Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Do-It-Yourself SAT and ACT Prep

While private tutoring and group classes can lead to improved scores on the SAT or ACT, not everyone has the time for a group class or the money for private tutoring. 

Luckily, test prep is not rocket science. As long as a student is motivated and dedicated, she or he can prepare for both the SAT and ACT on his or her own. Even better, it won’t take inordinate time and/or money to get ready on your own. 


Here are six steps to ACT and SAT prep for all you Do-It-Yourselfers:

1) Buy a Reputable Test Prep Guide Book: I generally recommend the Official SAT Study Guide for SAT prep and the Real ACT Prep Guide because these books are produced by the test writers. Better to use a guide that matches the test as much as possible. 

2) Take a Practice Test: Take just one of the several practice tests found in your study guide (there are 10 in the SAT book and five in the ACT book). 

3) Score Your Practice Test: Based on the scoring systems detailed in the guide books, figure out your Raw score. Note that the SAT is scored differently than the ACT. Be sure to read the scoring guidelines detailed in your book to understand how to calculate your Raw Score. Each guide book will also give you an estimated conversion table so you can figure out your Scaled Score. The Scaled Score is a maximum of 800 on the SAT and a maximum of 36 on the ACT. Understanding the scoring for both tests is an important step towards understanding how to improve your score. After all, it is simply a numbers game. 

4) Analyze Your Results: Find out what areas present challenges to you and what areas were relatively easy. For example, maybe Math is a challenge while English was easy on the ACT. Or even more detailed, maybe the Algebra problems on the SAT were easy but the Geometry problems were hard. Knowing your areas of strengths will enable you to score points quickly and accurately on test day. Along those lines, understanding your weaknesses will allow you to study up on those areas that need some extra time. 

5) Devise a Game Plan to Maximize Your Score: Each student should have their own personal Game Plan for test day. For some students, this might include strategies for each question type. Other students will want to figure out which questions to guess on or skip altogether. Your Game Plan should entail ways to address your weaknesses. Ultimately, every Game Plan should address the scoring system (see Step #3) and ways to manage both strengths and weaknesses (see Step #4).

6) Practice: After you set up your Game Plan, take a practice test to evaluate the success of your Game Plan. Repeat all of the steps after each practice test and see if you are moving your score. If you are not seeing any improvement, analyze your results again and see where you can score more. 

Above all, remember that in order to get better at anything, it takes some work. You have to be willing to put in some time if you want to see results. You may not need a 12-week course and you may not have to spend thousands of dollars. But if you want to maximize your score, you need to put in some effort. Do nothing and nothing will happen. 

Find more useful study tips by reading 2400 SCORES by Brooke W. Higgins now available for your tablet at Amazon. Or contact CROSSWALK today. CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for tutoring in all academic subjects, ACT/SAT Boot Camps and private ACT, SAT or PSAT preparation. 

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

The Real Truth Behind SAT & ACT Test Prep Guarantees

“Higher Score Guaranteed or Your Money Back” is what one famously large test prep center advertises. Another offers that a student’s “composite score will increase by 300 points ore more” when you use their particular resource.

Hogwash. Total hogwash.

First of all, as some would claim, test prep companies rig the tests.

Here is how they do it: On the first day of a course at a prep center, you are given a diagnostic. Instead of a realistic test, test prep centers create diagnostic tests more difficult than the actual SAT. So when you get your score on the diagnostic test, you will score very low. And when you take the real SAT, presumably after the course, the test would be much easier and you would thus score higher.

Sneaky, right?

Fortunately, not all companies engage in this practice. In fact, CROSSWALK uses tests directly from the Official SAT Study Guide for all assessments. This allows for a consistent measurement to track performance.

The second reason this test prep center guarantees are bogus is that none of those test centers can predict what kind of mental mindset a student will have on test day. A student’s mental mindset and attitude is the most important determinant of student performance.

Where your head is on test day is what really will drive your score. If you are rested, focused and prepared, you will score well. On the other hand, if you are stressed, frazzled or negative, your score will suffer.

For this reason, CROSSWALK will never make a guarantee of a higher score. We simply cannot control a student’s mindset on test day. Let’s say a student goes out to a party the night before the test and gets no sleep. Or the student gets in a fight with a boyfriend or girlfriend before test day. These situations would greatly impact a student’s performance and are beyond CROSSWALK’s control.

What we will guarantee is that if a student practices and follows the strategies outlined in our Boot Camps or with our private tutors, the student will be more confident, comfortable and knowledgeable about how to achieve a higher score. And if that student puts in the work to master a personalized game plan, which would include making sure his or her mindset is primed for performance, a score will go up.

It’s no secret and there is nothing sneaky about it: if you put in the time, results will happen. Guaranteed.

Learn top SAT strategies for a stress-free testing experience by reading 2400 SCORES: 24 Life Lessons to Demystify the SAT® and Boost Your Score by Brooke Higgins available at Amazon.

