AP Scores: What Next?

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are rigorous academic courses offered to high school students which are designed to prepare students for college-level coursework, and successful completion of an AP course may result in earning college credit or advanced standing at participating colleges and universities. After completing the AP exam at the end of the course, students receive a score ranging from 1 to 5. A score of 3 or higher is generally considered a passing score, and many colleges and universities grant credit for scores of 4 or 5.

If you have recently received your AP scores, you may be wondering what to do with them. Here are some things to consider:

Determine your college goals.

If you are planning to attend college, it's important to consider your college goals when deciding what to do with your AP scores. Are you hoping to attend a highly selective college or university? Do you have a particular college or university in mind? Different colleges and universities have different policies regarding AP credit, so it's important to research the policies of the schools you are interested in attending. Some schools may require a minimum score of 4 or 5 to grant credit, while others may only grant credit for certain AP courses. Additionally, some schools may only grant credit for AP scores earned during your senior year of high school.

Research the AP policies of colleges and universities.

Once you have determined your college goals, it's important to research the AP policies of the colleges and universities you are interested in attending. Many schools publish their AP policies on their websites, and some schools may also provide this information to prospective students during campus visits or information sessions. It's important to note that AP policies can change from year to year, so it's a good idea to check for updates regularly.

Consider the potential benefits of AP credit.

Earning college credit through AP exams can have several benefits. First, it can allow you to graduate from college early or to take fewer classes each semester, which can reduce the overall cost of college. Additionally, it can allow you to take more advanced courses in your major or to pursue a second major or minor. Finally, earning AP credit can demonstrate to college admissions officers that you are capable of handling college-level coursework.

Consider the potential drawbacks of AP credit.

While earning college credit through AP exams can be beneficial, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. First, not all colleges and universities grant credit for AP scores, so it's important to research the policies of the schools you are interested in attending. Additionally, some schools may only grant credit for certain AP courses or may require a minimum score of 4 or 5. Finally, earning AP credit may not necessarily mean that you are fully prepared for college-level coursework in that subject area, so it's important to continue to study and to seek out additional resources if necessary.

Decide whether to send your AP scores to colleges and universities.

After considering your college goals, researching AP policies, and weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of AP credit, you can decide whether to send your AP scores to colleges and universities. The College Board, which administers the AP exams, allows students to send their scores to up to four colleges or universities for free. After that, there is a fee for each additional score report. If you are unsure about whether to send your scores, you can wait until you have been accepted to a college or university and then decide whether to send your scores at that time.

Determine whether to retake the exam.

If you did not receive a passing score on the AP exam, you may be wondering whether to retake the exam. The College Board allows students to retake exams in future years, and some schools may allow students to retake the exam during the same year. Before deciding whether to retake the exam, it's important to consider whether you have the time and resources to prepare for the exam again. Additionally, you may want to consider whether the college or university you are interested in attending grants credit for AP scores earned during a retake.

Seek advice from your high school guidance counselor.

Your high school guidance counselor can be a valuable resource when it comes to deciding what to do with your AP scores. Counselors can provide information about college and university AP policies, as well as offer guidance on how to interpret your scores and how to prepare for retakes if necessary. Additionally, your guidance counselor may be able to provide recommendations for additional resources or support if you are struggling with a particular subject area.

In conclusion, deciding what to do with your AP scores requires careful consideration of your college goals, research into college and university AP policies, and weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of AP credit. Whether you decide to send your scores to colleges and universities, retake the exam, or seek advice from your high school guidance counselor, it's important to remember that your AP scores are just one factor in the college admissions process and do not define your academic potential or success. With the right resources and support, you can continue to pursue your academic goals and succeed in college and beyond.

PERSONALIZED PROGRAMS

Vint Hill Educational Services was designed to provide students with a one-to-one, customized, and supportive tutoring experience, taking into account each student’s skills, challenges, goals, and learning styles. Due to our individualized approach, VHES has demonstrated success in helping students increase their test scores, improve their grades, and adjust to the increasing demands of academia. Our tutors work closely with families to develop the most appropriate lesson plans, focus on the most relevant material, and modify services as needed to ensure that students meet their educational objectives.

MULTI-SERVICE AGENCY

Whether a student needs help preparing for exams, making sense of course material, or just getting organized for school, VHES offers specialized services to address each student’s academic needs. These services include Test Prep, Subject Tutoring, Mock Testing, Academic Coaching, and College Planning and Preparation. We also offer a hybrid package that allows students to receive both tutoring and coaching services concurrently. This is a great option for those who need more than just help understanding content or keeping up in class. Tutoring hours are also transferrable if students would like to switch to another service.

FULL-SCALE DIAGNOSTIC REPORTS

Our test-prep program includes a full diagnostic report that shows how the student is performing in each dimension of standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE and HSPT. This detailed report is the basis for test-prep planning and instrumental in helping us customize a tutoring program that addresses the most pertinent test sections. For students taking both the ACT and SAT, we also provide a concordance chart with test recommendations. In addition, VHES offers students the option to take a practice test at home, in a group setting, or individually with one of our proctors.

