Standardized test scores like the ACT and SAT have long been considered indicators of a student’s academic abilities. Yet, as many parents and students know, these scores do not always align with a student’s in-school performance. 

It helps to understand the nature of the tests, says Dr. Joe Krupnick, founder of The Krupnick Approach, a Chicago test prep, consulting and tutoring agency. 

“The common misconception about the SAT and ACT is that you should approach them as you’d approach a high school subject test. In fact, these assessments are less about what you know and more about learning what to focus on and what is meant as a distraction,” he says.

The nature of standardized tests

One of the main issues contributing to the misalignment between standardized test scores and in-school performance lies in the nature of college tests, Krupnick explains. 

“While rigorous high schools encourage critical thinking, creativity and a deep understanding of subjects, standardized tests like the ACT and SAT require students to make assumptions,” he says.

For students who are used to nuanced learning experiences in the classroom, this approach to testing can feel strange and challenging. The key to being successful is understanding that there will be time pressure and answer traps, Krupnick explains. 

“For example, the science section of the ACT has about 80 minutes of questions, but you only get 35 minutes to complete it. In addition, the ‘evil geniuses’ who create these tests are trying to distract you. Part of your success will come from learning how to think differently about tests. At The Krupnick Approach, that’s what we will teach you to do.”

The need for speed and assumptions

“You have to look at standardized tests almost like a sporting event,” says Krupnick. “It’s a high-energy, fast-paced activity. Plus, unlike the classroom, you don’t really have time to rethink answers or  review your work.”

Krupnick maintains that, as with sports, a student can be trained to perform under the time constraints imposed by the SAT and ACT. “What you need to do is to rely on your training,” he says. “There isn’t time to think deeply. We joke that the ACT and SAT is about learning how ‘not to ‘think.’. Instead, you’ll want to use your strategies and make quick, informed choices. We coach students  how to do this effectively.”

Learning styles and test performance

Learning styles may be good indicators of how students will perform on college tests like the SAT or ACT, Krupnick points out.

“Some students that we work with are naturally good test-takers. Then you have students who respond to rules and formulas. They can become  good test-takers too.  One of the myths is that test taking is innate, but the best test takers tend to be made, not born.”

What if you have a child who is more creative or likes to dissect all the angles of a topic?

Not to worry, says Krupnick. “We teach your child how to think about the test in terms of categories, and we help orient them to the specific challenges of these tests. We customize the learning to each student and help leverage their strengths and cover their weaknesses. In school, you have to show the steps you used to solve a math problem. On the ACT/SAT you can backsolve, plug in, use a calculator hack–whatever works best with your style of thinking.”.”

The benefits of using The Krupnick Approach for test prep

Krupnick touts the combination of experienced tutors who have a deep breadth of knowledge as one of his team’s biggest strengths. 

“Our tutors are experts.  Each of our tutors has more than 15 years of experience with the ACT/SAT,” says Krupnick. “We only use official ACTs/SATs for practice, and we have looked at 26,000 real-world test questions from every possible angle. The test content doesn’t change from test to test; the language does. We help students understand exactly what they will be encountering when they sit down to take the SAT or ACT.” 

What about test anxiety? 

Test anxiety is common, and Krupnick Approach tutors are prepared to deal with it. “Even I still get nervous when I take one of these practice tests,” says Krupnick. “A little anxiety is good. It means you are taking the test seriously.”

The Krupnick Approach provides students with extensive practice that can reduce test anxiety. When a student encounters the actual SAT or ACT, their training kicks in and they are prepared to answer the questions, Krupnick explains. “We help students cope with the ‘unknowns’ of the tests. When they work with us, any test unknowns are minimized.”

Early exposure to test-taking strategies is also important, says Krupnick. “Generally speaking, the earlier a student starts test prep, the better prepared they will be. And, they can be more relaxed knowing that they have plenty of chances to take the tests and to improve their scores without penalty.”

If you have a good student who either had a subpar test score in the past or is afraid of that happening, Krupnick says his team has made it a goal to help students overcome these very problems.

“We have made it our mission to help students succeed, and we do it in a way no one else does.”

For more information on enrolling your child at the Krupnick Approach, visit krupnickapproach.com.