F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help provide insight into the most pressing concerns parents and students
face in the admissions process, we promise to give you a straight answer based
on our years of professional experience. Email your questions to
questions@appelrouthtutoring.com.
Click on a question below to see the answer:
How do I find the results to the ACT or SAT tests I've taken?
Click here to get your SAT scores
Click here to get your ACT scores
Once you have viewed the scores, please share them with us so we can update your account and help you evaluate your student's progress. You can track all your student's test results at your personalized ATS account.
Hi, my daughter is a junior. Should she complete the SAT class & ACT class before taking the actual tests?
Students routinely take the PSAT in their high schools as a precursor to taking the SAT in the junior and senior years. At Appelrouth Tutoring Services, we prefer for students to have the initial experience of the longer and more challenging SAT and/or ACT. These baseline scores allow students to compare test formats and together with our tutors to assess what is needed for improvement.
Some students prefer to try the SAT "cold" and wait several weeks for their scores to be returned and some would rather take our full length, proctored mock in a classroom setting and receive a full report within 48 hours. Either approach is fine as long as students view this as the first step in the process to improving scores over several months of study and practice.
After the baseline score, we recommend 8-12 weeks of tutoring and additional full length mocks tests before students take their next two SATs. There is often considerable improvement on the second SAT and usually a modest increase the third time. As long as a student does not tend to be anxious about testing without being fully prepared in advance, there is no harm in substituting the official test for a practice one. Colleges generally look at the highest scores in every section.
I got a 1450 on my PSAT, which schools will accept this?
The PSAT is not normally used as a tool during the admissions process. The SAT is much longer and more challenging. One of our many valuable resources is this table of average SAT (and ACT) scores for incoming freshman at various colleges.
My son is in 10th grade. When do you think he needs to begin SAT and ACT tutoring?
Unless your son is scoring in the high 600s or higher on his PSAT and is interested in qualifying for National Merit (you'll get this year's test results early next year from your school counselor), then we advise a baseline mock test after he completes his sophomore year. From the baseline mock test results, we will recommend what your son should do to prepare for his first SAT and/or ACT. We advise juniors to complete at least two SATs ( or two ACTs).
My senior scored 3 points lower on the Sept ACT than he did last spring. He took your mock tests and spent several hours with the private tutor. He' s signed up for the Oct ACT. Any suggestions about how he can avoid another score drop?
All of us have off days. It's not so unusual when students crumble and that is why we recommend a strategic test prep plan that includes at least two or three testing dates. From the mock tests we expect our students to take after every 4-6 hours of tutoring, we analyze the error pattern to get more context about their performance. We can determine if it was a case of many careless errors, missing many of the early math problems, or a timing issue, many wrong answers at the end, or a few botched passages or if there are big blocks of wrong answers.
Other factors that will affect a student's performance include lack of sleep or food, distraction, stress, or testing anxiety. A suddenly motivated student may try out new strategies without first practicing them on a mock test. We've seen scores drop as a result. This is valuable information from a mock test report and useful for the student's tutoring, but not so encouraging when it happens on the real test.
Misgrading is very unlikely. To check on it or to report any issues with the testing site or administration of the test, contact ACT or College Board (SAT) customer service.
The key is get back "on the horse." Focus on the next opportunity to test, schedule another mock, complete practice problems, and meet with the tutor to review and analyze results. Keeping a positive perspective throughout the ups and downs of the testing process is essential.
What is the difference between the standard Mock SAT and the extended Mock SAT? Which one should we sign up for and why?
The standard Mock SAT replicates the traditional SAT testing situation. The extended Mock SAT allows for extra time, in order to replicate testing conditions for a student who qualifies for extended time on the actual SAT, due to diagnosed learning disabilities. If your student will be taking the traditional SAT - then go with the standard Mock test. For more information about extended time and other SAT/ACT accommodations, check out Extended Time and other Accommodations in our "Jed Said" series.
When and how should you submit an attached "resume" with a college application?
Great question!
First important point - always be sure to fill out the section of the actual application that asks about extracurricular activities. EVEN IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO SUBMIT AN ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY RESUME. Fill out the extracurricular section completely, as if it were the only opportunity you had to communicate that information. This is the first place that an admission counselor is going to look to learn about your activities and work experience outside of school.
If you would like to submit an additional resume that lists your out-of-school activities, achievements, or awards - submit it in the same envelope as other application materials (the application, a check for the application fee, etc.). If all of these materials are submitted online, ask your school counselor if he/she will attach the resume with your school report and counselor recommendation. If this is against school policy, just mail it directly to the admissions office. BE SURE to include your full name, as well as another identifying piece of information (birth date or Social Security number), and get it in before the deadline.
If an activity resume is not specifically requested by the college, try to keep it to one page.
