A College Guidance Blog
It goes without saying (but maybe it shouldn't), that the college process is stressful. From preparation and research, to tutoring and travel, to application, rejection, and decision, the weight of this seemingly life-altering undertaking on the shoulders of 17-year-olds is immense. For more than 50 years, standardized testing has been the scourge of the American college-going-student.
Sharpening their No. 2 pencils, students across the country sit for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Test (now just the ACT). The taking and scoring of these tests has become a rite of passage for many students looking to attend major universities. Despite little correlation between standardized tests and actual college success, many colleges have continued to require scores as part of their admissions considerations. Thus, young people have stressed and prepped for these tests with their futures seemingly riding on resulting scores. Fortunately, many universities have noted the volume of student stress and the questionable correlation between scores and success, and have moved toward making score submission option. According to FairTest.org, 185 colleges and universities have moved toward test-optional and test-flexible admissions plans. These schools offer students to submit supplemental application materials while omitting submission of their scores. For the students who struggle with standardized tests, have serious test anxiety, or whose scores do not represent their academic skills, test optional schools are ideal considerations. For students looking at colleges that continue to require testing, there are an ever growing number of services that specialize in preparation and test stress management. Here are a few options for students posed with the this daunting task. 1-on-1 Tutoring In the Philadelphia area, there are countless options for students who thrive with in-person instruction. Katherine Miller, Dann Fauria, and MJ Test Prep are three examples of the types of preparation available. There are plenty of other options, and a simple Google search will yield results in your area. Although costly, in-person preparation is often the most fruitful for students. Tutors can address the inherent stresses in the testing process, helping students understand their results and manage expectations for official test sittings. Online Free Tools For students who don't necessarily need in-person instruction, or are working on a budget, there has been a rise in online test preparation tools -- particularly free ones. The most no-nonsense and straight-forward sources of free preparation are provided by the test creators themselves. College Board (providers of the SAT) and ACT's Student page are full of resources to help prospective test takers. A trove of third party resources also exist for free preparation. PrepFactory, a small start-up company, has committed to providing free preparation for students. Its interface is user-friendly, and preparation tools solid. Union Test Prep, a team of five test prep professionals, offers a great collection of resources for students. Online Fee-Based Tools In addition to the growth in in-person tutoring services and free online services, there are also plenty of fee-based online services looking to capitalize on student stress. For students looking for budget options, both of the major testing companies publish affordable test prep books (SAT book; ACT book). Shmoop, a company claiming that it "speaks student" offers prep at a very affordable rate, as does Magoosh, a company who's made their name in the GRE prep world, offers inexpensive options. Options like books, Shmoop, and Magoosh require that students be diligent pursuers of their preparation schedule, and are great for those who are independent in their learning. For the student who needs a bit more guidance, or who experience intense testing anxiety there are other options, although they are quite a bit more expensive. Companies such as Kaplan, one of the biggest names in prep, and IvyBound, out of Connecticut, offer expansive packages to meet the needs of nearly every type of student. Something to Remember Because test prep is indeed a burgeoning industry, students and families must keep in mind the work of these companies in appealing to the intensity of testing. Be sure to approach testing with a measured understanding of what the tests will produce: A score. Although this score may weigh into a student's application at certain colleges, it is still just a number. In fact, in a study out of Bates College (test-optional since 1984) researchers demonstrate the lack of correlation between test scores and college success. Key Message: While beneficial for some students, prep tools must be considered carefully. Know the test; Know your student; Know what you're paying for.
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