The importance of a college education isn’t lost of the African American community. We understand it is critical to get an education and advanced degree. However, many time we don’t get down to the simple, concrete solutions that could help each other. I’m talking about something tangible you can do to raise our SAT and ACT numbers dramatically.
Most schools require the ACT. Seems like the west coast and tier one educational institutions prefer the SAT. Both are test Juniors and Seniors around the country take each year in hopes of getting high grades and proving their college worthiness and aptitude. Thees scores can determine if students are allowed into a school and sometimes determine if scholarships will be offered. Needless to say, the ACT and SAT are pretty important if a collegiate education is something your student desires.
What’s the difference between the SAT and the ACT?
The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The SAT is more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities.
The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test. The SAT has only 3 components: Critical Reasoning, Mathematics, and a required Writing Test.
The SAT is ran and commissioned by the nonproft organization College Board. ACT is run by ACT.org
This is where the tip and idea come into play.
While networking at an event in Chicago, I found myself chatting with a school teacher who was very involved in her child’s education. After a bit of conversation, she told me her oldest had been taking the ACT since the 5th grade. He was in the 10th grade as we spoke and I almost fell out of my chair.
I see myself as a forward thinking, heavily involved parent who has studied all the angles of the school system and doing quite well. When this woman told me about her child and the ACT, I was blindsided by the information. However, instead of being closed minded, I listened to her reasoning and she won me over.
My oldest was finishing up his 7th grade year. That coming January, he took the SAT for the first time and again the following year. He did very well, scoring in the 96th percentile on the math portion as a 9th grader. Taking the test for a few years now, he is no longer afraid of the test. The intimidation factor is removed. This allows him to relax during test time and do his best. Only his best score counts anyway, so better to have a few tries at it instead of waiting for your Junior or Senior year with full court pressure. And ideally, the scores will only get better and better.
Every situation and child is different, but we believe exposing your children to these test early and consistently will dramatically increase the scores in the black community. We know these test are an important stumbling block in our community, so why not start the preparation early?
Hi Furious,
I enjoyed your article! Could you contact me at [email protected]. I would like to discuss this matter further.
Thanks in advance,
Emily Jackson-Osagie, Ph.D.