Making College Entrance Exam Prep.
As Easy as 1,2,3!
C
all it a right of passage! Every year, high school students nationwide sit for the SAT or ACT in pursuit of a score worthy of the schools they will eventually apply to. Both multiple-choice exams (minus a portion of the MATH section of the SAT) are meant to assess college-readiness and predicted academic success. Admissions officers at two- and four-year colleges and universities use these scores to compare students across different high schools. While these tests are far from the most important part of the application, a good score can make the difference when it comes down to admitting a student vs. another academically comparable student!
Our highly regarded program best known for its customization and proven results, has aided countless students over the years. From perfect scores, to receiving significant financial aid based on impressive performance, we're very proud of the impact we've had and continue to have on our students and their scores. To get started, please call to schedule a baseline assessment in both tests to determine which test is the right fit. From there, we will help you create a customized plan!
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SAT VS. ACT
Our goal is to help students decide which test to take.
Choosing the right test is an important decision. Your child’s SAT or ACT score will count for at least 25% of their college application.
All U.S. colleges accept both tests, and colleges do not prefer the SAT over the ACT (or vice versa).
While we recommend taking a practice test in both tests when making a decision, here is a side-by-side comparison for you to understand the tests, outlining what they have in common and what makes them different.
THE EXAMS
We help students master the content and strategies of these tests.
PSAT/NMSQT
Offered in October of a student's Sophomore (please check your school) and/or Junior year. This practice version of the SAT is 2 hours and 45 minutes in length. Unlike the SAT, the highest possible score is 1520. If a student performs well, they can qualify for a National Merit Based Scholarship- $180 million are awarded annually.
PACT
Administered during the school day (please check your school) between September 1st and June 1st, the P-ACT is a practice version of the ACT. The exam is 2 hours and and 30 minutes. Unlike the ACT, the highest possible score is 35.
SAT
ACT
In existence for over 100 years, the SAT is 3 hours in length. The exam covers math, reading, and writing, and gives admissions officers a tangible measure of students' college readiness. The SAT is offered 7 different times throughout the year. The highest possible score is 1600.
In existence for over 60 years, the ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes. The exam covers english, math, reading, and science. Scoring well on the ACT is a strong indicator of success your first year of college. The ACT is offered 7 different times through the year. The highest possible score is 36.
Length
SAT
ACT
ACT
3 Hours
2 Hours & 55 Minutes
Total Testing Time
215
Number of Questions
154
No
Science Section
Yes
No
Guessing Penalty
No
Calculator Usage
Allowed on some questions
Allowed on all questions
Biggest Obstacle
Deeper content knowledge
Less time per question
Cost
$63
$60
Sections + Timing
Reading: 65 minutes, 52 questions – 75 seconds per question
Writing and Language: 35 minutes, 44 questions – 47.7 seconds per question
Math with No Calculator: 25 minutes, 20 questions – 75 seconds per question
Math with Calculator: 55 minutes, 38 questions – 86.8 seconds per question
Writing: No writing section
English: 45 minutes, 75 questions – 36 seconds per question
Math: 60 minutes, 60 questions – 60 seconds per question
Reading: 35 minutes, 40 questions – 52.5 seconds per question
Science: 35 minutes, 40 questions – 52.5 seconds per question
Writing (optional essay): 40 minutes, 1 question
All three of my children have had an incredible learning experience at Homework Helpers in preparing for the SAT & ACT exams. As an educator for thirty years I have been truly impressed with the level of instruction that Josh and his staff provide. The environment created at HH is one in which all levels of students will benefit. The professional atmosphere and dedication of the instructors is outstanding. I highly recommend HH for anyone seeking to get the best for their children!
Dan Moylan
UPCOMING TEST DATES
Don't forget to sign up for the date you want. Spots fill up fast!
SAT
ACT
WHEN SHOULD I START PREP?
The factors that go into making that decision.
INITIAL SCORE(S)
If a student's starting score (PSAT or PACT) is below expectations or a student admittedly isn't a good test taker, extra time may be needed to gain the knowledge and confidence to see a significant rise in test scores. While most students begin 2-3 months before a national test date, those with test anxiety, learning disabilities and large gaps to fill, may wish to give themselves 4-5 months to get comfortable and feel prepared.
MATH LEVEL
SPORTS
COLLEGE FACTORS
If you've completed Alg. 2/Trig. by the end of your sophomore year, you've completed all the necessary math that will be tested. If you're just going into Alg. 2/Trig. as a junior, some student's may wait until the spring to begin. Please note, we can teach the Alg. 2/Trig. concepts in our math sessions as they are very specific to the SAT/ACT.
If you have plans to play a sport in college or are considering applying to college early action or early decision, we advise students to begin test preparation at the beginning of their junior year. While both tests are offered 7 different times a year, students who fall in this category will usually want to have their tests completed prior to the start of senior year.
If a student is involved in a sport, beginning test preparation during the season is usually not advised. Trying to balance school work and sports practices and games is stressful enough; adding test preparation might be to much to balance. We advise the student begin test preparation in the off season or summer going into Junior year.
READINESS
THE DECIDING FACTOR
The most important factor in deciding when to begin test preparation is student readiness. Is that student mentally ready to begin? Are they willing to put in the necessary effort to improve their score? If the answer is 'No,' you should wait until the student is ready. That usually happens after a college tour or when peers begin talking about college.
That being said, we usually see students begin in three waves: 1) Summer going into junior year 2) Shortly after Thanksgiving and into the Winter Break 3) In the Spring
Set up a complimentary consultation to learn when the best time to start is for YOU!
OUR RESULTS
The Hard Work Has Paid Off for These Students-- Great Job!
Our Students Have Been Accepted To These Colleges
Baylor University
Brown University
Bucknell University
Clemson University
Coast Guard Academy
College of Charleston
Cornell University
Dickinson College
Duqesne University
Fordham University
Franklin & Marshall College
Gettysburg College
Hofstra University
Lafayette College
McGill University
Montclair State
NJIT
North Carolina State
Northeastern University
Notre Dame University
Penn State University
Princeton University
Purdue University
Quinnipiac University
Rensselaer Polytechnic
Rowan University
Rutgers University
Sacred Heart University
Susquehanna University
Swarthmore College
TCNJ
Temple University
University of Delaware
University of Georgia
University of Miami
University of South Carolina
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee
Villanova University
Virginia Tech.
