Getting Ready for College—It’s Easier Than You Think
Thinking about college, career school, or graduate school? There’s so much to consider when it comes to getting ready for college: where to go, what to study, how to apply, how to pay for it all, and more.
It’s never too early—or too late—to explore your options for college or career school. We’ll walk through some key steps in preparing for college and provide resources that can help you along the way. You’ll have to take the time to research and understand your options, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help students make informed decisions and find out what they need to do!
Check Out Reasons to Attend a College or Career School
Here’s a simple equation: a college or career school education = more money, more job options, and more freedom. As you get more education, you make more money.
A college education is a long-term investment. With careful planning, you can find the school and funding options that work best for your situation and put you on the path to success.
Exploring Your Career Options
A college or career school education can give you the skills needed to pursue a career that really interests you. Love working with animals? Or how about computers?
Checklists to Help You Get Ready Financially and Academically
Whether you’re in high school now, in elementary or middle school, out of school, or perhaps never finished school, there are a number of steps you can take to get “college ready.” Here are more checklists that will walk you through the steps you can take to find and get into the college or career school that’s right for you and help you learn how to prepare financially. Review checklists now!
Choosing a School
You have a variety of college options, from two-year community and junior colleges, to four-year colleges and universities, to technical, vocational, and trade schools. Get tips on things to consider when you’re choosing a school, and use the free college search tool to find a school that matches your interests, career goals, and financial situation.
Learning About Budgeting
Learn what a budget is and how it can help you stay on track with your goals during and after college.
Try This Resource
Federal Student Aid Estimator—Provides an estimate of what federal student aid you may be eligible to receive.
Resources for Parents of Students
Are you a parent planning ahead for your child’s higher education? Review these resources for parents to learn more about saving early, finding tax breaks, and understanding parent loans to help support your child’s college journey.
Private ACT/SAT Tutoring
ONE-TO-ONE ACT/SAT PREP TUTORING - SESSIONS CAN OCCUR IN-HOME, AT OUR OFFICES, ONLINE VIA LESSONSPACE, AT A LOCAL LIBRARY OR COFFEE SHOP.
CURRENT SAT FORMAT AND STRUCTURE
Reading – 65 minutes (52 questions)
Writing and Language – 35 minutes (44 questions)
10 minute break
Math – No calculator – 25 minutes (20 questions)
Math – Calculator allowed – 55 minutes (38 questions)
On the SAT, students will have an average of 1 minute and 10 seconds to answer each question. This includes the multiple-choice questions and the math grid-in questions. This varies drastically from the ACT, which gives students an average of 49 seconds per question. The format is similar to the ACT; however, there are two SAT math sections and no dedicated science section like the ACT. There is no penalty for answering incorrectly. Therefore, students should answer every multiple-choice question. Students can only gain points on the SAT, so it’s important not to leave any questions unanswered. The SAT contains four answer choices, instead of five, which was seen on the old SAT (pre-2016).
Interested in a customized test prep program? We will review previous SAT practice test scores or official SAT scores to determine the area of focus. We can also email out a SAT practice test to take at home and provide an analysis for a customized SAT prep program.
Contact us to learn more about our SAT prep program or choose a package from below.
CURRENT ACT FORMAT AND STRUCTURE
English – 45 minutes (75 questions)
Math – 60 minutes (60 questions)
10 minute break
Reading – 35 minutes (40 questions)
Science – 35 minutes (40 questions)
5 minute break
Essay – 40 minutes (each prompt is different and three perspectives are provided for analysis)
On the ACT, students have an average of 49 seconds per question. The ACT is known as a fast paced test; however, the questions are presented in a straightforward and content driven manner. The test focuses on academic achievement, meaning, what students actually learn in high school. There is no deduction for answering incorrectly, so it’s best to answer every multiple-choice question. The ACT composite score is comprised of the four main sections (known as tests): English, math, reading, and science. Most colleges and universities post the ACT middle 50% composite score for their last freshmen class. This helps the student to set an ACT score goal with his or her tutor. A low score on one section can pull down the ACT composite score. However, with ACT prep tutoring, we have seen students go up 8, 9, 10, and 11 points in a single section. All sections of the test have four answer choices, except for the math section which has five answer choices. There is little vocabulary on the ACT, and in lieu of this there are more reading passages.
Interested in a customized test prep program? We will review previous ACT practice test scores or official ACT scores to determine the area of focus. We can also email out an ACT practice test to take at home and provide an analysis for a customized ACT prep program.
Contact us to learn more about our ACT prep program or choose a package from below.
2022-2023 Mock ACT/SAT Test Dates
We will be proctoring tests virtually on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am. Upon registering for a virtual mock test, you will receive a test packet in the mail that includes the following:
ACT/SAT Answer Sheet
ACT/SAT Test Booklet
Test Instructions
Please sign up no later than Monday during the week of the mock test. Please make sure to include your mailing address during registration, so that we can mail you a testing packet.
ACT/SAT tests will be proctored virtually through LESSONSPACE. The day before each test, students will receive an emailed linked to join the virtually proctored test. The test instructions can be used should the student lose connection to the testing lobby. Please ensure that you have a working built-in mic (or a headset) and audio on your laptop/desktop.
ACT
Register for a mock ACT by clicking on a specific test date below.
Mock ACT test dates:
SAT
Register for a mock SAT by clicking on a specific test date below. :
Mock SAT test dates:
We also offer one-to-one private mock testing at our offices or virtually through Lessonspace. This consists of a full-length practice test for your child. Tests include: ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT. We provide the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, calculator, and pencils.
We can send parents a practice test as well, to administer to their student in-home. We will send out a free practice test packet along with proctoring instructions. Parents must send the answer sheet back to us via email or mail.
In-Office or In-Home Testing (One-To-One)
ESTABLISHES A BASELINE SCORE FOR THE STUDENT
TESTS INCLUDE
ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, & HSPT
$125 Standard Test (In-office)
$175 Special Accommodations (In-office)
FREE Parent Administration