Frequently Asked Questions to Prepare your Child for College

1. When is the SAT offered?

The SAT is offered several times throughout the year: October, November, December, January, March, May and June.

2. So, when is the best time to take the SAT?

If you are a junior in high school, you have many options. One of them is to simply wait until your Senior year. However, taking the exam in the Spring of your Junior year often gives you the opportunity to get an idea of what sort of practice you may need to do over the summer to help you prepare to increase your score in your Senior year. If you are already a Senior, and you want to be considered for early admissions, then you must take the exam in October. If you are applying for regular admission, you can put off the testing date until the winter or spring, but don’t wait too long! Consider the application deadline for your college list and make sure you give yourself enough time to re-take the test if necessary. You also want to be sure to plan ahead for some SAT prep!

3. What is the difference between the SAT and the ACT?

The SAT and the ACT are significantly different tests. The ACT is often described as being more content based while the SAT is considered to be more of a measure of critical thinking and problem solving. The ACT is comprised of subtests in English, Math, Reading, Science and an essay. The SAT has a Reading/Writing and Math section. Some other differences include – The SAT focuses more on vocabulary, but the ACT focuses more on grammar. The SAT has a guessing penalty, but the ACT does not. So – which test is right for you? Well, that depends on many facets – including what type of test taker you are. The ERG offers practice tests and college prep consultations to help you decide which may be the better option for YOU!

4. What is the best way to get ready for college?

What seems like such an easy question may be difficult to answer. There is so much that one can do! At the ERG, we offer several college prep packages – from SAT or ACT test prep; to help with college applications, financial aid, essays, resumes, and interviewing skills; to specialized program planning to help with chosing a major and narrowing down your top 5 colleges. Overall, the best answer to this question – Planning! Planning for your future and planning for your transition from high school to college is the best way you can get ready for college.

The Educational Resource Group has a specific college preparation division dedicated to helping our high school and college students prepare for their future! For more information, call us today. We’d be happy to have you meet with our College Prep Coordinator to discuss what options may work best for your child, your schedule, and your budget!