ACT vs. SAT : Do Colleges Prefer One Over the Other?

The short answer to the question above is no. As of 2023, all colleges that consider standardized test scores as part of their admissions processes will take SAT or ACT scores at an equal value. 

This myth has persisted primarily because of the fact that a lot of states mandate that their high schoolers take either the SAT or ACT during the school day. CPS students take the SAT at their schools in April. Just north in Wisconsin, the ACT is mandated, so it varies state to state. Additionally, about half of incoming college freshmen attend colleges that are within 100 miles of their hometowns. As a result, colleges tend to receive a majority of test scores from the test that their state mandates that students take in high school (i.e. the SAT for Illinois students). Not all states mandate the SAT or ACT, but each state often leans one way or the other.

All of that being said, these state mandates and local tendencies do not affect how colleges consider either test, and students should just take whichever test they feel most confident. Students may also take both tests, but should consider the extra preparation time, stress, and testing fees that would be involved.

Check out our article ‘What's the Difference Between the SAT and the ACT?’ from November, 2022 to see which test is right for you!

Nate Hall, Director of Technology & Tutoring Coordinator
nate@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

Chat GPT

As technology evolves, it has become nearly impossible to discern artificial intelligence from authentic human work. This presents a particular problem for educators as students are more likely than ever to use technology in lieu of completing their own schoolwork. Chat GPT is an artificial intelligence program at the forefront of this issue. Educators are wary of this AI because it is available widely and has the ability to answer questions, write essays, and even code effectively.

However, while Chat GPT is often effective it is not foolproof. After testing its limits, Zurich-based data scientist Teresa Kubacka found that when presented with misinformation Chat GPT had no ability to determine inauthenticity. After asking the AI to write about a made-up phenomenon, Chat GPT went on to produce a work of equal nonsensical value, citing nonexistent sources and falsifying publications. This is yet another reason educators are trying to quell the spread of misinformation and safeguard students against academic dishonesty.

To disrupt the onslaught of AI-centered cheating, schools have taken measures to minimize student exposure to this technology. Recently, New York City schools have banned access to Chat GPT on all school-operated networks and computers. Seattle schools have also restricted access to Chat GPT as well as other websites used to forge classwork. In addition, many schools have also gone to lengths to invest in technology that is able to recognize AI-generated work. It is hoped that these changes will promote academic integrity by discouraging students from presenting AI-generated work as their own.

Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/technology/chatgpt-schools-teachers.html
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/19/1143912956/chatgpt-ai-chatbot-homework-academia
https://apnews.com/article/what-is-chat-gpt-ac4967a4fb41fda31c4d27f015e32660

Loss of Learning

Since 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a drastic decrease in academic achievement for students across the country. Both educationally and emotionally, over half of K-12 public school teachers admit that students have suffered greatly since the beginning of the pandemic. According to the Department of Education, only 26% of 8th graders are proficient in math compared to 34% proficiency of 8th graders in 2019. In addition, only 33% of fourth graders have achieved proficiency in math-- another dramatic decrease in performance. Experts in the education field believe that this is due to many factors that have resulted from the pandemic. Illness, isolation, remote learning, and anxiety are some of the leading issues students continue to face.

Among those affected, high-poverty areas have suffered the most in terms of educational decline. Sean Reardon, an education professor at Stanford states, “When you have a massive crisis, the worst effects end up being felt by the people with the least resources.” In some of the poorest communities such as that of Memphis, Tennessee, students lost over a year’s worth of progress in math and 70% of a year’s worth of progress in reading. Poverty and time spent learning remotely have proven to be two of the leading factors in students’ loss of learning.

To address these mounting issues, schools have put some strategies into effect. Many schools have added staff such as teacher’s aides to their classrooms, offered tutoring options, and created summer programs for student enrichment. Additionally, most schools have invested in technology in order to make remote learning as effective as possible. Nationally, school systems have spent over $190 million dollars in federal aid to promote academic recovery for students. Still, many educators feel these modifications are insufficient to meet the needs of struggling students, especially in economically disadvantaged school districts. Though adjustments have been made to minimize the effects of the pandemic, schools still struggle to fill positions and keep students engaged in the classroom.

Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

Sources:

https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/education-leaders-advise-how-to-aid-pandemic-learning-loss-159290949539

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/30/learning-loss-from-virtual-school-due-to-covid-is-significant-.html
 
https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2022-10-28/massive-learning-setbacks-show-covids-sweeping-toll-on-kids#:~:text=The%20analysis%20found%20the%20average,double%20those%20amounts%2C%20or%20worse.

Test Prep Chicago’s Online Tutoring FAQs

In light of COVID-19 concerns, Test Prep Chicago transitioned completely online on March 18th. While the city of Chicago remains on lockdown, we will continue to operate remotely for the safety of our students and staff. Below are frequently asked questions about our online tutoring.

What kind of online tutoring are you currently offering?

We can offer any test prep or subject-matter tutoring you need from 4th to 12th grade. Test Prep tutoring includes tutoring for the NWEA MAP, SEHS, HSPT, ISEE, Academic Center Entrance Exam, SAT, and ACT. In addition, we also offer tutoring for math placement tests like the Algebra Exit Exam.

With what program are you operating your online sessions? Can we use Zoom?