CONVENIENT SCHEDULING

We arrange sessions to suit each student’s schedule and preferred location. Most students choose to meet with their tutor in the home once or twice a week, but sessions can also be held at a public library, a local coffee shop, or our office locations if the home is not the best option. Our tutors work directly with parents to arrange sessions that work best with the student’s schedule.

QUALITY TUTORS WITH RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

All VHES tutors are required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and to demonstrate content knowledge by passing multiple subject-specific diagnostic tests. We hand select the best tutor based upon the student’s needs and personality style, and parents will receive the tutor’s profile for review and approval. This profile includes the tutor’s experience, education, background, and approach to helping students succeed. Whether a student wants to brush up on a few concepts or needs intensive instruction in a particular subject, we strive to create an optimal tutor-student fit that is conducive to improved scores and school performance.

ALL-INCLUSIVE AND FLEXIBLE PACKAGES

VHES offers flat-fee packages with no gimmicks or hidden costs. Each of our test-prep packages includes a baseline practice test, a full set of course books, weekly homework, access to our Teachworks parent portal, and session notes that detail the progress your child is making throughout the program. Extra sessions can be added to any of our packages, while tiered discounts are available for students who need long-term tutoring.

RESULTS!

Most importantly, VHES has demonstrated success in helping students reach and exceed their academic goals. We track our students’ scores to ensure improvement and modify programs as needed to resolve any ongoing challenges. Our most recent performance evaluation shows that overall our test-prep students are approximating score increases of 130 total points for the SAT and 4.5 composite points for the ACT. Moreover, our programs equip students with valuable, practical, and long-term skills such as strategizing their approach to exams, optimizing their learning style, studying more proficiently, and managing their time more effectively. We at VHES take pride in the efficacy of our services and the progress of our students.

Key Facts About Digital AP Exams

Key Facts About Digital AP Exams

The Advanced Placement Program® (AP) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school.

The program consists of college-level courses developed by the AP Program that high schools can choose to offer, and corresponding exams that are administered once a year.

Digital exams are available for 7 AP subjects in May 2023:

• AP Computer Science Principles

• AP English Language and Composition 

• AP English Literature and Composition 

• AP European History 

• AP Seminar 

• AP U.S. History 

• AP World History: Modern 

• The digital option is available to schools in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. 

• Digital exams are optional. Schools make local decisions and choose to offer digital, paper, or a combination of paper and digital. 

• No application is required to order digital exams. The AP coordinator indicates the mode for relevant exams in AP Registration and Ordering.

• AP coordinators work with school or district technology staff on the school’s technical readiness for digital testing. 

• Resources are available to help schools get ready to administer digital AP Exams. 

• Digital exams are proctored and administered in school on the same schedule as paper exams. They may not be taken at home.

• Digital exams include the same number of sections, number and type of questions, question choice (if applicable), and timing as the paper exams.  

• Students can go back within a section or part to review or complete previous questions. As on the paper exam, students may not return to parts within a section that have already been completed. 

• Students can use the Bluebook™ testing app on a wide range of devices.

• Bluebook requirements are typical of other applications used in schools.

• Accommodations such as extended time are provided in Bluebook. 

• Full instructional planning reports will be available to schools and teachers for students who take digital AP Exams.

Fast Facts

• There are 38 AP courses in seven subject categories.

• Each AP course is modeled on a comparable introductory college course in the subject. Learn how AP courses are developed.

• Each course culminates in a standardized college-level assessment, or AP Exam.

• AP Exams are given in May each year at testing locations all over the world.

• Schools must be authorized by the AP Course Audit to offer approved AP courses and use the AP designation.

Benefits

Taking AP courses and exams can help students:

• Stand out on college applications. AP courses on a student’s transcript shows that they’ve challenged themselves with the most rigorous courses available to them. And success on an AP Exam shows that they’re ready for college-level coursework.

• Earn college credit and/or skip introductory courses in college. Most four-year colleges and universities in the United States—as well as many institutions in more than 100 other countries—grant students credit, placement, or both for qualifying AP Exam scores. Search credit policies by college.

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Vint Hill Educational Services offers subject-based tutoring in math, science, reading, writing, English, history, and foreign language. Our tutors take subject-specific tests to demonstrate their content knowledge before being hired. We can guarantee they know the content. 

