College Placement Testing: SAT vs ACT vs AP

SAT vs ACT | College Placement Tests | The Education Doctor

As high school students approach their junior year, the pressure to excel academically and prepare for college admissions intensifies. A crucial part of this preparation involves college placement testing, namely the SAT and ACT, as well as understanding AP scores. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the differences regarding the SAT vs ACT vs AP tests.

Understanding the SAT

Why Take the SAT in Winter of Junior Year?

For many 10th graders and their families, taking the SAT during the winter of junior year is a strategic move. This early attempt allows students to become familiar with the test format and content, providing a head start in preparation. Identifying strengths and areas for improvement early on can help ease the pressure in senior year when the stakes are higher.

What Are the Benefits of Taking the SAT Early in Junior Year?

Taking the SAT early in junior year provides valuable insight into a student’s baseline performance. It allows more time to prepare for retakes, align with application deadlines, and explore scholarship opportunities tied to scores.

The Cost of Taking the SAT

The financial aspect of the SAT can be significant. Exam fees, along with additional costs for preparation courses and practice materials, can add up. Understanding these costs and exploring options for financial aid, fee waivers, or low-cost preparation resources can help manage expenses while ensuring adequate preparation.

Debunking SAT Myths

Several myths surround the SAT that can mislead students and parents. One common myth is that the SAT is an insurmountable hurdle that solely determines college admission success. Another is that high scores are solely due to innate ability rather than preparation. In reality, consistent study, practice, and strategic preparation can significantly improve scores and reduce test-related anxiety.

What Resources Are Available for SAT Test Preparation?

Students can access a wide range of preparation resources, including official SAT practice tests, online courses, tutoring services, and mobile apps. These tools help build familiarity with the format and content while providing opportunities for targeted improvement.

Understanding the ACT

Essential ACT Information for Sophomores

Sophomores should be aware of the critical differences between the SAT and ACT. The ACT includes a broader range of subjects, including science, whereas the SAT focuses more on evidence-based reading and writing, as well as math. Understanding these differences can help students choose which test aligns better with their strengths and college goals. Early preparation, such as taking practice tests and engaging in targeted study, can make a significant difference.

How Does the ACT Differ From the SAT in Terms of Format and Content?

The ACT includes sections on English, math, reading, science, and an optional writing test, while the SAT emphasizes evidence-based reading, writing, and math. The ACT’s science section is a key differentiator, making it better suited for students confident in interpreting data and scientific concepts.

When to Retake the ACT

Deciding when to retake the ACT can be a strategic decision. If a student’s score is below their target or potential, retaking the test might be beneficial. It’s essential to consider factors such as improved preparation, changes in test-taking strategies, and whether additional study time could lead to better results. Retaking the ACT with a clear plan and targeted study can help improve scores and enhance college applications.

What Strategies Can Help Improve ACT Scores?

Students can improve their ACT scores by taking full-length practice tests, focusing on weaker subject areas, and using test-taking strategies like time management and answer elimination. Enrolling in prep courses or hiring a tutor can provide additional guidance.

More on the ACT and SAT.

Understanding AP Scores

AP Scores and College Admissions

Once AP scores are back, it’s crucial for college-bound juniors and sophomores to assess their performance. High scores can enhance a college application, potentially earning college credit and demonstrating academic prowess. Conversely, lower scores should be viewed as opportunities for growth and areas to focus on in future coursework or standardized tests. Integrating AP scores into a broader strategy for college admissions is essential.

How Do AP Scores Impact College Admissions and Placement?

AP scores demonstrate a student’s ability to tackle college-level material and can influence admissions decisions. Many colleges grant credit or advanced placement for high scores, allowing students to save on tuition and graduate earlier.

Are There Any Benefits to Taking Additional AP Courses Even if the Scores Are Not Perfect?

Yes, taking AP courses showcases academic rigor and a willingness to challenge oneself, which is often valued by admissions committees. Even if scores aren’t perfect, the effort and learning experience can strengthen a student’s application.

The Debate: Are SAT and ACT a Waste of Time and Money?

There is ongoing debate about the value of the SAT and ACT. Some argue that these tests are outdated measures of a student’s potential and question their worth given the cost and preparation involved. Critics highlight that standardized tests may not accurately reflect a student’s abilities or readiness for college. However, many colleges and universities still use these scores as a factor in admissions decisions, making them a significant component of the application process.

Conclusion

Navigating the landscape of standardized testing and AP scores can be challenging, but understanding the purpose, costs, and strategies associated with the SAT, ACT, and AP exams can make the process more manageable. By starting early, preparing effectively, and addressing myths and misconceptions, students can approach these tests with confidence and better position themselves for college admissions success.

When is the AP Exam necessary?

advanced placement exam

Parents often ask me about the importance of taking Advanced Placement courses and the end-of-course AP exams. My best answer is that “it depends” . . . 

