B)    Polymorphous

C)    Valuable

D)    Cugat

E)     Parabola

And I guess the question is will you be penalized for not answering the question? Well, incorrect answers on SAT multiple choice questions garner a ¼ pt. deduction. The ACT doesn't penalize an incorrect or blank answer. So, it's always kind of humorous when the proctor gives the two-minute warning during the ACT and students scamper to bubble in the remaining 8-10 answers. Someone did their homework.

In the pantheon of important data considered for admission, just where do the standardized scores fall? And more importantly what is the most important factor in admitting or denying an applicant? They all look so similar. To paraphrase Eddie Murphy from Delirious (1983), all day, poring over applications, one Saltine after another, endlessly. And then along comes a Ritz Cracker, finally. Frankly, four or so hours out a student's life will not trip the wires too much but the SAT or ACT score is indeed paramount. On the other hand, class rank is a semi-poor indicator of likelihood of success at the next level. A student may rank #12 but what if the class is only 100 students, or worse, 20 students.

The most important admissions factors are probably how many honors and AP classes did your high school offer, and how many did you take and how well did you do in them. And then, in your spare time, what did you do to better your community and did you influence and help other people.

So, the SAT and ACT are strong indicators of future success partly by accident. For example, which of the following students is more likely to do well and persist: a student who earns an 870 critical reading and math combined, or a student who scores a 1450 on the same criteria? This is a no brainer because 1600 is the top score and 850 suggests that perhaps a two-year college is better preparation for success at the next level. So, for all the nattering nabobs of negativity who poo-poo standardized tests, here is your roundabout proof that tests are indeed valuable. Also, colleges sometimes use the scores to place students in their first-year math and English classes.

It's a silly game. Better scores, alongside great grades, generally equate to more scholarships, more acceptances and generally demonstrate that you have learned well and can demonstrate that learning. Like a credit score, a high score means you are a better risk, usually. However, it's not everything and plenty of students can tell horror stories of having really high scores but getting denied nonetheless. Better to think amalgamation. Students need to be well-rounded, with diverse experiences, have high weighted GPA's and be ambitious enough to have addressed societal needs and succeed in true leadership positions.

This is how the big children at the small private high schools get the edge. They get more coaching, more standardized test prep and more competition from fellow students whose parents have serious skin in the game. Little Lord Fauntleroy isn't so prone to mail it in if the tuition is hovering around $10K-$20K per annum. That's the way you should play this game too. Our students who are ranked #40 through about #225 should be in there getting the test preparation necessary to amp up their scores so that they can maybe earn some scholarships and get accepted to better schools.

Improper Test Day Attire

            While there are many test preparation companies vying to serve you, Guidance is particularly impressed with College Nannies & Tutors with Chuck Nickel regularly coming over to IRHS to update us on his company's array of services. He's our pal because he's in the neighborhood and his concept gets results. His program involves highly competent and vetted people working with your child directly. You can review CN&T's program at www.collegenanniesandtutors.com/northtucsonaz 

New kid on the block, Mr. Rushabh Kamdar and his start up company, Beat That Test brings an exciting program to you which is a combination of Khan Academy-like presentation meets The College Board's Question of the Day. He is also from our neck of the woods and his competition is a welcome addition. You can review Beat That Test's program at www.beatthattest.com/sat This is a great idea brought to fruition and will yield results commensurate with your expectations. Beat That Test is for freshmen and sophomores only!

The Princeton Review is also known for test preparation. They've been around a long, long time and know what they are doing as well. Catch them at www.princetonreview.com or jnaccarato@review.com