Science Tutoring:

• Earth Science

• Physical Science

• Geosystems

• Biology

• AP Biology

• Chemistry

• AP Chemistry

• Physics

• AP Physics

Math Tutoring:

• K-7 Math

• Pre-Algebra

• Algebra I

• Algebra II

• Geometry

• Trigonometry

• Statistics

• Pre-Calculus

• Calculus AB/BC

• AP Calculus

Foreign Language Tutoring:

• Spanish

• French

• Latin

• German

Writing Tutoring:

• Elementary

• Middle School

• High School

Reading Tutoring:

• Elementary

• Middle School

• High School

• Phonics

English Tutoring:

• Middle School

• High School

• AP English

• AP Literature and Composition

History Tutoring:

• World History

• AP World History

• US History

• AP US History

• Government

• AP Government
  

Vint Hill does not just assign any available tutor; we actually handpick the best tutor for your child. Before accepting the tutor, parents receive a tutor profile to review and approve. The tutor matching process consists of the following: subject area knowledge, tutor education, tutor personality, tutor background, student weaknesses, student schedule, and location preference (at our office, in-home, public library, local coffee shop, or virtual). 

Parents receive access to our online Teachworks tutoring system and will be able to review tutor session notes, receive session email reminders, plus keep track of session hours used/hours remaining. 

For more info, visit us at www.vinthilles.com or contact us here.

Understanding Your AP Exam Score

How Are AP Exams Scored?

If you’re studying for an AP exam right now or are thinking about taking an AP class in the future, you might be wondering: how are AP exams scored?

In this post, we'll break down the scoring process, all the way from the raw scores you earn on the multiple-choice section and essays to how you get a final score on a scale of 1-5. Knowing how AP exams are scored can help you do your best on them—especially if you want a perfect 5!

The AP Scoring Scale

Each AP test is given a score from 1 to 5. According to the College Board (the group that administers AP tests), these numbers translate in the following ways:

• 5: Extremely Well Qualified

• 4: Well Qualified

• 3: Qualified

• 2: Possibly Qualified

• 1: No recommendation

Any score that's 3 or higher is considered a passing score, though some colleges only accept 4s and 5s for credit. (See AP’s college database for specific policies at each university.) Getting a 5 is especially desirable because, for most exams, it puts you in the top 10-20% of scorers.

Your 1-5 score is a scaled score, converted from a composite score. Your composite score is calculated from the total number of raw points you earned from your correct multiple-choice answers and your free response. It’s a bit confusing, but we will guide you through the process!

How Are AP Tests Scored?

The majority of AP exams consist of two sections: multiple choice and free response. On some exams each section is weighted equally, whereas on others one section is worth slightly more. You can look up the specifics for each exam on the official AP courses pages.

The multiple-choice section is graded by a computer. There are no deductions for incorrect or blank answers, so your raw multiple-choice score is simply the number of questions you get correct.

The free-response section is graded during the annual AP Reading held in the first two weeks of June. The AP Reading is basically a huge convention. Tons of teachers and college professors gather to grade thousands and thousands of student-written responses for each exam.

This is why you don't get your AP scores until July even though you take the test in May: the written portion of your exam isn't graded until mid-June.

After that, the College Board has to calculate the composite score and final scaled score for each exam, equating the test so the scores stay even from year to year. (For example, they want to make sure a 3 on the AP US History exam means the same thing from one year to another, even if one version of the test turned out to be more difficult for students.)

(Side note: There is a good chance that an AP teacher at your school goes to the AP Reading each year. It can be interesting and helpful to talk to them about what happens at the convention, how quickly free responses are scored, and the best and worse free responses they’ve seen. These are answers that will vary a lot from subject to subject but could ultimately be helpful to you!)

Each free response is given a "holistic" score, meaning it's evaluated for its overall effectiveness or correctness. Typically, points aren’t deducted for the occasional small error, such as a spelling or grammar mistake. Most tests grade their free responses between 1 and 9, with 1 being least effective and 9 being nearly perfect.

Your raw free-response score is the total of the scores you get for each response.

Looking for help studying for your AP exam?

Our one-on-one online AP tutoring services can help you prepare for your AP exams. Get matched with a top tutor who got a high score on the exam you're studying for!

How to Get a Scaled AP Score Between 1 and 5

After your multiple-choice section is graded by a machine and your free response is graded by a human, your essay and multiple-choice scores are combined to give you a composite score. This score is just a way of combining the two section scores so that they are weighted correctly. For example, for AP English, multiple choice is worth 45% and free response is worth 55%. Often, composite scores are between 0 and 100, or 0 and 150.

The composite score is then converted to a number on the scaled score range 1-5. This means that for each scaled score, there is a range of possible composite scores that could earn it. For example, a 5 could be any composite score between 110 and 150 on one exam.

Since scaling varies year to year, there are no exact cutoff numbers for scores for AP tests, and the College Board does not release detailed scoring data. Furthermore, you will not see what your composite score was on your AP score report—you'll only get the final number between 1 and 5.

However, many teachers, prep books, and websites have come up with formulas to predict the scaled score for each AP test, which can help when you are grading your practice tests and trying to come up with a target score.

Scoring Example: AP English Language and Composition

As we've seen, AP test scoring is not exactly straightforward. To help clarify the process, we will walk through a scoring example using the most popular test, AP English Language and Composition.