Contact CROSSWALK to learn more about ACT/SAT Boot Camps, private tutoring and more ways to learn.

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

How SAT & ACT Prep is Like Training for a Marathon

What do you do the night before a Biology exam? More than likely, you stay up late to cram a bunch of content into your brain. 

OK, so what does a marathon runner do the night before a big race? Do you think she stays up late to cram in a bunch of last minute training? 


Of course not. 

You can cram for a Biology exam because you only need to recall the content for a short period of time. 

You can’t cram for a marathon because you would actually harm your body. 

Same goes for the SAT and ACT. Think of them as the marathons of tests. 

Consider that both the SAT and the ACT, are not content-based tests. They are more about context. To perform well on context-based tests, your brain needs to be rested, focused and clear in order to think critically and solve problems. Cramming the night before will only hurt your ability to perform at an optimum level. 

Furthermore, the SAT and the ACT are long tests. Sitting for the SAT and ACT requires 3-4 hours of intense focus. Focus for the SAT and ACT is developed over time. To be comfortable in a long test, you need to practice taking the test for long periods of time. 

Finally, remember that a marathon runner doesn’t just show up on race day without undergoing some kind of training program. And the more a runner is dedicated to a training program, the more success will ensue. 

So train hard and long for both the SAT and ACT. When there is a week left for the test, like the marathon runner, taper your training. Reduce your studying, get lots of rest the week and do whatever your brain and body need to get into optimal performance mode for test day. 

Learn more by reading 2400 SCORES: 24 Life Lessons to Demystify the SAT and Boost Your Score by Brooke Higgins now available on Amazon. 

And contact CROSSWALK for information on private tutoring, test prep and SAT/ACT Boot Camps on the Monterey Peninsula. 
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

SAT vs ACT: Which is Better?

A recent article in the New York Times lays out a great case of why more students are taking both the ACT and the SAT. Check it out here.

The SAT vs ACT debate is a frequent topic of conversation with my students and their families. Many families want to know: which test is better, the ACT or the SAT?

Nowadays, colleges will accept either score.

So the bottom line, I tell my students, is to figure out which test is better for that particular student. As the New York Times article describes, some students prefer the more straightforward and predictable layout of the ACT, while others like the gaming, scoring and shorter sections on the SAT.

Take both and see which one yields a better score. Once you figure that out, focus test prep for only one test. Assuming the college of choice will accept either score, a student would be wise to ignore one test and strictly focus on the preparation for the other. Guide books, private tutoring or other instruction can be an excellent way to boost test scores.

Also remember that some colleges don’t even look at test scores (click here for a list of schools that do not emphasize SAT or ACT scores in their admission process).

Maximize your test prep by focusing on one test. Contact CROSSWALK to learn more about our private tutoring, Boot Camps and academic tutoring on the Monterey Peninsula.

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

New SAT and ACT Boot Camp Dates Added!

Wait a second, do SAT or ACT Boot Camps really work?


Maybe this mother from Pebble Beach will convince you:

“After the CROSSWALK SAT Boot Camp, our son understood the ins and outs of SAT testing. He learned when to leave an answer blank, got a great picture of the entire scoring system, and practiced the techniques of eliminating wrong answers. His test scores improved immensely as did his confidence level. This is efficient learning at its best!”

OK, that is just one mom, but there are plenty of satisfied CROSSWALK clients that learn key strategies and test content for both the SAT and the ACT. 

The one-day SAT or ACT Boot Camp is not for every learner. In fact, don’t expect to know everything after just one boot camp. But you will have all the tools to get the job done. Students understand test content, prepare a personalized game plan to get the desired score and learn key activities to hone skills. 

Best of all, a ton of new Boot Camp dates have been added for fall 2013 and winter 2014. Check the calendar at CROSSWALK for details. 

CROSSWALK Educational Services offers private tutoring in all academic subjects, personalized SAT and ACT Prep as well as small group ACT/SAT Boot Camps. Contact us today to learn more. 
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Superscoring the SAT and the ACT

Superscoring is the practice of taking the highest subscore from individual test sections to combine them into one superscore. A superscore would thus cherry pick the best subscores across multiple test dates in order to come up with one, more impressive superscore.
For example, let’s say you take the SAT in the spring and score a 610 on the Math, a 630 on Critical Reading and a 540 on Writing for a total composite score of 1780. In an attempt to improve your score, you decide to take the test again the fall. On your second sitting, you score a 570 on the Math, a 640 on the Critical Reading and a 570 on the Writing. Again, your composite score is a 1780. However, your superscore is actually an 1820. 
You see, some schools will take the 610 you scored in Math from the first test and add that to the best Critical Reading and the best Writing score regardless of test date. Thus, your superscore is more impressive than your composite score.
Same goes for the ACT. Some schools will select your best score in each section (Math, Reading, Science, Writing) and average those best scores all together for one ACT superscore. 
Now, the rub is that not all schools follow this method. Schools undoubtedly want applicants with the best scores, thus making acceptance more competitive. However, some schools have not adopted the superscore policy. 
For a list of schools and their superscore policy regarding the SAT, check out this list produced by the College Board. As for the ACT, this list is about as reliable as it gets. 
The moral of the story is to check the school(s) that are interesting to you. Find out their policy and you can adjust your test strategies as such. 
If you have any questions, contact CROSSWALK, the Monterey Peninusla’s local resource for test prep, private tutoring and ACT/SAT Boot Camps. 
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

