Test Prep

A Three-Test Timeline

Think of testing as a longer-term process, not a short-term result. Most students should aim for a three-test timeline:

1. ​One baseline test taken with little to no individual prep, although a group class before this first one could work well
2. A test to hit a goal of 3-5 points of improvement with more intensive prep
3. Another test to hit your initial goal OR to continue improving—amount of prep will vary based on the circumstances

Extending your horizon past one test is key to easing pressure and establishing expectations. Scores usually begin to plateau after four tests taken, but I rarely recommend taking the test fewer than three times.

An Industry-Standard Improvement

The consensus from the National Test Prep Association (NTPA) is that if a student improves by at least 3 points throughout the test prep process, expectations have been met. While all companies (myself included) enjoy highlighting the 5+ improvements, those are not common or expected.

This standard helps to set family expectations based on baseline scores. If you see companies guaranteeing improvements past this, be cautious: those guarantees generally come with a lot of fine print.

College Applications

For the Class of 2025, the college applications process is approaching quick.

For the Class of 2026 and younger, bookmark these resources for the future!

Be Impressive

​Cal Newport's How to Be a High School Superstar is one of the most unique perspectives on college admissions I've come across. This is ideal for freshman/sophomores, but there are insights to be gained for juniors and seniors as well.

Highlights include:

• why doing less is more impressive
• why being interesting is better than being passionate
• why hard-to-explain accomplishments are better than hard-to-do accomplishments

More on College Essays

For those who want a deeper dive on college essays, look no further than Ethan Sawyer's College Essay Essentials. My own essay writing program is based on this book, and it's easy enough for (motivated) students to work through on their own.

Highlights include:

• brainstorming themes and values, not events
• the 4 types of essays based on what challenges you've been through and what you want to do in the future
• whether a narrative or montage essay structure will work better for your type
• plus tons of example essays to get a flavor for what works and what doesn't

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Other Stuff

Upcoming Deadlines

Pathway Prep Oct 26 Small Group Course Registration: Sep 13

Oct 26, 2024 ACT Late Registration: Sep 20

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Until next week,

Alex Pint
913.991.8217

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