Since 1999, LEAP has had the privilege of guiding families through the maze of college admissions, deciphering test scores, and debunking myths around the ACT and SAT. Today, we're revisiting a topic that continues to generate buzz among students and parents alike: **Superscoring**. What's the Buzz About ACT and SAT Superscoring? Simply put, superscoring is like compiling a "greatest hits" album of your teen's test scores. Colleges that allow superscoring will mix and match a student's best section scores from multiple test dates, crafting a new, often higher, composite score. This p ..read more

In short, it just depends! There are many students who would benefit from early testing which will help keep the stress level down through the all-important junior year into college application season. Some students should test as early as summer after their 10th-grade year, while others should wait until the winter or spring of 11th grade. Should Your Student Be An Early Tester? Yes, if you’ve completed algebra 2 before your junior year. Emma is the perfect example. She’s a current sophomore, taking algebra 2 honors (accelerated math), and a state qualifier swimmer. Emma’s mom appr ..read more

Think of the last place you were that felt deserted. Nearly empty stadium? An island accessible by boat? A college campus in July? It’s happened more often than I wish. A student visits a college campus in summer that I just know in my heart, based on my experience, will be a great fit and……they come back disappointed. Why? Campuses generally don’t feel alive in summer when most students are gone. Even if there are some summer classes or high school camps, it just doesn’t feel the same. If the student can’t picture him or herself among the hustle and bustle, what could be a great fit will fall ..read more

In September 2023, LEAP offered school counselors an opportunity to learn about upcoming changes to the ACT and SAT. We are sharing the recording and have a summary below.    1. The New Testing Landscape The SAT and ACT, two of the most recognized standardized tests for college admissions, are undergoing significant changes. SAT Changes Digital & Adaptive Format: Starting March 2024, the SAT is shifting to a digital adaptive format. The last paper SAT will be in December 2023. Content: Though the tested concepts remain consistent (English, Math, Reading), the style is changing ..read more

There is an 8-month window when students should take their first ACT and/or SAT test. Hitting the ideal date will help students avoid overwhelm, nail the target ideal score they are capable of, and set them up to be finished with testing as early as possible to focus on other important aspects of the college bound journey.  So who should register for the October and November test dates by early to mid-September? Which Seniors Should Test Again Seniors should test if they... Have not yet tested at least twice on the ACT or SAT Have not hit the median ACT or SAT score for the colleges  ..read more

As rising high school seniors start college applications, it's time to figure out if your student wants to share scores with colleges that are test optional or they want to withhold them. And it's likely, they'll also be applying to schools that require scores too.  Step 1: Are Scores Required? There's only one place spot where you'll find the score reporting policy of the college - the college's own website. Do not trust third party sources. And remember, policies are continually changing, so don't trust outdate information.  By August 1 of each year, policies are in place for ..read more

Believe it or not, it's already time to start thinking ahead to late summer and fall testing even though summer just got started.  Many learned a hard lesson this summer when in June they went to the ACT site to register for the July 16 test and their high school student couldn't find an open seat within two hours from home. Not acting early can put the student behind, create a less than ideal testing timeline, and add stress. So who should act quickly to grab a seat for the August SAT or September ACT? Rising Seniors If planning to apply to college this fall, many early action deadlines ..read more

While July isn't ideal for every student, many rising juniors and seniors may benefit from taking the July ACT.    The slower days of summer have many students planning on doing.....nothing. While that sounds downright dreamy to anyone (me included!), putting some extra effort into testing over the summer might just be proactive in saving time, stress, and money in the future. July is the only true summer test date - this testing option didn't even exist 5 years ago. But ACT was smart in crafting a test date when there are fewer demands on students' time. Honestly, I can't believe SA ..read more

Learn about LEAP's ACT "Stacked Testing" strategy that saves time for your busy and overwhelmed teen.  This works great for the following test dates: June ACT and July ACT July ACT and September ACT September ACT and October ACT October ACT and December ACT State of Ohio ACT and April ACT April ACT and June ACT  Watch the video or read below...   If you're a college-bound high school student, preparing for and taking standardized tests can be overwhelming. We understand the stress that comes with navigating test prep and timelines. A strategy that has proven effective for many ..read more

Ask a senior or recent graduate what the most challenging piece of the college application cycle is. Number one answer, hands down, is the essay. The Common App prompts for the class of 2024 were announced allowing for plenty of planning and writing time to craft an excellent essay over the summer. Our recommendation is to not start during the junior year when your focus should instead be on: keeping grades up, prepping and testing on the ACT or SAT, searching for colleges.  This essay will be a different creature from all the essays you’ve written before. You’ll demonstrate your abi ..read more