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If you watched the nationally broadcast television program “Secrets Behind the SAT”, you learned that preparation does indeed help. In fact, the College Board and the Federal Trade Commission, among others, who have researched the issue say that preparation does indeed help.

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Who Should Prepare?

Students who believe that preparation for any test makes sense.

Students applying to competitive colleges and universities and/or those applying for scholarships (most scholarships are determined by a combination that includes both GPA and college entrance test score.)

Students who suffer from test anxiety.

Students who want the advantage of knowing that these tests are an evaluation of how one performs on a given test on a given day. The tests do not define the worth of a person. How well one performs on a college entrance exam seems to be a measurement planted as a part of our culture and, while most unfortunate, may be one more reason for students to intensively prepare for their college entrance test.

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How should I prepare?

Some may choose to do the minimum, which is to take a practice exam that can be picked up in the high school guidance counselor’s office. Others may choose more intensive class preparation.

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What makes your preparation unique?

Eighty percent of learning difficulties are linked to stress. How students think about a test (perception) may be as important as what they know (substance). Therefore, in addition to academic substance, my preparation classes include how perception can affect emotions and frame of mind – and, therefore, test results. The goal of a good preparation class should be peak performance, which involves both mind and body.

Some students approach school and tests with an inner voice telling them they are stupid and tests are just another opportunity to prove it. Unfortunately, such thinking often is accompanied with fear, anxiety, and stress. When students are fearful, anxious, or stressed, their bodies are releasing chemicals that are great for saving their life (fight or flight chemicals) but very bad for learning. Students who are in the ‘fight or flight’ mode are capable of memorizing but not capable of reasoning. Again, my preparation classes involve both substance and perception.

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Does it help for a student to take a college entrance test a second time or multiple times (without preparation in between) in hopes that he will automatically increase his score?

Some scores increase, some stay the same and some scores even decline.

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When should a student take a preparation class?

Preparation involves more than class time; it also involves home practice. Therefore, look ahead and plan for the time when the student has the available time to prepare. For example, many students like to prepare for the college entrance tests given in June. We should remember what we say about time and if at this time of year the student will be caught up with prom, exams, sports and/or play practice, perhaps preparing for an April exam is a better plan.

All of my preparation classes are designed so that the student will take his ACT or SAT immediately upon completion of the course.

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Who should prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)?

The PSAT/NMSQT is designed so that not only the brightest student, but also the student with a solid academic background, a seriousness about school work, or one who traditionally scores well on standardized tests has the potential to do well. If you are among these students, you may want to prepare for this test.

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I've heard a lot about SAT preparation in the news, but what about ACT preparation? Does it help?

Yes. The math and English sections of the test require intense review. I recall one ACT English test - 10% of the test was possessives! Pity the student who is not sure of possessives...or how to use a semi-colon...or what to do with introductory adverb clauses...etc. The science section requires a technique for interpreting data representation from experiments. The reading section requires speed. The average high school student reads 175-225 words per minute. A student needs to read at least 300 – 325 words per minute to finish the reading section. Reading too slowly can adversely affect all four sections of the test. I have had many students who did very well the first time they took the ACT...on what they finished. Unfortunately, they did not complete enough of the test. Fortunately, with a few techniques, students can read faster than they thought.

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Should I take a course with a coach as the teacher?

Remember that most who perform at the highest level have a personal coach. A personal coach is one who does not decide whether you play in the game or not, because he knows everyone is in the game. A personal coach is only concerned with you doing your personal best. We will always have teachers/coaches because most people perform better when guided and inspired.

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Should I take the SAT or ACT?

The SAT and ACT are totally different tests. Some of us have a talent for one sport and not another. I have found that when students know the differences between the two tests, most will definitely prefer one. If you are uncertain as to which test is better for you, I will be happy to coach you on this. Feel free to call me at 419-332-4630.

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How long have you been preparing students for college entrance exams?

Since 1987.

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