Test Prep Chicago is currently using Vedamo. Unlike Zoom, Vedamo is a platform specifically dedicated to remote tutoring and education, so it has more features available both to our students and tutors. Additionally, it’s provided at no additional cost to families.

What features can you access in Vedamo?

Like other video-chat platforms, Vedamo allows students and tutors to see and speak to one another through a video chat. Unlike other platforms, Vedamo has a digital whiteboard that also allows us to upload our material. During the session, the instructor and the student can write directly on the whiteboard, working through our custom material. 

How does a Test Prep tutoring session work now that it’s online?

The set-up of the session isn’t all that different from an in-person tutoring session once it gets going; the main difference is in the time leading up to tutoring. A day or two before the session, our tutor will send a PDF of what the student and tutor will work through during the session. This way, our students will have a paper copy if they’d prefer to write answers down rather than work through them on the computer, and they have a chance to briefly look over the material first if they’d like.

About 10 minutes before the session begins, the tutor will send a link to their virtual classroom. Once the student clicks the link, he or she is immediately logged into the session. Once the session begins, the tutor and student will work through the material as usual with their digital whiteboard. In addition (depending on which test the student is preparing for), after the session, the tutor will send an email link with online homework for the student to do in between sessions.

How does a Subject-Matter Tutoring session work now that it’s online?

Students will need to send a PDF version of what they’re working on with the tutor so the tutor can upload it to our platform before the session. Then, 10 minutes before the session, the students will receive a link from the tutor to log into the virtual classroom. Once in the virtual classroom, the session will proceed as usual as they work through the material on our digital whiteboard. After the session, the tutor can send supplemental material for homework if the student would like a little extra practice in between sessions. 

Is Online Tutoring as Effective as In-person Tutoring?

Since this is new for Test Prep Chicago, we don’t yet have any data to show one way or another. However, there is no reason to believe it’s less effective given the same kind of one-on-one, personalized nature of the session as well as the fact that we are continuing to utilize our custom material. 

Does Online Tutoring Cost the Same? Can I Get a Discount?

Yes. It’s the same price for online tutoring as it is for in-person. Our company is actually paying more to use the service to put everything online at no extra cost to our customers. Lastly, since we are a small business that has been greatly affected by the pandemic, we cannot offer any discounts at this time.

Lauren Lynch, Tutoring Coordinator
lauren@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

Tips for Remote Learning

Since Chicago Schools will be closed through at least April 30th due to COVID-19 concerns, CPS announced a remote learning plan for schools to begin on April 13th (for more information, see our previous blog post). While students will have the opportunity to continue learning, that doesn’t mean it won’t be without a challenge.  

Below are Test Prep Chicago’s tips for optimizing your student’s remote learning.

1.       Create the most ideal learning space possible.

While this may be difficult with the whole family all home at once, finding a quiet space in your home for your student to do his or her work will help your student to maintain focus, and be engaged in their remote learning.

2.       Make sure your student turns off his or her phone or other electronic devices before logging in to learn.

Just like in school, students should turn off any other electronic devices that may distract them from schooling.

3.       Use applications or browser extensions to help maintain focus.

Browser extensions like StayFocused for Chrome is a free extension to your browser which limits accessibility to other websites that may be distracting during work time. In addition, if your student is completing remote work on a phone or tablet, there are also similar apps available.

4.       Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

We’re all collectively becoming a bit more tech-savvy out of necessity, but these skills don’t come easily to everyone. It’s okay to reach out to your student’s school, etc. to ask for help on how to set up the necessary programs to facilitate remote learning for your student.

5.       Don’t be too hard on your student (or yourself).

This is a tough time for everyone. In addition to moving work and school online, many families are also worried about the safety of their loved ones. Don’t be too hard on yourself or your students as you navigate how best remote learning fits into your family.

In addition to schools transitioning online, Test Prep Chicago is now online as well to help supplement your student’s learning with a private tutor. We can also help your students work to prepare for placement tests or get a jump-start on standardized tests in the fall. To set up private tutoring, email us at info@testprepchicago.com.

Lauren Lynch, Tutoring Coordinator
lauren@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

New Point Calculators for Selective Enrollment High Schools and Academic Centers

Are you tired of manually attempting to calculate the necessary scores your child needs to get into the school of their choice? Well, good news is about to come your way. Test Prep Chicago recently unveiled a new feature: a free point calculator for both selective enrollment high schools and academic centers. You can find this easy-to-use feature on our homepage. To try it, click the point calculator button for either selective enrollment high schools or academic centers, and the website will redirect you to our calculation page.

Once on the calculation page, you can enter your student’s percentiles for both math and reading on the NWEA MAP test. After that, you can enter your student’s 5th or 7th grade grades and select which socio-economic tier in which you live. Once that information is entered, click the “calculate” button.

The calculator will then show you the points your student has earned based on their MAP score and their 5th or 7th grade grades. Underneath your student’s points earned, you can access their points needed based on the above scores, your tier neighborhood, and the scores required for different selective enrollment high schools or academic centers based on last year’s cutoff scores. This includes a breakdown of the minimum score required, exam points needed, as well as the exam score needed (on the AC exam or SEHS).

To try Test Prep Chicago’s point calculator now, visit our website’s homepage at www.testprepchicago.com.

Lauren Lynch, Tutoring Coordinator
lauren@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266