Preparing For College - ACT & SAT Information

Another school year has begun, and now is the time for high school juniors - especially if they dream of attending a highly selective college - to start thinking about taking the SAT and/or ACT. Besides good transcripts and letters of recommendation, entrance exams are an important part of the admission process. While some colleges have waived these tests as a requirement, many colleges and universities still rely heavily on SAT and ACT scores to help in admissions decisions. A typical applicant to a competitive college might boast section scores in the upper 20s for the ACT and above 600 for the SAT.
SAT - Originally introduced in 1926 as a test for Ivy League applicants, today the SAT is used by many different colleges. This test spans three hours and 45 minutes with sections in reading, writing and math. The questions are multiple choice, except for ten student-produced response math questions and an essay. The highest score possible is 2400. The SAT test is given seven times a year, usually on a Saturday. It is typically taken by juniors and seniors. Female students average about 40 points lower than male students on the SAT, even though females earn higher grades than males in high school and college. Homeschoolers tend to do well on the SAT. For more information about homeschoolers and the SAT, see:http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/tests/meet-tests/21302.html

ACT
- Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the ACT is a standardized test that measures high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The ACT was introduced in 1959 as an alternative to the SAT. The core exam, not including the optional essay, takes two hours and 55 minutes. Multiple choice sections cover four key curriculum areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The optional writing test measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. The ACT is offered four to six times a year (depending on the state) in September, October, December, February, April and June. For more info, see: http://www.act.org 
 

Traditionally, the ACT has been widely used in Midwestern and Southern states while the SAT is popular on the East and West coasts. However, both exams are accepted by most colleges. The ACT is based on facts learned in school; the SAT focuses on critical thinking and reasoning skills. This means that one test may be a better fit for some students than others. For example, students who perform poorly on the ACT may find that they do better on the SAT and vice versa. Since there's a good chance of doing well on at least one of these exams, a student would be wise to take both. In fact, more and more students are opting to take one of each test rather than repeating the same test over again to try and improve their score.
SAT and ACT test results are equally valued although they are scored differently. Each SAT section yields a score from 200 to 800, while ACT section scores top out at 36. A recent study by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) found that coaching for standardized college admission tests can yield positive gains of at least 30 points. Even relatively small improvements in test scores may have a significant impact. For example, it's possible to miss out on a scholarship cutoff by just a couple of points, and a slight increase in test scores can boost the chances of being admitted to certain colleges. In other words, every little bit helps!
A wide range of test prep resources are available including practice tests, books, software, websites, local test prep courses, and one-on-one tutoring. Students who stress out over the idea of standardized testing and who don't generally excel on tests may benefit greatly from utilizing one or more of these tools. A student who simply concentrates on preparing himself for the tricky format of these exams can obtain good results without huge amounts of work. All students should do at least some basic test preparation, such as reviewing an algebra textbook if it has been a few years since their last algebra class. Of course, the best preparation of all is to take challenging courses and to study hard in school. 

Sylvan SAT/ACT® Prep can help you prepare.
Find a participating Sylvan below 
  or visit www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com to find a center near you.
 
Sylvan
 
Alabama
Sylvan
Emerald Place
 1720 Highway 78 East, Oxford, AL  36203
  526-831-4050
syl2610@bellsouth.net
 
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  Sylvan Learning Center
 2618 Hough Rd
 256.760.0330
www.educate.com
         Offering  help with ACT
 
