Question 1

Hey, my name is Tahj and I live in Jamaica. My school system is different from America's apparently. In Jamaica, high school ranges from grade 7 to grade 11 .. And then there's grade 12 and 13 which are optional, which is really equivalent to a community college. I am going into grade 11 and I've watched these videos on how to prepare for college. I see people talking about AP courses, honors and all of that .. I am not acquainted with what that is and I am wondering if I will be penalize when I apply for universities in America. I am however meeting certain criteria though, because I have learned Algebra 1, 2, Geometry, Trigonometry etc etc .. The only math course that I haven't learned is Calculus which is offered in grade 12 and 13 which are optional at my school. I am really contemplating whether or not I should go to 12 and 13 grade. Should I? And take the Calculus course before I apply to university? I understand that in America, grade 12 is mandatory, and in my country it is optional. So please try and put yourself in my shoe, so my question can be answered. Other than not having Calculus . I do meet the other criteria like having a foreign language, taking English, all three sciences etc etc. So to repeat my question. Should I go to grade 12 which is optional to learn Calculus before I apply to any university at all?

Accepted Answer

Hi Tahj. I'm a high school teacher in the US. I would say that it really depends on what you are interested in studying in the future. If you are at all leaning towards a math/science career, it would be to your advantage to do the extra grade 12 Calculus. Calculus at the college level is usually a 2 year course, and a prerequisite for classes like Physics. It is also typically much more intense at the college level, at least in the US. If you know for certain that you want to be, for example, an Art History major, than the lack of extra Calculus prep won't hurt you. If you're are at all on the fence, then it might be better to take the extra couple of years to figure out what interests you, without paying the much higher college fees during that time. As for the Honors/AP situation: Honors classes are typically meant to prepare students for AP classes, which are classes that are certified as being taught at the university level, even though they are taught in high school. Students take an exam at the end of the year which, if their scores are high enough, can qualify them to skip certain introductory university level classes, Even if you have not taken the AP class, because it isn't offered at your school, you can still take the test. Check out the College Board website (https://www.collegeboard.org/) to find out more. Best of luck!

Question 2

What are some really good SAT math prep books?

Accepted Answer

If you're located in the USA, there are plenty of these books for sale at used book places like Thriftbooks or Betterworldbooks  or places like that. It may be "last year's" edition, but selling for $5 is a lot cheaper than a new one for $25.  The advantage to having your own book is also that you can write in it, which you can't do if you borrow one from the public library.

Question 3

Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
(I am a little confused.)

Accepted Answer

If you are applying to Stanford University, you don't need to take EITHER of them.  That's true at many other fine schools, too.

Question 4

I am a freshman in high school and I am just looking at things that will help me later on, any advice?

Accepted Answer

Study hard from the beginning. Try lots of different things so you can get an idea of what you would like to major in. Be yourself, follow your own interests, even if people say they won't make any money. I was interested in art for the longest time, and then I took an architecture class just for the fun of it, and here I am on a road to architecture school. Bottom line: don't be afraid.

Question 5

Is it necessary or beneficial to take preparation classes for either test?

Accepted Answer

No, it certainly isn't necessary. I have several friends who took the SAT classes, and it affected them in various degrees. For me, I didn't benefit from my own tutoring in CR and W - merely because I'm stubborn, and my best friend's sister (who is a genius) also didn't benefit - but she's crazy smart, so that factors in. I have another friends who took SAT classes and benefited. However, the bottom line is this: you only benefit from your strategy. If you have a strategy that allows you to do well, great. I self-studied like crazy for my CR, and I benefited. You need to have the tenacity to do well.

Question 6

What SAT prep books are good?

Accepted Answer

I can personally recommend Princeton Review's "Cracking" books. They have a lot, including "Cracking the New SAT", "Cracking the PSAT", "Cracking the ACT", "Crash Course for the SAT", and a lot more! Some of the books have practice tests in them, and all of them are really good and have a lot of helpful tips. 
Hope this helps you!

Question 7

What is the difference between the SAT and ACT

Accepted Answer

Two different companies using statistics to try and put a number on a student. That is all that is different.

Question 8

should i retake the ACT if i barely pass it?

Accepted Answer

You cannot pass or fail the ACT. You can figure out what score you want to try for by looking up the ACT statistics for students admitted to any colleges you might like.

If you want a higher score, and the time and money needed are okay for you, you could retake the ACT. Also make sure that you could submit the score in time for colleges to review.

Question 9

How can I find time to study in between all my AP and Honors classes AND a sport?

Accepted Answer

Study before school, study after your sport. Study while you eat, or cook. Study on your way to and fro school if you're on the bus.

College admissions

Course: College admissions > Unit 2

Student story: Standardized tests

Want to join the conversation?

Video transcript