One of the most common questions we get from our clients is, "which test should I take?" The truth-all colleges accept both tests; which test you take is based on your test preference. Below is a handy infographic that may help you decide which test is right for you. Our very own Scott Webster gives you the inside scoop on which test may be right for you in this Facebook Live Video.
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When Clay Daniel asked Lee Elberson to become his business partner in 2014, they both knew Clayborne would gain the very benefit we pursue for our students: a better future. Over the past four years, their complementary skill sets have positioned Clayborne as the best-known local tutoring firm in Charlottesville. Since the outset of their partnership, Clayborne has acquired one of its competitors, hired its first full time sales manager, added Scott Webster (Director of College Entrance Exam Prep) to the ownership team, and initiated a comprehensive scholarship program aimed at significantly deepening and widening access to our services to students of every socioeconomic background.
As Clayborne has continued to grow in both clients and staff, the need for a streamlined infrastructure has become evident. As of Jan. 1, 2018, Clay will devote his time to the development of Clayborne’s academic programs and curricula, immersing himself in Clayborne’s primary service: test prep. As Clayborne’s most experienced and highest rated tutor, Clay is uniquely positioned to oversee the training of new tutors and maintain the highest standard of excellence for our team of more than 25 tutors.
Additionally, Lee will now step into a chief operations role, channeling his passion for business development and utilizing his training in and aptitude for quantitative analysis. For the past four years, Lee has spent considerable time in the business community working as an entrepreneur coach with the Community Investment Collaborative (CIC), a local nonprofit organization . Lee has most recently been appointed Treasurer of the Board of Directors of CIC, a testament to his charisma and capability. This experience has equipped and invigorated Lee to oversee Clayborne’s business management.
The ownership team believes these changes will allow Clay and Lee to devote their energies to their areas of sharpest gifting and deepest passion. Thank you to everyone who has helped make Clayborne a household name in Charlottesville!
Yes, the list of schools no longer requiring standardized test scores for admission has now reached 950 institutions, 275 of them highly ranked according to U.S. News & World Report [source: National Center for Fair and Open Testing (FairTest)]. And yes, in the end, your academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and admission essay weigh more heavily on your application than do standardized test scores; however, here’s why you shouldn’t throw in the test prep towel just yet:
Standardized test scores will always be, for better or worse, the great equalizer. Admissions officers assess thousands of students from across the world every year, all with spectacular GPAs, diverse extracurriculars, various sports accolades, and prize-winning admission essays [source: NACAC criteria for admission]. How will YOU differentiate yourself from the pack? A strong SAT and/or ACT score can be that edge you may need.
Standardized test scores will be tied to merit-based scholarships. With the cost of tuition (not including other fees and room-and-board) ranging from $14,000 on average for public institutions to $50,000 for private institutions, need-based financial aid can only do so much. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), four out of five schools used standardized test criteria for merit-based financial aid [source: NACAC]. The potential aid awarded ranges from a not-insignificant $1000 per year (contingent on minimum standardized test score criteria) to full-tuition and board. SAT and ACT test performance is often tied to the school’s purse strings, so do what you can to loosen them!
We realize this is coming from a company whose business model is built on test prep, and we readily acknowledge the suspect, self-serving nature of recent attacks on schools going test optional (see Collegeboard’s and ACT’s reaction). Nonetheless, we believe standardized tests are here to stay, and we’re committed to helping both students and parents navigate the undulating - and oft-overwhelming - landscape of test preparation and college admission planning.
Have questions or concerns about schools going test optional? Contact Clayborne now!
-Scott Webster, Co-Owner and Director of College Entrance Exam Prep
Getting ready for the ACT or SAT in 2018? Here are important dates to remember!