10 Things to Do to Prepare for the SAT and ACT

My thanks to all who attended the free “10 Things to Do this Summer to Prepare for the SAT and ACT” workshop last week. It was a great evening full of some very useful information. 

In case you missed it, I prepared a very brief (by very, I mean no more than five minutes!) overview of the workshop. Have a gander at the following video and feel free to contact me with any questions. 

http://content.screencast.com/users/brookewhiggins/folders/Default/media/9151b6e6-bc43-4338-9423-2bc4934c594d/bootstrap.swf

CROSSWALK is Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for test prep and academic tutoring. Boot Camps, Summer Camps and private tutoring are just a few of the test prep options offered. Subscribe to this blog right from CROSSWALK’s home page or contact CROSSWALK to learn more. 

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

FREE Workshop: "10 Things to Do This Summer to Prepare for the ACT & SAT"

Wondering how to prepare for the ACT and SAT this summer? Well, here is your first step!

Attend “10 Things to Do This Summer to Prepare for the ACT and SAT” for FREE! 

That’s right! This free workshop is for parents and students alike. You will discover excellent study tips, approaches to test preparation and more. Brooke Higgins, founder and lead Test Prep Instructor at CROSSWALK, will show you how to take full advantage of the summer months to maximize your success. All of this, for free! 

Here are the details:

When: June 6th from 6:00-7:30pm

Where: Classroom #MG100 on the campus of the Monterey Institute of International Studies. This classroom is located in the McGowan building on the corner of Franklin and Pacific in downtown Monterey. Park on the street or any MIIS-designated lot. 

How: spaces are limited so contact CROSSWALK today to reserve your spot. You can email, leave a message on the website or call 831-70-TUTOR today to request your spot. 

CROSSWALK is Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for academic tutoring and test prep. Since 2002, CROSSWALK has worked with local schools and college counselors alike. Make CROSSWALK your next step for test preparation and academic success.  

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Spring & Summer Boot Camps

CROSSWALK has recently added some new SAT and ACT Boot Camp dates for the spring and summer:

  • April 21: SAT Boot Camp (9:00am-3:00pm)
  • May 19: SAT Boot Camp (9:00am-3:00pm)
  • June 2: ACT Boot Camp (9:00am-3:00pm)
  • June 5 and 7: afternoon SAT Boot Camp (3-6:00pm both days)
  • June 12 and 14: afternoon ACT Boot Camp (3-6:00pm both days)
  • July 10 and 12: afternoon SAT Boot Camp (3-6:00pm both days
  • July 17 and 19: afternoon ACT Boot Camp (3-6:00pm both days)
If you are interested in signing up for an upcoming Boot Camp, contact CROSSWALK at 831-70-TUTOR (88867) or email us at mail@crosswalkeducation.com.
For future dates and information, be sure to check the calendar.
If you are interested in forming a group for your own Boot Camp, CROSSWALK offers some great money-saving ways to get you and your friends ready for test day. Contact CROSSWALK to learn more.
Also, for the latest events at CROSSWALK as well as educational insights delivered directly to your inbox, please subscribe to the CROSSWALK blog by inputting your email into the box on the right. Check out past blog posts right here.
For questions and more information, or to set up your FREE meet and greet with one of our tutors, contact CROSSWALK directly.
CROSSWALK is Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for SAT & ACT Boot Camps, Test Prep and Private Tutoring.
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

SAT Test Optional?

Ah, the debate continues. Is the SAT a viable predictor of college performance?

One one hand, it is perhaps the only standardized measurement on a prospective student’s application. GPAs? Hardly standardized. A 4.0 at one school does not equate to a 4.0 at another school. So what can a college do? With so many college applicants, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff?

So goes the argument for the SAT: without anything else in place, it can serve as a predictor.

On the other hand, as more and more data is showing, the level of predictability is minimal. According to the latest from Joseph Soares, GPAs are indeed the best predictor of performance. Even if schools have varying standards, it seems that your GPA will determine how well you do in college. Not a standardized test.

Read more about Dr. Soares and his book, SAT Wars: The Case for Test-Optional Admissions (Teachers College Press) and see for yourself.

So where will the SAT go? Nowhere for now. But the long term future of standardized tests may be a question.