We have just finished another stress-filled “testing season.”  Most people who will apply to colleges that require superior SAT or ACT scores also take AP classes, which means that the first two weeks of May are filled with tests.  This year, the Maine “mandatory” SAT was on May 1, right before the APs.  Next year, the SAT will fall on May 7, which may be between the two AP weeks.  That schedule isn’t out, but here is a link to the recent 2010 AP schedule.

For several years, we have advised families for whom scores are important that getting an early start can significantly increase the odds of large to radical score increases.   (more…)

The ACT is an alternative to the SAT; the next one will be offered on September 11.  Here is a link to the registration page on the ACT web site.

People ask:  Should I take both tests?   (more…)

The SAT Subject Tests are one-hour content-based tests that include subjects from Bio and Chem to US History, World History, Literature, Math and Higher-Level Math, and various languages.  One can sit for up to three subject tests on any test date except March, when subject tests are not offered.  Whether an applicant should take subject tests depends on where he or she intends to apply to college.  Some schools require subject tests and some don’t.   (more…)