Sophomores and juniors will not take the PARCC or CMAS in the spring of 2018. Instead, tenth graders will take the PSAT and eleventh graders will take the SAT.
The SAT will now serve two purposes: 1) a standardized test for schools to measure achievement; 2) for use in college applications. The PSAT is great preparation for the SAT. Now high school students wanting to go to a 4 year college won’t have to take both the PSAT/SAT and the PARCC assessment. Students, who otherwise would not have invested the time or money to take the SAT, will now take it. This new practice removes one more barrier for students applying to a four year colleges and universities.
One of the biggest difficulties in the math portion of the PSAT and SAT is the heavy emphasis on algebra. Many children struggle when they get to algebra. Many 10th and 11th graders are taking geometry, or another math strand, when they take the PSAT or SAT. These students may find the math portion of the test difficult simply because it has been awhile since they used many of the skills required.
If your child will take the PSAT or the SAT this spring, he or she should start preparing for it now. We can help. We teach kids math concepts and skills and how to tackle complex math problems strategically.
Even if your child does well in math in school, investing in your child’s math achievement for the high stakes tests is worthwhile. The difference between a good score and a great score could mean the difference between getting into the college of choice or not. Even some scholarships look at SAT scores to decide who gets awarded money.
If math has always been a struggle, do not put off getting math help even one more minute. It is much better to get help in high school than to need a remediation course in college.
High school students can get help with homework, private tutoring, or take our test prep course right here at Mathnasium of Littleton. Call today! 303-979-9077
Suggested and referenced articles:
Now is the Time to Plan Your SAT and PSAT Prep
How Long Can Your Child Concentrate in Math?
Choose a Personalized Strategy to Reach Your Math Goals
Solving Math Problems Strategically
Get Your Child Ready for Algebra
What to Look for in a Math Tutor
What is the Saddest Type of Math Failure?
The Real Costs of Remedial College Math
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