Florida 
Sylvan Learning of Fort Myers / Cape Coral
12741 World Plaza Lane
Fort Myers, FL  33907
239-275-1130
www.sylvanlearning.com
 amielee@sylvanswfl.com
We offer both SAT & ACT at the Fort Myers location.
$100 off promotion  for Homeschooling Kids/Teen Magazine.
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 Sylvan Learning - Naples
 1495 Pine Ridge Rd., Unit 1 Naples, FL 34109
 (239) 566-8230
 http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/naples-tutoring
  Offering  help with ACT and SAT
$100 off ACT/SAT program
SAT/ACT Test Stress Seminar October 17 1 pm
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 Sylvan Learning Center of Port Charlotte
1700 Tamiami Trail, Suite F-3
 941-764-1330 Ext 402
julielavalley@sylvanswfl.com
Offer help with ACT and SAT
FREE SAT Practice test on Saturday, October 16, 2009, 1:00 - 5:00pm.
Parents' Night to explain Practice test results and present information
on college admissions process, entrance requirements, and scholarships
on Thursday, October 29, 2009, at 7:00pm.
Upcoming Classes:
SAT beginning October 7th for the December 5th SAT Test
ACT beginning November 3rd for the December 12th ACT Test
SAT beginning November 3Th for the January 23, 2010 SAT Test
Enroll with a friend and each of you receive Sylvan SAT Prep materials
FREE (a $100 value). 
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            Sylvan Learning Center 0665
Port Richey
8601 Regency Park Blvd.
Port Richey, FL  34668
727 849 5005
727 849 1165
 
slc0665@aol.com
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Sylvan Learning Center of Sarasota
 8590 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota, FL 34238
 941-923-4889
 http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/34238/index.cfm
Sylvansarasotacounty@sylvanswfl.com
 Offering  help with ACT and SAT
SAT Test Date: December 5, 2009    
October 20 - December 3, Tuesdays and Thursday, 5:00-7:30
             (No class November 24 and 26)                
 SAT Test Date: January 23, 2010         
November 30- January 20, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:00-7:30
(No class December 21, 23, 28, and 30)
Call for ACT Prep times and dates
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        Sylvan Learning Center 617   
Tallahassee
2811 Market Street Suite 3
Tallahassee FL  32312
850 385 8686
850 385 8670 (fax)
  
sylvan617@aol.com 

Georgia
Sylvan Learning Center 3021
Albany
2722-8 Dawson Road
Albany, GA  31707
229 878 1111
229 878 1198 (fax)
 
slc3021@aol.com
 
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Sylvan Learning Center
3220 Cobb Pkwy, suite 202
(serving Atlanta, Smyrna, Buckhead, Vinings)
Atlanta, GA 30339
770-988-3178 
 Sylvan's SAT or ACT Program features:
small group, personalized learning, highly trained instructors,
three real life practice tests, specially designed and proven verbal, writing and math instruction.
Additional computer instruction and review are available for math via Sylvan MathPrep. 
 Take a Practice Test, then decide:
Take a real-life practice SAT or ACT for only $10 by appointment or on a Sylvan "Diag Day."
(reference Homeschooling Kids/Teen Magazine)
Then receive a free consultation and score review. Call today to schedule!
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 Sylvan Learning Center Cumming
655 Atlanta Hwy
Suite 2A
Cumming, Georgia, 30040 USA
(770) 888-4000
  Sylvan Learning Center
 105 Village Walk, Suite 175, Dallas GA  30168  
 Serving Paulding, Carroll, Haralson, and Polk Counties.  
 Sylvan Learning Center Oakwood
3446 Winder Highway
Suite P
Flowery Branch, Georgia, 30542
(770) 531-9511
Peachtree City
300 Willowbend Road
Peachtree City, Georgia, 30269
(770) 487-0646
slc3015@mindspring.com  
 ---------- 
 Sylvan Learning Center of Rome
210 E. 2nd Ave., Suite 100 Rome, GA 30161
 Offering  help with ACT  and SAT.  We also offer other programs for college prep including: Advanced (Speed) Reading, College Prep Writing, Advanced Math
 FREE RELEASE TESTING W/SCORE REPORT AND CONSULT 3rd Satruday in EACH Month!!!
 FREE ONLINE SUPPLEMENT W/PURCHASE OF TEXT OR ANY SAT/ACT PREP PROGRAM
 ---------- 
 Stockbridge
3797 Highway 138 SE
Suite K
Stockbridge, Georgia, 30281 USA
(770) 389-0007
Sylvan Learning Center 3055
Thomasville
15039 US Hwy 19 South
Thomasville, GA  31792
229 584 0890
229 584 0893 (fax)
 