Also known as the class in which you annotate every. Single. Thing.

Here are the basics of the AP English exam: it has 55 multiple-choice questions, worth 45% of your score, and three essays, worth 55% of your score. Each essay is graded between 1 and 9.

Before we get into the scoring example, remember that this guide is an estimation since score conversions can vary year to year based on test difficulty. While it's impossible to precisely predict an AP test score before you get your score, you can still get an idea of how the process works.

Step 1: Add Up Your Correct Answers to Get Your Raw Scores

There are 55 multiple-choice questions on the AP English exam. Let's say you get 40 right, get eight wrong, and leave seven blank. Your raw multiple-choice score would be an even 40 points.

Out of the three essays, let's say you earn the following scores from the graders: 4, 7, and 8. This gives you a total raw essay score of 19 (4+7+8).

Step 2: Convert Your Raw Scores to a Single Composite Score

Now, this is the tricky part in which we will convert each of those raw scores to a single composite score between 0 and 150.

The maximum converted essay score is 82.5, or 55% of 150. The maximum converted multiple-choice score is 67.5, or 45% of 150. To figure out your composite score, use this formula:

(Multiple Choice Raw Score x 1.23) + (Essay Raw Score x 3.05) = Composite Score

In this example, your multiple-choice composite score would be 49.2, and your essay composite score would be 57.95. Thus, your total composite score would be 107 (rounded down).

Step 3: Use the Chart to Estimate Your Scaled Score

The last step is easy. Use the chart below to estimate your final AP score (on a scale of 1-5):

Composite Score (0-100 or 0-150)Scaled Score (1-5)104-150592-103476-91350-7520-491

As you can see, your score of 107 would earn you a 5—but just barely!

Again, these numbers are estimates and will shift from year to year based on test difficulty. Since 107 is just over the mark of 104, it's possible that in some years it could net you a 4 instead of a 5.

What About Scoring Other AP Tests?

We’ve learned how to score an AP English Language and Composition exam. However, you can’t use this exact same process for every AP test. Most AP tests have slightly different section weights and question totals, so the scoring formulas are different.

For example, AP Calculus AB has fewer multiple choice questions (45), more free responses (six total), and weighs each section at 50%.

Each AP subject is a unique challenge ... and has its own scoring formula.

So how can you figure out how the AP tests you are taking are graded?

First, if you’re taking the AP class for the test you want to take, ask your teacher if he or she has a formula for converting practice test scores to scaled scores. Most AP teachers have a formula they use with their students for practice exams.

If you’re not taking the class or your teacher doesn’t have a formula, either find a prep book for your specific test or search online.

Remember that all formulas are estimates. So if you really want a 5, you shouldn’t aim for the lowest possible composite—you should aim for perfection, or very close. That’s the only way to guarantee you'll get a 5 on test day.

On the other hand, if you just want to make sure you pass, try to aim for a 4 so that even if you make more mistakes than you're hoping to, you’ll still get at least a 3!

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Private ACT/SAT/Subject/AP Tutoring

ONE-TO-ONE ACT/SAT/AP PREP TUTORING - SESSIONS CAN OCCUR IN-HOME, AT OUR OFFICES, ONLINE VIA LESSONSPACE, AT A LOCAL LIBRARY OR COFFEE SHOP.

Vint Hill Educational Services offers subject-based tutoring in math, science, reading, writing, English, history, and foreign language. Our tutors take subject-specific tests to demonstrate their content knowledge before being hired. We can guarantee they know the content. 

Science Tutoring:

• Earth Science

• Physical Science

• Geosystems

• Biology

• AP Biology

• Chemistry

• AP Chemistry

• Physics

• AP Physics

Math Tutoring:

• K-7 Math

• Pre-Algebra

• Algebra I

• Algebra II

• Geometry

• Trigonometry

• Statistics

• Pre-Calculus

• Calculus AB/BC

• AP Calculus

Foreign Language Tutoring:

• Spanish

• French

• Latin

• German

Writing Tutoring:

• Elementary

• Middle School

• High School

Reading Tutoring:

• Elementary

• Middle School

• High School

• Phonics

English Tutoring:

• Middle School

• High School

• AP English

• AP Literature and Composition

History Tutoring:

• World History

• AP World History

• US History

• AP US History

• Government

• AP Government
  
  

Vint Hill does not just assign any available tutor; we actually handpick the best tutor for your child. Before accepting the tutor, parents receive a tutor profile to review and approve. The tutor matching process consists of the following: subject area knowledge, tutor education, tutor personality, tutor background, student weaknesses, student schedule, and location preference (at our office, in-home, public library, local coffee shop, or virtual). 

Parents receive access to our online Teachworks tutoring system and will be able to review tutor session notes, receive session email reminders, plus keep track of session hours used/hours remaining. 

For more information, please contact us here.

5 Tips to Complete College Applications on Time

College admissions is a step-oriented process with numerous deadlines. Since prospective students are often juggling college applications alongside high school classes and activities, it's easy to fall behind or procrastinate.

