If you want to submit a competitive college application, you will need to set competitive performance goals for your AP, ACT, and SAT exams. Competitive exam scores are an important facet of your first impression as a college applicant. To ensure that you make a strong impression that displays your full academic potential, you must make time for AP, ACT, and SAT test prep.
Some students consider test scores to be accessory information in the larger perspective of their academic skillsets. If you are unsure if your exam scores can make your college application more competitive in the applicant pool, consider this: there may be another application with the same GPA, same extracurricular achievements, and same essay quality as your application.
If an admissions counselor is deciding between two comparable applicants, you can increase the competitiveness of your application by submitting strong test scores. Stand out in the applicant pool with impressive test scores.
You have options when it comes to your strategies for test preparation in Los Altos, to ensure your college application consists of competitive test scores. Learn about each test preparation strategy below.
Work With A Private AP, ACT, Or SAT Exam Tutor
Some students work best in a one-on-one study setting. If you have a significant need for improvement to reach your goal scores, you may consider working with a private tutor when deciding on your test prep plan.
Work On A Schedule
You may also benefit from private test prep work if your test date is coming up soon. If you are unable to find a test prep course or study course with enough time to prepare before your scheduled test date, then private exam tutoring is a great option for you. Some students work with their instructors virtually to ensure they can be efficient with their time and prioritize study sessions, even with busy schedules.
Improve Your Scores In A Short Period Of Time
Students with busy schedules are also great candidates for private exam tutors. Working in a one-on-one setting means that every minute is catered to your specific strengths and weaknesses, without waiting for others in the class to catch up with you or losing out on opportunities to ask deeper questions.
Receive Detailed, Personalized Feedback On Your Performance
If you are looking to pinpoint the sections, subsections, and question types that you can improve, one on one instruction is a highly successful tool.
Take An AP, ACT, Or SAT Test Preparation Class
Registering for an AP, ACT, or SAT test preparation course is a great way to get an overview of each skill you need to succeed on the given exam.
Learn In the Same Setting Your Are Used To In School
Some students are most productive in a classroom setting. If you are looking for a support system, or study group, signing up for a test prep class is a great idea. Test preparation courses will typically include practice exams and practice problems to work through and discuss with the instructor. A more collaborative style may benefit students who are looking to learn from others and gain confidence in a realistic test setting.
Gain An Impactful Support System
You can work with peers who are going through the same test prep process as you, which is a great opportunity to learn from the other students and build confidence by sharing your struggles and successes with a group.
Work Independently Using Reliable Resources
If you do not have the time to schedule in-person tutors and courses, then you may find that working independently from home is the best option for your test preparation. There are online courses that offer detailed instruction for AP exams, ACT exams, or SAT exams.
A Good Starting Point: Spend As Much Time As You Need On The Basic Skills For Success
When looking to improve your test scores, it can be challenging to figure out exactly where to start. Start with the basics, then build on the questions, sections, and subsections you can improve on the most. You can learn important skills and test-taking strategies from online instructional videos and lessons. If you are hoping to improve your test scores by studying and learning the skills you are struggling with, then online coursework can be a great option. Build a strong baseline of the skills that are necessary to succeed with online work that outlines the basics you need to master to do well on AP, ACT, or SAT exams.
Gain Realistic Experience Before The Official Test Day
Using realistic tools (practice questions, practice exam formats, and realistic score reports), is very important for students preparing for the exam independently. If you know what to expect from each exam, you can walk into the official test day with less anxiety and tools to help you succeed. If you are looking for practice tools to ensure you are confident in your performance on the official exam, then finding reliable and realistic practice exams and practice problems is mandatory for your success.
Track Your Improvements And Start Whenever You Are Ready
When working independently, it is crucial that you have the tools to track your performance and improvements over time. The best way to do this is by taking realistic practice exams and using the score reports to refine your study plan to focus on your weak points. You can take as many practice tests as you want, and keeping a record of how you started, where you have improved, and how close you are to your goals is a great way to ensure you remain motivated throughout the test prep process.
No matter which test prep option you choose, it is very important to set goals and build study habits that cater to the areas you need support with to succeed. For some students, the largest factor in their test preparation is time. Make sure you make a plan that fits in your schedule and eliminates the need to cram before test day. For other students, the largest factor in their test preparation is learning what to expect from the given exam. You may find that the biggest hurdle to jump when preparing for the AP, ACT, or SAT exam is anxiety around test-taking in general.
To submit a competitive college application, you can prepare to reach your goals and make an impression on the admissions board using local resources in Los Altos. Whether you are working with a one-on-one tutoring service, a classroom-style preparation course, or seeking realistic tools for independent prep work, FLEX College Prep can help you.
Students need to stand out in the competitive admissions landscape. FLEX College Prep is a team of the best strategists in the industry. Get clarity and support in your college application process. Get into your dream school.