slc3055@aol.com 
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Sylvan Learning Center 3024
Valdosta
1709 River Street
Valdosta, GA  31601
229 245 0381
229 245 0878 (fax)
 
slc3024@aol.com 
   ----------
Sylvan Learning Center Woodstock
1105 Parkside Lane
Suite 1399
Woodstock, Georgia, 30189
(770) 592-0023
 Idaho
Post Falls Sylvan Learning Center
  1810 E Schneidmiller Ave Ste 240 Post Falls, Idaho 83854
  208 457 9599
 http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/83854/index.cfm
 sylvanpf@icehouse.net 
 Offering  help with ACT and SAT
 First SAT or ACT free + enroll a friend and receive 2 free hours!
 
Illinois
Sylvan Learning Center of McHenry
1759 N. Richmond Rd.
McHenry, IL.  60050
815-363-3910 (815-347-7267 - cell after hours)
mchenrysylvan@sbcglobal.net
 Serving Crystal Lake - Woodstock - McHenry - Hebron - Marengo - Richmond/Spring Grove - Johnsburg and more
We offer 2 free ACT Practice tests and
$100.00 off the program (fall/09 code)
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 Freeport Sylvan Learning Center
 1255 W. Empire St.    Freeport, IL 61032
 815-232-0200
www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com
 sdombrowski@ia-ilsylvan.com         
 Offering  help with both ACT and SAT 
$100 off ACT/SAT Prep Program.  Free practice ACT tests each Saturday from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm. Call to schedule appointment.
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Rockford Sylvan Learning Center
6785 Weaver Rd.  Suite 2C   Rockford, IL  61114
 815-282-7979
 Offering help with ACT  and  SAT
Free practice ACT test: Monday, November 9th from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm, and Wednesday, November 11 from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
 
Louisiana 
 Sylvan Learning Lafayette
  337-232-7323
  sylvanlafayette@sylvanacadiana.com
Offering  ACT and SAT  
Our next ACT Prep class begins Monday, October 26/or Wednesday October 28 for the December 12, 2009 test. 
Be sure to register by the Early Bird deadline of October 15, 2009 to save $55.00 with the Earlybird Discount! 
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Sylvan 
6560 Youree Drive Suite 1001            
    Shreveport, Louisiana 71105
 318-798-6284
 sylvanlearning.com 
sylvan1300@earthlink.net
 We are currently offering ACT prep as individual tutoringMichigan
 
Michigan
Sylvan Learning Center
26701 Little Mack Avenue
St. Clair Shores, MI  48081
(586) 541-1000
 Minnesota
Sylvan Learning Center
172 Pioneer Trail Chaska, MN 55318
952-466-3838
serving West & SW metro of Mpls
 $100 off ACT/SAT prep by mentioning this AD
 
New York
Bronxville Sylvan Learning Center
 850 Bronx River Road   Suite 104
    Bronxville,  NY  10708
 914-237-4396
www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/yonkers-tutoring
sylvan4243@msn.com
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 White Plains Sylvan Learning Center
  180 South Broadway
    White Plains,  NY  10605
  914-948-4116
 www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/whiteplains-tutoring
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 Sylvan Learning Center of Pittsford
3300 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY14618       
585-385-9480
 www.SylvanLearning.com 
         steron@frontiernet.net
 Offering help with ACT and SAT
$100 Off SAT or ACT Prep program
----------
Sylvan Learning Center of Greece
1600 West Ridge Road, Rochester, NY14615
 585-663-6226
 www.SylvanLearning.com  
Offering help with ACT and SAT
$100 Off SAT or ACT Prep program
----------
Sylvan Learning Center of Webster
1170 Ridge Road, Webster, NY14580
 585-872-1071
 www.SylvanLearning.com
sylvanwebster@frontiernet.net
 Offering help with ACT and SAT
$100 Off SAT or ACT Prep program
----------
Sylvan Learning Center of Canandaigua
2510 Rochester Road
 585-393-4870
 www.SylvanLearning.com
sylvancndga@frontiernet.net
 Offering  help with ACT and  SAT
 $100 Off SAT or ACT Prep program