But a well-thought-out plan, anchored by a few organizational tips, can keep students on track with college applications. Check out these expert recommendations for how students can keep delays from undermining their college ambitions:

• Start planning early for college applications.

• Create a detailed timeline for college applications.

• Ask for letters of recommendation early.

• Budget time for application essays.

• Allow adequate time to prepare other admissions materials.

Start Planning Early for College Applications

College application deadlines vary, so students may be juggling different dates depending on their target schools. While regular decision deadlines arrive sometime in January, early action and early decision deadlines are traditionally in November. Identifying a specific admissions avenue is important to keep students on task, experts say.

"I think one of the best things particularly a senior in high school can do is to really clearly define what their choice set is," says Brian Troyer, dean of undergraduate admissions at Marquette University in Wisconsin. "I know a lot of college counselors, counselors within high schools, would encourage students to begin narrowing their list between their junior and their senior year. Hopefully, a student isn't having to navigate 20 different institutions' application timelines."

Though high school students often begin trimming their list of schools down and writing essays in the summer before their senior year, many application tasks also arise during their junior year, such as taking the ACT or SAT and visiting campuses, says Angela Warfield, principal consultant and founder at admissions consulting firm Compass Academics.

"If students use their Junior year to explore college selection, they will have a clear sense of schools (based on their scores, major plans, culture, location, cost, etc.)," she wrote in an email. "This will allow them to feel confident adding colleges to their Common App and beginning the process of creating an application timeline for each school on their list."

She adds that students who fail to plan accordingly "often find themselves in panic mode."

Create a Detailed Timeline for College Applications

Keeping track of the many requirements in the college admissions process can be simplified by creating a list of when those tasks come due, experts say. For example, Hafeez Lakhani – founder and president of Lakhani Coaching – says his admissions firm creates a customized spreadsheet for each client that breaks down application tasks and timelines.

Creating a spreadsheet with admissions tasks can help students clearly see what needs to be accomplished and work toward those goals. Setting up reminders on a digital calendar around certain dates can also help, experts say.

"Dates to consider include: application deadlines, testing date/score submissions deadlines, dates for recommenders to submit letters of support, and important scholarship deadlines," Warfield wrote in an email.

She notes that students should also include Oct. 1 on their calendars, which is the date the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – which is required for federal and often state and institutional financial aid – becomes available each year.

Ask for Letters of Recommendation Early

Asking for a letter of recommendation well in advance can help students avoid falling behind in the admissions process, experts say, noting this as a common pitfall for college applicants. High school counselors and teachers often juggle multiple requests for letters of recommendation and need time to write and personalize each one.

"I don't think it's fair to give recommenders less than four weeks to write their letters," Lakhani says.

Generally, the more time teachers or counselors have, the more personalized they can make such letters. And these letters are important in the admissions process, Troyer says, because colleges value the insights they share.

"I think it's important that students and families know we really do care about these, we like to read them and I think they have to recognize that counselors and teachers put a lot of thought or want to put a lot of thought into each individually tailored letter of recommendation," Troyer says.

Budget Time for Application Essays

Writing college essays is another area where students should allow themselves ample time.

Lakhani says students often procrastinate on admissions essays because they are "intimidated by the blank page."

But these narratives are highly valued by admissions committees where an essay may be the only writing sample a college sees for a student. While essays often aren't make or break, a strong essay can elevate a student's odds of admission. On the flip side, a sloppy or poorly written essay can make a college question an applicant's dedication.

Students should set aside time not only to write the essay but also to brainstorm the topic in advance, experts say.

"We never encourage students to write essays overnight," Lakhani says. He urges students to keep revising, tweaking and perfecting until they've fine-tuned their admissions essay.

"Think of our first drafts as gateways to get to better drafts," he advises.

Allow Adequate Time to Prepare Other Admissions Materials

A high school transcript and activities list are among the other admissions materials commonly needed for college applications. Troyer notes that the turnaround time for high school transcripts may vary, so students should check with their counselors on what to expect and allow a minimum of one week for these materials.

Developing an activities list can be another challenge. While this list is student-dependent, experts say they should think carefully about it and highlight activities that they feel reflect their interests and ambitions.

Students may also want to get a jump-start on the Common App, a popular application portal, as soon as it opens on Aug. 1.

But ultimately, students should remember to prioritize requests for items that depend on others, says Warfield.

"We usually advise that students prioritize the items outside of their control first: letters of recommendation, transcript requests, and (test) score reports. These can often be delayed through no fault of the applicant, so being on top of these requests first will ensure that there is plenty of time for the schools to receive a complete application."

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Private ACT/SAT Tutoring

ONE-TO-ONE ACT/SAT PREP TUTORING - SESSIONS CAN OCCUR IN-HOME, AT OUR OFFICES, ONLINE VIA LESSONSPACE, AT A LOCAL LIBRARY OR COFFEE SHOP.

