offers an excellent FREE ebook that covers all the grammar that needs to be reviewed for the SAT and ACT and many other great resources!

• ACT Math

McGraw Hill has two great workbooks. For strong math students, we recommend 500 Questions to Know by Test Day: ACT Math Use daily (15 minutes) to practice questions and review math content from previous years. It is extremely important to read the answer explanations at the end of the chapter for questions missed and then redo that question to learn from mistakes. Students who struggle with Math can review content areas (like Geometry) with Top 50 Math Skills for a Top Score: ACT Math. Use the “Look Inside” option on Amazon to check out the Table of Contents. This book is straightforward and can be broken into manageable chunks over the next two months.

• SAT Math

We recommend Barron’s SAT Math Workbook (7th ed.) by Lawrence S. Leff.  Even completing 1 lesson every day will help students review math content from previous years and practice SAT math questions. The same strategy applies that was listed for ACT Math – read the answer explanations for questions missed and then redo that question to learn from mistakes. This book is also straightforward and can even be used to target a specific area like Geometry, for example.

• SAT Prep

  An excellent online option is Khan Academy, a College Board partner offering thousands of practice questions, videos, lessons, and hints to review content on all sections of the SAT. AND IT’S FREE! Check out their Resource Page for helpful information.

Feel free to Contact Us if you have any questions.

Melissa Cook – Owner/Director

Great College Visit Questions (Part One: Student Life)

“Boots on the ground” was one of the best pieces of advice I heard while my oldest child and I were beginning the college process.

I looked blankly at the woman who said it to me. “Go on some college visits,” she repeated.

Ahhhh. That made sense! I promptly started scheduling college visits to my daughter’s prospective campuses. This is also an important way to show interest in a college to Admissions. Learn more about demonstrated interest as it can be an important factor in boosting a college application. Another perk: some schools will waive the application fee if you make a registered college visit to the campus.

Your teen can learn a lot about a school’s culture by walking around the campus, talking to students, and asking questions. Of course, which questions to ask will depend on what’s important to your student. My main question probably isn’t the one you might expect: I wanted to know where students hung out. Fortunately, my daughter has always done well academically, and I can reasonably hope that to continue in college. However, studying is generally done alone. I wanted to know where my daughter, a social creature, could find new friends and have fun. Don’t worry, I also asked where students like to study!

Some other questions we asked on our college visit about student life:

• Do most students stay on campus on the weekend?

• What’s your favorite thing about (insert university name)?

• Is there anything fun to do off-campus?

• How’s the Wi-Fi?

Our college visit questions will probably be different from your questions. Make sure you visit the school’s website and check out the FAQ. It’s a great place to start your list! Then think about what is essential to your teen’s happiness? A great gym? Make sure you visit the athletic center while you’re on campus. Find out what it offers and when it’s open. Is your teen particular about food? Ask your tour guide where to find the best food on campus. And the best latte… Is your teen a sports fan? Do tons of students attend games? Or is school spirit kind of meh?

As we continue to navigate the college process, I’m glad my daughter put boots on the ground at some of her prospective schools, so at least she had the answer to these crucial questions: how does the campus feel? Can she see herself as a student there for the next four years? If that answer is yes, then we can probably figure out the rest of it…and so can you. To get you started on this process, check out US News College Search to compare information from 1900 colleges!

As always, Test Preps is available to help with your SAT and ACT preparation needs.

Stay tuned for Great College Visit Questions (Part Two: Academics).

*Thank you to my bff Amanda for sharing her experiences as she navigates the college process with her own teens in this series of guest posts!

Should Your Student Apply to an Honors College?

I asked a college sophomore in the Honors College at Duquesne University, and her response was: “Absolutely! You get priority scheduling, better class selection, and usually nicer dorms.”

So if your teen is a high achiever and is looking at schools with an Honors College, he or she should definitely consider applying. Academic benefits can include smaller class sizes with more meaningful discussions and interaction with their professors. Access to professors is limited in a larger lecture setting and office hours may be inconvenient. Other benefits can be priority class registration and nicer dorms or a dedicated space where honors students can study and hang out. Sometimes, honors students take a series of classes together, so faces become familiar more quickly in the smaller-group setting. Honors programs can have professional benefits as well. If your teen plans to pursue a higher degree, masters programs will look favorably on an honors program’s rigorous course of study. Similarly, potential employers recruit graduates with have critical thinking skills.

