SAT and ACT Test Prep in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
Preparing for a test can be intimidating and frustrating for students at any age or educational level. Many colleges no longer require the SAT or ACT, however, a good or excellent score will be an advantage in getting accepted at many schools. Most high school students receive some form of test preparation.
Which to Choose? SAT vs. ACT:
The Digital SAT
The SAT went from paper to digital in March, 2024. Here are some key changes from the previous version.
SAT Length is Shorter
The previous SAT was 3 hours and 20 minutes with 154 questions. The digital SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes with 98 questions and allots more time to complete each question.
SAT Test is Adaptive
The digital SAT has 2 modules for reading/writing and 2 modules for math. Students can move around within each module. There are 2 versions of the 2nd module, one easy/medium and the other medium/difficult. The student’s results on the first module determines which 2nd module they will take. Also, questions will be assigned different weights depending on difficulty.
Timer is Included
Students can turn off timer if desired.
Taking Notes: Students can highlight sections and strike out wrong answers.
SAT Reading Section Changes
The reading section was significantly shortened from 750-word essays to fewer than 100-word essays. There are now fewer historically important documents and more poetry. The new SAT involves more reasoning.
SAT Vocabulary Changes
There are sentence completion questions to test vocabulary in context.
SAT Math Changes
The math questions will be less wordy than previously. There is a built-in online calculator called Desmos. Formulas will be available. Both math sections now allow the use of a calculator.
Preparing for the Digital SAT
Every student needs to download the College Board Bluebook App, which includes test previews and four free full practice tests. Private tutors and classes can provide extra assistance to develop test taking strategies and remediate weak academic areas.
A Paper SAT is available for students who qualify through their IEP’s. This version is not adaptive.
SAT Scoring
The score for the math sections ranges from 200 – 800, and the score for the reading/writing sections ranges from 200 – 800. Many colleges super-score, using the highest score from each section, from multiple tests.
College Board SAT Exam Schedule
March 8 – Register Feb. 21
May 3 – Register April 18
June 7 – Register May 22
August 23, September 13, October 4, November 8, December 6
The ACT:
The ACT continues to be on paper.
- The ACT has four sections: Reading, Writing, Science, and Math. A calculator is permitted for the math section.
- The ACT requires you to know math formulas.
- The ACT has no penalty for incorrect answers.
- The ACT tests vocabulary only through reading comprehension.
- Each section is scored 1-36. The total score is an average of the four scores. Many colleges super-score, using the highest score from each section, from multiple tests.
- The essay writing section is optional.
February 10 – Register Jan. 5
April 13 – Register March 8
June 8 – Register May 3
July 13 – Register June 7
Which Exam Should I Take?
- Do you prefer paper or digital?
- Would you like to try something new or take a test that has been the same for many years?
- Would you prefer a shorter test (the digital SAT)?
- Would you prefer an adaptive test (the digital SAT)?
- Would you like to have more time to complete each problem (the digital SAT)?
- If you aren’t sure, take a full practice digital SAT and full practice ACT, and compare your comfort level and scores.
The Right Time to Prepare
Much of the stress that comes from taking the ACT or SAT comes from feeling unprepared, which is why beginning preparation as early as possible can help to alleviate some tension. Students should prepare for either exam for at least six to eight weeks and should take two to three tests to get the best results. Many of our students begin preparing twelve weeks in advance or earlier.
Is there a Guarantee?
Tutoring For Success always guarantees a qualified tutor. However, because of the unique learning styles, educational levels, studying schedules, and life circumstances of each student, we can’t guarantee specific results and score improvements. We strive to give students the right tools, mindset, and focus to push their score potential as far as it can go, without adding any more stress to their lives than they’re already facing. We’ve seen many students who have experienced remarkable success in both the ACT and SAT.
We Serve the Following Washington, D.C. Metro Areas:
Washington, DC
Virginia
- Northern Virginia
- Alexandria
- Arlington
- Fairfax County, including Chantilly, Fairfax, Falls Church, Herndon, McLean, Oakton, Burke, Reston, Springfield, Vienna, Great Falls, and Lorton
- Loudon County, which includes Ashburn, Leesburg, and Sterling
- Prince William County, including Manassas, Woodbridge, and Gainesville
Maryland
- Suburban Maryland
- Montgomery County, which includes Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, Olney, Gaithersburg, North Potomac, and Germantown.
To get accepted into a college of choice, it is imperative for students to strive to attain the highest scores possible. One-to-one assistance is the best way to target each student’s specific areas that need improvement. Contact us for more information on SAT and ACT Test Prep.