CURRENT SAT FORMAT AND STRUCTURE 
Reading – 65 minutes (52 questions)
Writing and Language – 35 minutes (44 questions)
10 minute break
Math – No calculator – 25 minutes (20 questions)
Math – Calculator allowed – 55 minutes (38 questions) 

On the SAT, students will have an average of 1 minute and 10 seconds to answer each question. This includes the multiple-choice questions and the math grid-in questions. This varies drastically from the ACT, which gives students an average of 49 seconds per question. The format is similar to the ACT; however, there are two SAT math sections and no dedicated science section like the ACT. There is no penalty for answering incorrectly. Therefore, students should answer every multiple-choice question. Students can only gain points on the SAT, so it’s important not to leave any questions unanswered. The SAT contains four answer choices, instead of five, which was seen on the old SAT (pre-2016).

Interested in a customized test prep program? We will review previous SAT practice test scores or official SAT scores to determine the area of focus. We can also email out a SAT practice test to take at home and provide an analysis for a customized SAT prep program.

Contact us to learn more about our SAT prep program or choose a package from below.

12-Hour SAT Prep Package

18-Hour SAT Prep Package

24-Hour SAT Prep Package

36-Hour SAT Prep Package

CURRENT ACT FORMAT AND STRUCTURE
English – 45 minutes (75 questions)
Math – 60 minutes (60 questions)
10 minute break
Reading – 35 minutes (40 questions) 
Science – 35 minutes (40 questions)
5 minute break
Essay – 40 minutes (each prompt is different and three perspectives are provided for analysis) 

On the ACT, students have an average of 49 seconds per question. The ACT is known as a fast paced test; however, the questions are presented in a straightforward and content driven manner. The test focuses on academic achievement, meaning, what students actually learn in high school. There is no deduction for answering incorrectly, so it’s best to answer every multiple-choice question. The ACT composite score is comprised of the four main sections (known as tests): English, math, reading, and science. Most colleges and universities post the ACT middle 50% composite score for their last freshmen class. This helps the student to set an ACT score goal with his or her tutor. A low score on one section can pull down the ACT composite score. However, with ACT prep tutoring, we have seen students go up 8, 9, 10, and 11 points in a single section. All sections of the test have four answer choices, except for the math section which has five answer choices. There is little vocabulary on the ACT, and in lieu of this there are more reading passages. 

Interested in a customized test prep program? We will review previous ACT practice test scores or official ACT scores to determine the area of focus. We can also email out an ACT practice test to take at home and provide an analysis for a customized ACT prep program.

Contact us to learn more about our ACT prep program or choose a package from below.

12-Hour ACT Prep Package

18-Hour ACT Prep Package

24-Hour ACT Prep Package

36-Hour ACT Prep Package

2022-2023 Mock ACT/SAT Test Dates   

We will be proctoring tests virtually on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am. Upon registering for a virtual mock test, you will receive a test packet in the mail that includes the following:

• ACT/SAT Answer Sheet

• ACT/SAT Test Booklet

• Test Instructions 

Please sign up no later than Monday during the week of the mock test. Please make sure to include your mailing address during registration, so that we can mail you a testing packet.

ACT/SAT tests will be proctored virtually through LESSONSPACE. The day before each test, students will receive an emailed linked to join the virtually proctored test. The test instructions can be used should the student lose connection to the testing lobby. Please ensure that you have a working built-in mic (or a headset) and audio on your laptop/desktop. 

ACT

Register for a mock ACT by clicking on a specific test date below. 

Mock ACT test dates:

• March 4, 2023

• April 1, 2023

• May 6, 2023

• June 17, 2023

• July 15, 2023

SAT

Register for a mock SAT by clicking on a specific test date below.  :

Mock SAT test dates:

• March 18, 2023

• April 8, 2023

• May 13, 2023

• June 24, 2023

• July 22, 2023

We also offer one-to-one private mock testing at our offices or virtually through Lessonspace. This consists of a full-length practice test for your child. Tests include: ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT. We provide the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, calculator, and pencils. 

We can send parents a practice test as well, to administer to their student in-home. We will send out a free practice test packet along with proctoring instructions. Parents must send the answer sheet back to us via email or mail. 

In-Office or In-Home Testing (One-To-One) 

ESTABLISHES A BASELINE SCORE FOR THE STUDENT

TESTS INCLUDE 

ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, & HSPT

$125 Standard Test (In-office)

$175 Special Accommodations (In-office)

FREE Parent Administration (In-home)

One-to-one private testing at our offices or in-home testing proctored by a parent. A perfect fit for students that need to get acclimated to the test format, structure, and timing. This can help to relieve nervousness and anxiety. Parents have the option of administering the test to their child for free. They can also choose to drop their student off at our offices and we will administer the test to the student. Parents will receive a diagnostic score report from our testing software. View sample reports: ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT. An individual test scores comparison chart is provided for the ACT and SAT. 

