What I learned from the ACT this morning

Hi there alll,

I sat for the ACT this morning. The room I was in didn't have a clock and guess who forgot a watch?  Yes...me.  Oh well.

The English and Math tests went well--or so I think now. (I might find out otherwise when I get my scores.) Perhaps overconfident, I was enjoying the reading passages, thinking I was using the time well, when the proctor announced "5 minutes remaining."  Yikes!  I was still on the 3rd of 4 passages. I hurried on to the last passage and barely finished. I probably made mistakes because of rushing. Then I think I totall bombed the science. By the time that test began, I was in the "hurry" mindset, and couldn't seem to find my concentration again.

We'll see in a few weeks, but I'm betting that my composite for this test is lower than for last year's test.

Last push for grades this year

Most of you either have already enjoyed spring break or will soon.  After that comes the last push to the end of the year--and the last chance to maintain grades or bring up grades.  If you are a sophomore or junior, you must be aware of the importance of your GPA.  I'm sure you get regular reminders by your parents and teachers.  If you're on the borderline of that next higher grade, a little extra help could make all the difference.  Keep us in mind.  We pride ourselves on being friendly and knowledgeable--and we're affordable.

Also, summer is a great time to do some serious test prep, whether you're taking the SAT or ACT.  We've just recently posted the dates for summer SAT classes on our web site.  WiseOwlTutoring.net   We've added Saturday classes to the schedule again. 8-week class:  $375.  Individual instruction:  $40/hour.

ACT test tip, importance of Vocabulary for SAT

I've noticed that for math questions, often the last answer is the obvious answer. Before evaluating expressions for answers A, B, C, and D, look at answer E and see if it's the obvious answer.

I've been asking students to report vocabulary progress every week.  More than half of my students say, "I didn't get to it this week, but I plan to do more next week."  Not a good answer.  I realize that most students are already overloaded.  But I also realize that critical reading scores are SO dependent on vocabulary that students need to set up a schedule for learning SAT words.  Find 5 minutes a day.

New tools

I've made "half" test sections for SAT Critical Reading and Math. If an SAT students comes in fifteen minutes early, he or she can take a "half" test in 12.5 minutes, and then we can go over it at the beginning of the hour. Several students have honed their ability to "work against the clock" and have made significant score improvement.  Come on in and give a try.

(I'm working on a similar project for the ACT.  It will be coming soon.)

Latest test-day lesson

Many of my students knew that I planned to take the SAT last Saturday, and they've been asking me what I thought of the test.  I can't answer them because I didn't take the test.  But I learned one more thing to add to the list of "what NOT to do on test day." 

Oh, I got there in plenty of time, armed with my "test bag"--a canvas tote containing my admission ticket, pencils, calculators, water, and snack. After I parked, I decided I didn't need to take my purse in, so I took my driver's license out and (thought) I put it in my pocket. A half hour later, in line to be admitted to the test room, I reached for the ID and didn't find it. The proctor generously offered to wait while I looked for it. But a trip to the car and back failed to locate it. I told her to proceed without me.

Disappointed, I went back to the car the second time, did a slower, more thorough search, and found the license where it had fallen behind the driver's seat. Oh, when will I learn to slow down and be more careful? 

I'm old enough that, quite frankly, I don't hold out hope that I will ever learn this, but you who are young, take note.  You are still malleable--there's hope for you. While taking either the SAT or ACT, stop for a second and think about the question. Don't be too eager to either guess or move on. With just a little more thought, what first appeared to be difficult might turn out to be easy.  This is my message of the week.

We're in full swing for the second semester

We're very busy around here, what with midterms, test prep, and a desire to bring grades up.  We have two new tutors, who are impressing us and our students. 

SAT Test Tip:  Pretend that you're playing a game instead of taking a test.  Try to stay relaxed and just see how well you can do.

Busy start for the new year

This will be a busy week for us.  The phone has already been busy;  requests have been for help to prepare for mid-terms, help to raise grades that are unsatisfactory, and help to prepare for the Jan. 23 SAT and the Feb. 6 ACT.  Good that we just brought on two new tutors--each one experienced in higher level math and science. 

We hope 2010 is off to a great start for you and that the year treats you well.

Bettie