North Carolina
Sylvan Learning Center Goldsboro 
 206 North Spence Avenue
 Goldsboro, North Carolina  27534
 (919) 751-2300 
sylvangoldsboro@bellsouth.net
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Sylvan Learning of Rocky Mount
 113 Kandemor Ln, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
 252-937-9840
rockymount@sylvannc.com
  Offer help with ACT/ SAT
  
Oregon
Sylvan Learning Center
  Kim Dorn
  Sunnyslope Center, Suite 180
              4555 Liberty Road South
              Salem Oregon 97302
  503-363-2996
 www.educate.com
Sylvan0112@hotmail.com
 At this time we offer SAT prep in a small group setting.
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East Portland
1122 NE 122nd Avenue
Portland, OR  97230
503-254-2009
We offer only the SAT prep, and have a $100 off coupon on our website.
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Southeast - Milwaukie
14623 McLoughlin Blvd
Milwaukie, OR  97267
503-659-9575
We only offer the SAT Prep, and have a $100 off coupon on our website.
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North/Northeast Portland
4300 NE Fremont
Columbia Plaza, Suite 150
Portland, OR 97213
503-249-2855
We offer ACT/SAT prep, and have a $100 off coupon on our website.
Pennsylvania
Sylvan Learning Center of Monroe And Pike County
Fountain Court Route 611
Bartonsville, PA 18321
sylvanmc@ptd.net
570-629-6600
SAT Prep
Class starts October 24, 2009
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Sylvan Learning Center of Doylestown
1745 S. Easton Rd. (Barn Plaza)  Doylestown, PA. 18901
215-918-2120
  www.educate.com 
SAT, ACT
     Specials and coupons can be  found at www.educate.com

South Carolina
Sylvan Learning of Columbia
Village at Sandhill
130-9 Forum Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
803.741.0999
$100 off any comprehensive SAT or ACT program!
SAT or ACT strategy classes for $95!
---------- 
 Sylvan Learning of Irmo
900 Lake Murray Blvd.
Irmo, SC 29063
803.781.7323
$100 off any comprehensive SAT or ACT program!
SAT or ACT strategy classes for $95!
 ----------
Sylvan Learning of Greenville
1451 Woodruff Road, Suite P
Greenville, SC 29607
864.676.0011
sylvan.greenville@gradeseek.com
www.sylvanlearning.com
 $100 off any comprehensive SAT or ACT program!
SAT or ACT strategy classes for $95!
---------- 
Sylvan Learning of Anderson
3118 North Main Street
Anderson, SC 29621 
 $100 off any comprehensive SAT or ACT program!
SAT or ACT strategy classes for $95!
 ---------- 
Sylvan Learning of Greenwood
Kmart Plaza
230 Bypass 72 NW
Greenwood, SC 29649
864.942.3300
sylvan.greenwood@gradeseek.com
www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/greenwood/index.cfm
$100 off any comprehensive SAT or ACT program!
SAT or ACT strategy classes for $95!
  ----------
 Sylvan Learning Center of Charleston
1890 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.
Suite 225
Charleston, SC  29407
843.766.7323
 ---------- 
Sylvan Learning Center of Ladson
9616 Hwy 78
Suites 2 & 3
Ladson, SC  29456
843.569.3601
www.educate.com
Help with SAT & ACT

 Utah
Layton Sylvan Learning Center 
70 S Fairfield Road Suite 6
801-543-4400
layton.ut-12452@educate.com 