Click on the links below to purchase private mock testing, or to learn more:

Private Mock ACT Administration

Private Mock SAT Administration

Private Mock SSAT Administration

Private Mock ISEE Administration

Private Mock HSPT Administration

SAT Going Digital in 2023

SAT Going Digital in 2023

Back in September of 2018, ACT made the change to computer-based tests for all students outside the US. It’s only time that the SAT will follow suit.

College Board has recently announced that the SAT (and also PSAT) will also become a computer-based test starting in 2023. The SAT will become digital first, beginning with the March 2023 test. PSAT will go computer based starting Fall of 2023.

The major advantage of taking the test online will be a quicker turnaround time for score calculation. Students will be able to receive their test scores in a few days instead of weeks. College Board also suggests that these tests will be unique for each student (but did not elaborate whether it will the order of questions that are different, or two students may receive different questions), thus eliminating the possibility of a “leak test”, which can affect all students taking the same exam.

The scores will still be out of 1600. However, the digital test will be shorter: two hours instead of three for the current paper test. Students will also be given more time per question.

The format will also be slightly changed. For the reading section, students will be given shorter passages with one question per passage. There will also be a wider selection of topics for these passages. For the math sections, there will only be one instead of two, and the students will be able to use a calculator for the entire section.

All tests before the March 2023 exam will still be paper-based. We will let you know when we find out more about the detailed changes.

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Mock SAT Testing and Tutoring with

Vint Hill Educational Services

CONTACT US FOR A FREE PRACTICE TEST PACKET AND DIAGNOSTIC REPORT (VIEW SAMPLE STUDENT REPORTS: ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE, AND HSPT).

Vint Hill Educational Services offers mock tests for the ACT and SAT. These are taken in a group setting to simulate the testing environment. For the ACT and SAT, we will review the scores to see which test the student is scoring higher on. Since all colleges and universities accept both tests, it's beneficial to know if your child is scoring higher on the ACT or SAT. Check out our ACT versus SAT comparison chart for test differences. Sometimes the difference is like night and day, and for others, it may be a hairline higher on one versus the other. The student won't know which test is better, unless the individual takes one of each. We'll use our score concordance chart in order to make a test recommendation.

2022-2023 MOCK ACT/SAT TEST DATES  

WE WILL BE PROCTORING TESTS VIRTUALLY ON SATURDAY MORNINGS AT 9:00 AM. UPON REGISTERING FOR A VIRTUAL MOCK TEST, YOU WILL RECEIVE A TEST PACKET IN THE MAIL THAT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING.

• ACT/SAT ANSWER SHEET

• ACT/SAT TEST BOOKLET

• TEST INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE SIGN UP NO LATER THAN MONDAY DURING THE WEEK OF THE MOCK TEST. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS DURING REGISTRATION, SO THAT WE CAN MAIL YOU A TESTING PACKET.

ACT/SAT TESTS WILL BE PROCTORED VIRTUALLY THROUGH LESSONSPACE. THE DAY BEFORE EACH TEST, STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE AN EMAILED LINK TO JOIN THE VIRTUALLY PROCTORED TEST. THE TEST INSTRUCTIONS CAN BE USED SHOULD THE STUDENT LOSE CONNECTION TO THE TESTING LOBBY. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE A WORKING BUILT-IN MIC (OR A HEADSET) AND AUDIO ON YOUR LAPTOP/DESKTOP.

ACT

Register for a mock ACT by clicking on a specific test date below. 

Mock ACT test dates:

• August 13, 2022

• September 17, 2022

• October 8, 2022

• November 12, 2022

• December 10, 2022

• January 7, 2023

• February 4, 2023

• March 4, 2023

• April 1, 2023

• May 6, 2023

• June 17, 2023

• July 15, 2023

SAT

Register for a mock SAT by clicking on a specific test date below.  :

Mock SAT test dates:

• January 14, 2023

• February 18, 2023

• March 18, 2023

• April 8, 2023

• May 13, 2023

• June 24, 2023

• July 22, 2023

We also offer one-to-one private mock testing at our offices or virtually through Lessonspace. This consists of a full-length practice test for your child. Tests include: ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, and SAT Subject Tests. We provide the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, calculator, and pencils. 

We can send parents a practice test as well, to administer to their student in-home. We will send out a free practice test packet along with proctoring instructions. Parents must send the answer sheet back to us via email or mail. 

More to do: Students are rebounding but haven’t recovered from COVID-related learning disruptions

More to do: Students are rebounding but haven’t recovered from COVID-related learning disruptions

There are encouraging signs in newly available student achievement data from the 2021–2022 school year: evidence the nation’s education system is rebounding from the pandemic but has not yet recovered.

Students showed growth on the MAP® Growth™ assessments in reading and math at rates that are comparable with prepandemic times. They also recovered some lost ground, but the extent of the improvement varies widely by grade level and student group. That’s a positive change from 2020 to 2021, when student growth slowed significantly due to COVID-19 disruptions.