As always, be sure to read through each application - some schools may specifically instruct you NOT to submit an additional resume. Others will give you instructions on how they would like to receive supplemental information like this. Remember to follow directions!
Help! We missed the SAT/ACT test deadline for late registration. What now?
How important are the PSAT results during junior and senior year for college admissions?
The actual PSAT scores are typically only applicable to the college admission process in that they help determine National Merit Scholarship status. Scores from the PSAT determine which students are selected as National Merit semifinalists and finalists, and this distinction can be beneficial during the application process, but more importantly, during the financial aid process. Outside of that, it's the SAT and ACT that the colleges are looking for (if they are looking at standardized testing).
The great thing about the PSAT, is that it is very similar to the SAT. Similar tested concepts means that good preparation at the beginning of the junior year for the PSAT can result in higher scores on both the PSAT and the SAT as well! Two birds with one stone.
For more information about the National Merit Scholarship, visit their website.
My child is taking the ACT for the second time, but she's already taken the ACT writing section and scored well. Does she have to complete the writing section again?
Best bet: go ahead and take the writing section. Schools vary (so, as always, checking with individual admissions offices is always best), but many selective schools will no long consider the ACT without writing. So sharpen those pencils and practice that paragraph structure... it's going to come in handy!
Does the date the application is postmarked or received give any advantage?
The answer, like almost every college admission question, often depends on the school. At a selective institution, there is typically no preference given to applications that arrive early, as long as your application is postmarked by the DEADLINE.
Some schools have "rolling admissions" which means that applications are reviewed and decisions are made as the applications come in. In this case, it is valuable to send in your application as soon as you finish - it shows your enthusiasm for the school, as well demonstrating that you "have your act together". Additionally, there is the added benefit of knowing your decision early (many rolling admissions programs will give you a decision within a specified number of week after receiving the application).
I would NOT recommend waiting until the last minute. You'd be surprised at how many thousands of applications arrive the week of the deadline (most postmarked ON the deadline, or the day before). It takes time to process an application. Steps can include opening the applications (or downloading them), data entry, processing, score checking, filing, and a variety of other time-intensive tasks. Let's say the deadline is January 15. Send your application in December and it is likely to get processed fairly quickly. Some schools have systems where you can check your application status to see if your scores have arrived, if your recommendations have been received, etc. But... send your application on January 15 - and your application is likely to get backlogged with the thousands of others that arrived on d-day. While this won't effect your decision - it can make it more difficult to check on the completion status of your application and ensure that all of your materials have arrived and been added to your file.
Why do people still use the 1600 scale when talking about SAT scores instead of 2400?
Most of your admissions deans, directors, and counselors have been in the business for many, many, (many) years. They have the 1600 score range branded into their brains. They know exactly what an 1180 is and exactly what a 1450 is. Tell them you have a 2060 and they will look at you quizzically. With the three tests rolled into one number, it's a lot more difficult to get a clear picture of your abilities. You could have an 800 on the writing, an 800 on the verbal, and a 460 on the math. Or you could have close to 700 on all three sections. When talking to an admissions office, it's probably easier to give them your writing section separately (i.e. I got a 1300 on math and critical reading and a 650 on the writing). However, you can always check the admissions website ahead of time and see how each school you are applying to refers to the scoring.
How important are AP's and Honor's classes in college admissions?
Short answer: It depends.
Long answer:
Just like everything in the world of college admissions, answers vary based on the schools that you are applying to. In general, most schools will tell you that the strength of your schedule is an important factor in the admissions process. Just HOW important can vary based on selectivity or individual school.
Typically, selective institutions are looking first at your preparation and performance in high school. Admissions committees want to see that - given the opportunity to take challenging coursework - you are up for the challenge! Honors, AP, IB, and advanced level courses show a school that you are that much closer to college-level work. Of course, every high school offers a different curriculum - and colleges take that into account. Admissions officers know the various high schools around the country (remember, it's their job!). What they don't know about a high school, they learn from a high school profile which your high school will typically included with your transcript (or information provided on the recommendation form). Some schools offer two AP courses, some offer 26. Some are IB programs, and others have only "honors level" coursework. Admissions officers look at your course selection in the context of your high school.
The take-home message is this - take classes that challenge you, and show colleges that you push yourself beyond your intellectual comfort zone.
How important are senior grades? What if I want to drop a class?
Don't be a senior slacker! Colleges WILL see your senior transcript - and they do NOT like to see that you've dropped all those AP or Honors courses that you led them to believe that you are taking when you submitted your application. Colleges admit you under the assumption that you will continue to perform in your senior year at the same level (or better) that you have performed in your first three years. And they don't like to see otherwise. I have known students to start out their freshman year on academic probation because they failed to maintain their grades during their final high school semester. Not a good way to start out your college career!