Virginia
Sylvan Learning Center
3634 Brambleton Avenue
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
 540-344-2941
 
erinh@sylvanroanoke.com
 Limited Time Only, Special Offer Now Through 10/31/2009.... Mention you saw our ad in the homeschooling kids magazine and receive $25 off any Skills Assessment or SAT Prep Program. 
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Sylvan Learning Center
8116 Timberlake Rd., Suite 200,
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434)  832-1000
Serving greater Lynchburg, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell and Appomattox
 www.sylvanlynchburg.com
Sterling
21165 Whitfield Place Suite 103
Sterling, VA 20165
703-404-8804
We offer SAT/ACT programs
 
Canada
 Sylvan Learning Centre SW Calgary
 #1, 5308 17th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T3E 6S6
 403-240-3888
 www.educate.com
We run a program for SAT Prep only.  (No ACT)
 We are running Free Diag Day's in the Centre.  Students will have an opportunity to sit a practice SAT exam which will be scored and then they will receive the results. Dates for these are determined upon student interest.
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Mississauga Sylvan Learning Centre
 50 Burnhamthorpe Road W.  Suite 101A. Mississauga, ON. L5B 3C2
 905.566.1970
www.educate.com
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
 We are holding a free SAT testing day on Saturday, December 12, 2009 and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
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Oakville Sylvan Learning Centre
 243 North Service Road West, Suite 302. Oakville, ON. L6M 3E5
 905.469.6353
www.educate.com
sylvanoakville@gmail.com 
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
Do you have any specials or ACT/SAT related events going on next month?  We are holding a free SAT testing day on Saturday, December 12, 2009 and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
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 Etobicoke Sylvan Learning Centre
 56 Aberfoyle Cr. Suite 120. Etobicoke, ON. M8X 2W4
 416.236.2553
 www.educate.com
sylvanetobicoke@gmail.com
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
We are holding a free SAT testing day on Saturday, December 12, 2009 and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
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 South Scarborough Sylvan Learning Centre
2495 Eglington Avenue East, Scarborough, ON. M1K 2R1
 416.266.1870
www.educate.com
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
  We are holding a free SAT testing day on Saturday, December 12, 2009 and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
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Pickering Sylvan Learning Centre
1550 Kingston Road, Pickering, ON. L1V 1C3
 905.839.9465
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
We are holding a free SAT testing day on Saturday, December 12, 2009 and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
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 Courtice Sylvan Learning Centre
 1415 Highway 2. Unit 4. Courtice, ON. L1E 2J6
 905.725.6904
 www.educate.com
 sylvancourtice@gmail.com
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
We are holding a free SAT testing day on Saturday, December 12, 2009 and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
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 Erin Mills Sylvan Learning Centre
2400 Dundas Street West. Unit 4. Mississauga, ON. L5K 1R8.
 905.822.3456
www.educate.com 
Offering help with ACT and SAT. 
  We are holding a free SAT testing day on Saturday, December 12, 2009 and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
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 Port Credit Sylvan Learning Centre
 228 Lake Shore Road West. Unit BC04. Mississauga, ON. L5H 1G6
 905.271.3535
www.educate.com 
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
  We are holding a free SAT testing day on Saturday, December 12, 2009 and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
----------
 Beaches Sylvan Learning Centre
2126 1/2 Queen Street East. Toronto, ON. M4E 1E3
 416.691.8811
 www.educate.com
 sylvanbeaches@gmail.com
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
We are holding a free SAT testing day on Saturday, December 12, 2009 and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
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Vaughan Sylvan Learning Centre
 3120 Rutherford Road, Unit 1. Vaughan, ON. L4K 0B1
 905.879.0986
 www.educate.com
 sylvanvaughan@gmail.com
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
We are holding a free SAT testing day on Saturday, December 12, 2009 and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
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 North Scarborough Sylvan Learning Centre
 3300 Midland Avenue, Suite 201. Toronto, ON. M1V 4W6
 416.293.2297
 www.educate.com
Offering help with ACT, SAT or both.
We are holding a free SAT testing day on Saturday, December 12, 2009 and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.


Or visit www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com to find a center near you.

      
 
Sent by Homeschooling Kids / Homeschooling Teen Magazine 
 on behalf of participating Sylvan Learning Centers