These signs of rebounding show that the hard work of educators and students is paying off. However, we’re still not where we need to be.

Growth is up but not enough, and patterns vary

To get a picture of student achievement two-and-a-half years into the pandemic, NWEA researchers Megan Kuhfeld and Karyn Lewis, analyzed MAP Growth scores for more than eight million students in grades 3–8 in about 25,000 public schools across the country. They looked at achievement and growth trends for students who were in school during pandemic years, so from 2018–2019 through 2021–2022. They then compared the performance of those students to that of students in school from 2015–16 to 2018–2019, non-COVID-19 years.

Here’s what the researchers found:

1. There are signs of academic rebounding.

2. Gaps between current and prepandemic achievement have narrowed compared to spring 2021.

3. Achievement is still lower than we’d expect it to be absent the pandemic, particularly for historically marginalized students.

We’ve made critical strides as a nation, but COVID-19 is having a lasting impact, and the time it will take for students to catch up varies greatly across grade, subject, and student group. This research estimates it will take the average elementary-school student at least three years to catch up and much longer for older students if the rate of change continues at the same pace. You can explore this research in depth by reviewing the research brief.

Continued urgency

While we’re pleased to see evidence of academic rebounding, fully regaining lost ground will require students to make above-average progress going forward. The federal government has provided nearly $200 billion in funding for schools to address challenges associated with the pandemic, with $22 billion specifically dedicated to learning recovery using evidence-based interventions.

With the estimated timeline of recovery extending past the spending deadlines, education leaders and policymakers must scale programs that are working. Leaders must also plan for how they will sustain recovery efforts beyond September 2024, as it will take some districts, schools, and students additional time to fully recover.

Research estimates it will take the average elementary-school student at least three years to catch up and much longer for older students if the rate of change continues at the same pace.

Leaders must also continue to do more to address the persistent educational achievement inequities that existed prior to the pandemic. Returning students to prepandemic achievement levels will not be enough to close these long-standing disparities. Unless growth far exceeds average rates for hardest hit students, a lasting impact of the pandemic will be even bigger opportunity gaps and increased inequity in our education system.

What you can do

Below are steps school and system leaders and policymakers should consider taking to further spur student learning, along with examples of innovative recovery efforts happening around the country.

• Invest in expanding instructional time for students, including high-quality summer programs. Summer programs are especially critical for groups of students who, even in nonpandemic years, lose more ground than others when school is out, a phenomenon known as “summer slide.” Programs must be accessible and high quality. When they are successful, they should scale. For example, the Indy Summer Learning Labs, a summer-learning initiative in Indianapolis, led to such clear learning gains that leaders expanded it. Teachers are compensated well, the program is free, instruction is rigorous, and it is aligned to standards. Students also participate in fun activities that boost engagement and participation.

• Identify and target interventions for students most impacted by the pandemic. The NWEA policy and advocacy team recently led a Twitter chat on addressing COVID-related opportunity gaps, and participants said students with the highest needs must be the top priority. The federal government also has said a focus should be on disproportionately impacted student groups. One example of how this is happening at the state level is in Colorado, where a program that provides grants for high-impact tutoring to address unfinished learning prioritizes underserved students for whom COVID-learning gaps may exacerbate pre-existing inequities. In addition to targeting students who have been most impacted, it is also critical to “right-size” recovery efforts and use evidence to determine whether the positive impacts of the interventions being implemented will be enough to fully address the impacts of the pandemic.

• Use data and strong data systems that provide continuous feedback on interventions to inform recovery. Collecting meaningful and timely data is essential. Educators and leaders need to use a variety of assessment data and other school- and district-level data in ways that inform decision-making and instructional practices. Data should shed light on achievement, attendance, measures of engagement, opportunities to learn, and who is receiving specific interventions. Some districts, such as Guilford County Schools in North Carolina, have developed or adopted tools like apps that teachers can download on their phones or laptops to make it easier to track enrollment and attendance in recovery programs. States should make such resources readily available. At the state level, North Carolina has allocated funds for researchers to collect, analyze, and report on the impacts of COVID-19 on schools and students.

• Support teachers with the resources and professional learning opportunities they need to help their students succeed. The latest growth data shows educator efforts are paying off. A priority for this coming school year and beyond must be to support the success and well-being of teachers. In a recent Educators for Excellence survey sponsored by NWEA, educators highlighted the obstacles they’re facing. They said students’ mental health needs are far greater than before the pandemic and called on leaders to hire more counselors and mental health providers and do more to meet the needs of underserved students. Among other changes teachers want to see are greater access to high-quality curriculum, stepped-up leadership opportunities, better compensation, and assessment reporting systems that distinguish between material taught and untaught, a tool NWEA is developing. Teachers have been heroes in the pandemic. Let’s respond by giving them the support and resources they need.