To help you maximize your potential on the SAT and ACT exams, we encourage you to participate regularly in the proctored practice exam series that is part of your Peak Performance instructional program. To help you plan your approach to the practice testing component, I've shared some common questions and our responses below:
How Many Practice Exams Should I Take? • Each year we offer approximately 30 proctored practice exams • We find that students can reach their peak level of performance on the official exam by taking between 7-10 proctored practice exams (in addition to the diagnostics taken prior to beginning instruction). • This past year, a handful of students wound up taking 12-15 practice exams. In these instances, the decision to take so many was almost always driven by the student. For students who enjoy (or aren't bothered) by taking so many, the repetition and routine can prove immensely helpful. • For those who find the practice test component draining or less enjoyable, it's particularly important to be purposeful about which exams you take. It's crucial that when you register for a practice exam and sit down with us to take it, that you are ready to put forth your maximum effort. Performing well on a practice exam can provide a tremendous boost of confidence. How Frequently Should I Take Exams? • There is no exact formula, but here are some recommended approaches: Student begins our program 4-5 months out from first official exam date - Take initial diagnostic(s) prior to first instructional lesson - Take 1 exam in the first month - Take 2 exams per month for the next two to three months - Take 1 exam in the final few weeks leading up to first official exam - Take additional exams as needed prior to the second official exam Student begins our program 3 months out from first official exam date - Take initial diagnostic(s) prior to first instructional lesson - Take 1 exam in the first month - Take 2 exams in the second month and 3 exams in the third month - Take additional exams as needed prior to the second official exam What Type of Feedback Do I Get and How Should I Use It? • We email you a detailed score report and custom item analysis. While we promise to have this to you by 11:45pm the day after the exam, you have probably realized that in almost all cases we send this to you within about 8-10 hours of your completing the exam. • Students who benefit the most from practice exams are those who take the time to first review their results, then examine the score report and item analysis, and then take the time to work through errors and make as many self-corrections as possible How do I Register for Each Exam? • You'll continue to receive invitations from our director of testing, Helen Phillips, on Monday mornings prior to weekend exams. Please always use the provided link to register. • Please register as soon as possible upon receiving the invitation and no less than 48 hours prior to the exam as the process of determining which test to give you, printing, and potentially troubleshooting requires considerable time for us and for you. During certain times of the year, all spots fill up within about 24-36 hours of our sending the invitations. Where Can I Find the Test Schedule? • Please use these links to our SAT Testing Page and ACT Testing Page. Please note that we occasionally need to change a date and we often add dates (particularly in this given year with lots of unusual quirks in everyone's schedules). • Note that we try to offer tests on different days of the week (i.e. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the summer and weekends and holidays during the school year). • In the event that you ever wish to schedule a test on a date not offered, feel free to contact us about setting up a private practice exam. Note that the cost of a private proctored exam isn't covered in the unlimited package that you have. Comments are closed.
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