How many Advanced Placement courses?

vanderbilt engineering and music programsWhen parents ask me about how many advanced placement courses their teen should take, they are really asking me how many courses their teen should take to “look good” to colleges. Advanced placement courses are about taking a rigorous course load in high school to signal that a student would be academically successful in college. 

Rather than “looking good” to colleges, I believe that students should take the level of courses that are most appropriate for them personally and be true to what their interests are. If a college admits you only because of AP courses you took, it doesn’t say much for how you will fit or thrive at that college.

A reasonable number of AP courses to take is relative to the number of AP courses that your high school offers. Colleges understand that the number of AP courses available vary by high school. If a school offers no AP courses, then students aren’t expected to have AP courses on their transcript. On the other hand, if a high school has a lot of AP courses available, then students should make an effort to take a few AP courses. For example, if a high school offers 10 AP courses and students can take AP courses starting in junior year, then it’s reasonable to have about 3 to 5 AP courses on your transcript. Those AP courses should be in appropriate areas of academic strength for the student . . . if a student is weak in math, it doesn’t make sense to take the AP Calculus courses just for the sake of “looking good” to colleges.

How important is it to take the AP Exam?

In most cases, the AP Exam is not used in college admissions. The exams that students take for college admissions are either the SAT or the ACT. Scores on the AP Exam are most often used to determine the level of courses taken in college. Every college sets its own policies to grant credit for AP level course. For example, at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, a non-engineering student who scores a 4 or 5 on the AP Statistics exam could get 3 credit hours for the Math 1010: Probability and Statistical Inference course. Also, the credit for AP exam scores may not apply towards a major in that same subject area. Complicated, huh?

I have heard many college students say that they regret using their AP credit because they could have benefitted from having that first level course at the college level. 

Where I find the AP exam helpful to take is in preparation for an SAT Subject Test. The AP courses are mostly aligned with SAT Subject Tests. If a student, for example, is taking AP US History (APUSH) and plans to take the SAT Subject Test in American History, then it could be good preparation to take the AP US History exam in May and the SAT Subject Test in American History in June!

When are the 2019 AP exams scheduled?

Here’s a schedule of when the AP exams are scheduled in 2019.

AP Test Schedule: Week 1

TEST DATE MORNING EXAMS (8 A.M.) AFTERNOON EXAMS (12 NOON)
May 6, 2019
  • United States Government and Politics
  • Chinese Language and Culture
  • Environmental Science
May 7, 2019
  • Seminar
  • Spanish Language and Culture
  • Japanese Language and Culture
  • Physics 1: Algebra-Based
May 8, 2019
  • English Literature and Composition
  • European History
  • French Language and Culture
May 9, 2019
  • Chemistry
  • Spanish Literature and Culture
  • German Language and Culture
  • Psychology
May 10, 2019
  • United States History
  • Computer Science Principles
  • Physics 2: Algebra-Based

AP Test Schedule: Week 2

TEST DATE MORNING EXAMS (8 A.M.) AFTERNOON EXAMS (12 NOON) AFTERNOON EXAMS (2 P.M.)
May 13, 2019
  • Biology
  • Physics C: Mechanics
  • Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
May 14, 2019
  • Calculus AB
  • Calculus BC
  • Art History
  • Human Geography
May 15, 2019
  • English Language and Composition
  • Italian Language and Culture
  • Macroeconomics
May 16, 2019
  • Comparative Government and Politics
  • World History
  • Statistics
May 17, 2019
  • Microeconomics
  • Music Theory
  • Computer Science A
  • Latin

When do AP scores come out?

2019 AP scores will mostly be released in mid-July 2019 .

Good luck!

How is your teen preparing for AP exams?

ALERT College-bound Juniors – AP scores are back, Now What?

AP scores

High school sophomores and juniors can access their AP scores this week! While there may have been high anxiety and a few sleep-deprived nights in May, students may have some butterflies as they open their online accounts to see the results.

What do your scores mean

AP scores will range from 1 to 5. An AP score of “1” or “2” may feel like a real downer, given all the late-night studying. A “3” on the AP exam shows proficiency, but may not get any attention from colleges. The scores that colleges may notice are “4” and “5”. When I say notice, it can mean that the college will allow the student to either

  1. Skip an introductory level college course in that area of study
    -or-
  2. Get college credit

One of the things that students must be careful to do is check with the college’s department to determine whether any course upgrade or college credits will be granted. I advise doing so after a student has determined where they will enroll in college. It wouldn’t make sense to determine the college list based on getting college credit, since the colleges may change their policy.

Whether a college allows a student to skip an introductory level course or grant college credit is specific to each college. If the college does neither, then students shouldn’t feel as if they wasted their time. In the admissions process, colleges will consider the rigor of the high school curriculum. Taking an AP course is still a good way to show that students challenged themselves during high school.

What do you think about AP? Is it worth it?

How to Ace the SAT: Last-Minute SAT Advice and Best Tips

When it comes to acing the SAT, a positive mindset can be just as important as your study routine. As the saying goes, “If you think you can, you can.” This principle is backed by research, especially when it comes to test-taking. If you’re feeling anxious and telling yourself, “I’m not going to do well,” that self-doubt can negatively impact your performance. To help you manage anxiety and boost your confidence, here are some of the best SAT tips to follow, especially as the test day approaches.