Now let’s consider the possible challenges of an Honors College program…

First and foremost, there’s no getting around that fact that an honors program is extra work. The classes are smaller and require more participation, which makes it more difficult to “coast.” If your teen hates public speaking, he or she might prefer to be in a large lecture hall where there’s less chance of being singled out. Often, there’s a required GPA to maintain Honors College standing or housing, and some schools may ask students to attend a certain number of Honors College events.

Honors College isn’t for everyone, but for motivated students who are accustomed to a challenging workload and high achievement, the benefits are undeniable. At Test Preps, we excel at helping students achieve their goals. Contact us today if you’d like to learn how your teen can improve their ACT/SAT score for any program!

What Is “Demonstrated Interest” And How Do I Show It?

As if sending SAT/ACT test scores, high school transcripts, and applications isn’t enough to do, some colleges (not all) track how much “interest” prospective students show in their institution. This is called demonstrated interest, and while it might not make or break your teen’s admission status, what if it’s one variable that can set them apart from other applicants? So it certainly can’t hurt to show some enthusiasm and interest starting with the college search during junior year.

Traditionally, a campus tour is a great way to show demonstrated interest. If finances and time allow, visit prospective schools, and make sure your teen’s name is checked off on the attendance roster. If visiting isn’t feasible, sign up for an online webinar that might cover the same material and offer a virtual tour. Have your child reach out to an admissions officer via e-mail or phone with genuine, pertinent questions about the admissions process, provided that information can’t be found elsewhere. Other ways for your teen to show demonstrated interest: register for and attend college fairs and engage with counselors at prospective schools’ tables, speak with admissions officers if they visit their high school, and always open e-mails from schools on their application list. Some schools offer alumni interviews, another great way to show interest with the double benefit of also getting an insider perspective on the school.

Colleges appreciate demonstrated interest because it improves the chances of receiving a “YES” response to their acceptance letter. Students who accept offers make the schools look desirable, and demonstrated interest is a great way to predict an enthusiastic “YES.” However, demonstrating interest also has a great stealth benefit. Thoroughly investigating schools, talking to admissions officers, visiting campuses, and reading e-mails can help you and your teen figure out whether a prospective school is truly a good fit.

As always, Test Preps is here to help you lock down that best possible SAT/ACT score so that demonstrated interest is the bow on top of the already-awesome student package. Now get out there, get enthusiastic, and prepare for possibilities!

Photo by bruce mars from Pexels

Top Five SAT/ACT Questions Parents Ask Me…

Are you the parent of a high school sophomore or junior? Are you starting to think about college? One important component for most schools is the SAT and ACT score, and you aren’t alone if you have questions. I receive constant calls from parents asking:

1. Which is better, the SAT or the ACT?

Since 2008, all U.S. colleges accept both tests! As a parent who survived getting three kids into college, my goal is to minimize the amount of time spent prepping. I always suggest students try both practice tests, and see which test is a better fit. Test Preps offers courses for both the SAT and the ACT, but most busy high school students don’t have time in their schedules to prepare for both. Let’s target the best test for your child, and maybe they can avoid taking one test entirely.

2. When should my high school student take the test?

For many students, a great time to take either test is the fall of junior year. Every student is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to test prep. That said, it’s often a good idea to get started sooner rather than later. Do your test prep before school and extra-curricular schedules get too intense and leave plenty of time for a re-take. Most kids need that second chance after they’ve experienced their first official SAT or ACT.

3. What results can we expect from taking a Test Preps course?

Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee results. It would be awesome if we could! Testing results depend on how much work is put into learning test-taking tactics and PRACTICING them under timed conditions. We only see your teen for one-and-a-half to two hours a week. The effort they put in on the other six days is what will impact their scores the most. After taking a Test Preps course, students feel more confident and know what to expect from the test. That alone makes a big difference!

4. I’ve signed up for a test. When should I start prepping?

Time your test prep so that it leads up to the date your teen will take the test. You don’t want him or her to forget any precious test-taking tactics and strategies. Most students begin six to eight weeks before the test. There is no cramming for an SAT or ACT. Plan ahead!

5. What’s a “good” score?

A “good” score depends on your teen and his or her college aspirations. Sometimes kids prepare for the tests simply because they want to get into a college. Others strive to attain a certain score goal in order to get into an honors program or win merit scholarships. A “good” score is whatever helps your child succeed.

Does preparing for the SAT and/or ACT sound intimidating? It isn’t, I promise. Most projects seem difficult until you break the work down into manageable chunks, and that is exactly what we help students do at Test Preps.

Do you have other questions for me? If you haven’t already done so, check out our website at TestPrepsBuffalo.com and then call me today at 716-574-7349. Let’s talk about YOUR child and our upcoming sessions.

