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Summer is a time for students to let loose and have some fun, but for
those in high school, it shouldn’t be all play. Spending a little time on
testing skills could pay off big when it’s their turn to take the ACT and SAT.
Rebecca Bloodworth, Program Manager at Auburn University
Montgomery’s Division of Continuing Education, shared her thoughts.
Why take a test-prep course?
Test prep courses build confidence, speed and teach content. If students feel confident and
understand the content they are being tested on, they are more likely to achieve a higher
test score.
Why take test-prep courses in the summer?
Summer is a good time since students are not juggling schoolwork and other school-year
activities in addition to preparing for the ACT or SAT test.
Advice on finding the right course.
Research local options. Ask your teen’s high school guidance counselor which test prep
courses he/she recommends in your area.
Compare the prices, class sizes and quality of each school when making a decision.
Small class sizes are usually a better way to ensure that there is ample time to ask questions
and interact with the instructor.
Talk with students who’ve taken different test prep courses in your area and ask for
their opinions on each course. Be sure to ask them if their scores went up as a result of taking the course.
The hard work will go a long way. Encourage your teen to take ACT prep courses very
seriously. They should attend each class, do their homework, take all of the assigned practice tests and work hard to improve their scores so that the course is worthwhile.
8
www.potentialmagazine.com
Also Check out AUM’s
test-prep offerings this summer at
http://ce.aum.edu/youth-programs
the tr uth:
A few points can
make a difference
There is conflicting evidence on exactly how
much a test-pre course can increase your
teen’s score, but in some cases, even a few
points can affect their admission to the college of their choice.
ACT/SAT tests
are used for:
College admissions - Having good
grades, strong extracurricular involvement
and good test scores are important for admissions and especially for “early admission”
decisions. Those that get admitted early have
first “dibbs” on on-campus assignments.
First-year coursework - College
readiness is determined by these test scores.
In 2011, 28 percent of Alabama students
were required to take remedial classes in
college. Remedial classes do not earn you
college credit, but they still cost you tuition.
Scholarships - High ACT and SAT scores
help your teen qualify for many merit scholarships that will save money and reduce
possible student loan debt.