1. Visualize Success to Boost Confidence

One of the most powerful last-minute SAT advice tips is to mentally prepare yourself by envisioning success. According to Dr. Driscoll, teaching yourself to think positively about the test can make a significant difference. Imagine yourself in a challenging yet exhilarating situation—whether it’s scoring a goal in soccer or reaching the top of a mountain. Then, transfer that feeling of accomplishment and confidence to the SAT testing room. With practice, this mental exercise can help you feel more confident and focused when it’s time to take the test.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Environment

Reducing stress on the day of the exam is crucial for avoiding last-minute jitters. Sian Beilock, a researcher on cognitive performance, suggests that unfamiliar settings can increase anxiety and hinder your performance. If possible, visit the test center beforehand to familiarize yourself with the environment. Knowing exactly where you’ll be taking the test can help you feel more at ease, allowing you to focus solely on the questions at hand.

3. Write Down Your Worries Before the Test

Another effective strategy for how to ace the SAT is to clear your mind of any anxieties right before the test begins. Dr. Beilock recommends setting aside 10 minutes to write down your worries before you start the exam. In a study with ninth-graders, students who engaged in this writing exercise performed just as well as their less anxious peers. On the other hand, anxious students who didn’t write down their thoughts performed worse. By expressing your concerns in writing, you can free up mental space, allowing you to concentrate fully on the SAT.

4. Prioritize a Full Night’s Rest

One of the best SAT tips that cannot be overstated is the importance of getting a full night’s sleep before the test. Many students, especially teens, are used to staying up late and may not realize how much this habit can affect their performance. A well-rested mind is more alert, focused, and capable of tackling challenging questions. Make sure to go to bed early the night before the SAT to give your brain the rest it needs to perform at its best.

5. Fuel Your Brain with the Right Breakfast

What you eat on the morning of the SAT can also influence your performance. A nutrient-rich breakfast, particularly one that includes oatmeal, can give you the sustained energy needed for the test. Oatmeal is known to provide a slow release of energy, helping to keep you focused and alert throughout the exam. This breakfast tip is one I’ve followed for years, even making oatmeal for my children during their elementary school testing periods, and the benefits have been consistently proven.

What is a Merit Scholarship?

What is a merit scholarship? How do students qualify for a merit scholarship? Compass Compass Advisory

As students are finalizing their list of colleges, I encourage their parents to avoid focusing too much on the tuition. A best-matched college is based on an academic, social, and financial fit. On the financial side, the fit isn’t really determined until the spring when the admission letters arrive. Think of the tuition costs as a sticker price. Similar to purchasing a car . . . many families do not pay the sticker price at colleges.

The other thing to note in terms of funding your college education is that the majority of scholarships come directly from the colleges via merit scholarships. Corporate scholarships, i.e. those external funds that are portable to any college or university represent a fraction of all the monies available for college.

How Students Qualify for Merit Scholarships

Here is some insight from the University of Rochester’s approach to how it awards merit scholarships:

While all schools will have their own criteria, this list will give you some sense of what matters beyond the obvious. Here’s how Rochester’s merit awards played out during the past admissions cycle:

• $3,000: The school typically rewarded candidates who reached out to it with an extra $3,000. These

were teenagers who had serious conversations with the admissions and financial aid office. Schools like to feel wanted, and reaching out to them with meaningful conversations can help.

• $2,000: That’s what teens who weren’t New Yorkers received. Sixty two percent of the freshmen class hails from somewhere else. While Burdick didn’t check, he suspects that students who lived farther away received an even fatter amount of money.Why would students benefit from being from distant states? Because college crave geographic diversity. They want to be able to brag that they have students from all 50 states or close to it. [Get tips on paying for college.]

• $62: Each “A” on a teen’s transcript generated $62 worth of merit aid.

• $400: Teenagers received roughly $400 for each tough course that they took. Courses that would qualify included Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and honors.

• $1,800: A student got this much more if the school considered his or her recommendations excellent.

• $115: Each 10-point improvement in the SAT above the average for Rochester freshmen garnered an extra $115. The average SAT score was 2040.[Explore the U.S. News college test prep guide.]

• $400: Observing deadlines matter. Students got an extra $400 for completing the application on time, as well as making sure mid-year grades were sent.

• $1.89: You got this much less every time a student was admitted with the same major. This clearly favored students with less popular majors such as philosophy and hurt students interested in such big majors as psychology, political science, and economics.

• $1,700: That’s how much the typical freshmen received in merit money if his or her parents completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA. The school imposes a progressive tax on its merit awards. On average, $4 less in income boosts the merit award by one cent.

via How Colleges Determine Merit Scholarships – The College Solution usnews.com.

Therefore, instead of focusing solely on tuition in selecting a college, families should also look at the number of merit awards distributed annually.