Melissa Cook 
Owner/Director of Test Preps

College athletics and the SAT/ACT: Get ready!

“I’m a top athlete… I don’t need to be concerned about my ACT/SAT score, right?”

While being a competitive athlete in a DI or DII collegiate sport can help you with college admissions, that doesn’t mean you can ignore the SAT or ACT. The NCAA (which governs college sports) has academic Eligibility Standards and dictates what SAT or ACT score you will need (based on your GPA) in order to play for a college. The lower your high school GPA, the higher your test scores need to be.

For example, if you are looking to play at the DI level but you are a middle “C” student with a GPA of 2.50, you would need your total SAT score to be 900 (out of 1600). If you are barely a “B” student with a 3.0, you need a 720 total combined score. ACT scores are comparable. 

The bar for a decent SAT/ACT score for an athlete isn’t all that tough. But keep in mind that if a coach is choosing between two great baseball players and one is close to the line of being academically ineligible, the coach is much wiser in giving his limited roster spots to the player who won’t end up on academic probation in their first or second semester of college. And no one wants to be sitting on the sidelines while their teams moves towards success, so why put yourself on the bench?

Therefore, it is important to put honest effort into your SAT/ACT preparation. Additional practice and retaking may give you an advantage when initially meeting with coaches and later applying to colleges. Just as you wouldn’t show up for a game unprepared or without your gear, don’t show up for the SAT or ACT cold and unfamiliar with the test.

Playing sports in college can be an amazing experience so make sure your SAT/ACT scores help you stand out to coaches in a positive way. Reassure coaches that you are recruitable and will be immediately academically eligible with a strong ACT/SAT score!  For more information about how Test Preps can help you achieve an SAT or ACT score needed for college sports, contact us today!

Photo by Jonathan Chng on Unsplash

PSAT Primer for Accelerated Students

Everyone knows that high SAT or ACT scores can be rewarded with scholarships, tuition assistance and other great benefits. But the PSAT can also be worth money if you test exceptionally well. Standardized testing is a part of every high school student’s path to college. For strong students who are accelerated in their coursework, preparing for an SAT or ACT before taking the PSAT can be a savvy option. Besides getting an early start on test preparation before junior year becomes busy with AP work and extracurricular activities, early test prep can also ready a student for the PSAT and possible National Merit recognition and money.

About 1.6 million U.S. students take the PSAT each year. However, only scores achieved during junior year are eligible for National Merit rewards. If you score in the top 3 to 4% of PSAT test takers in your state, you move on to the Commended Scholar level. Every state’s required score is different and changes each year, depending on what scores are produced that given year. “Commended Scholar” is a nice line on your college application resume and your PSAT journey is over.

But let’s say you score really well and are in the top 1% of your state’s test takers – congratulations! You are then considered one of about 16,000 National Merit Semifinalists. That’s an even better line to put on your application, just from scoring exceptionally well on the PSAT.

Here is the tricky part. Those 16,000 National Merit Scholars are asked to take either the SAT or ACT and score high enough to validate that their PSAT score wasn’t a fluke. (ACT option just added for the class of 2020!) Also, there is an application package to complete which includes an essay.

About 8,000 (or half) of these National Merit Scholars will be given money. Some will earn $2,500 as a one time payment, straight from the National Merit organization. Some will get money right from their intended college. Others can earn money from corporate sponsors – typically $10,000 divided into four payments. Colleges may even reward National Merit Finalists in addition to the student getting a corporate scholarship. Click here for more information about the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Here’s where early test preparation can help a serious student excel not only on the SAT/ACT, but also with the PSAT. In my personal experience, my son took an ACT preparation course at the end of his sophomore year and got a great first score on the June ACT. With additional preparation and practice, he achieved a perfect score on the ACT in the fall of his junior year. When he tried the PSAT, it was easier because he already knew how to attack a standardized test. He seriously prepared for these tests and was rewarded for his efforts. First, a presidential scholarship from University at Buffalo, then as a National Merit Scholar, and finally, with an additional $1500 award by the college when the National Merit money was applied during his freshman year. It certainly added up!  Additionally, prepping early in junior year avoids a heavy load in the spring during AP exam testing and finals.

The PSAT can be more than a warm-up for the SAT, it can be an avenue to additional accolades and money for college. If your teen is accelerated in their high school coursework and ready to diligently prepare for college testing, Test Preps can help! Contact us well before their junior year to talk about how they can benefit from early preparation for the SAT or ACT.

*Thank you to my colleague D. Cicero for sharing her wealth of knowledge and her son’s PSAT experience in this guest post!