100 perfect ACT scores from the Dallas area (226 in Texas)

[Big G]

Originally Posted by mami2emily

Certainly an accomplishment. However, the high number of perfect ACT scores doesn't impress me any more given the high number of expensive ACT tutoring consultants in the Metroplex.

Originally Posted by pepper131

Totally agree with you. I'm sure all those kids did test prep and tutoring.

Most of the test prep places focus on the SAT, not the ACT. Karen Dillard, for instance, runs a program of 14 2-hour classes for the SAT, which most kids go through at least twice, and many three times. That's followed by continual seminars, sample tests, and computerized review - all targeted at the SAT.

In contrast, their ACT prep (a freebie with paid SAT prep) consists of only 8 hours total, focused mostly on making sure you're familiar with the test format, timing, and question types.

(Full disclosure: My kid didn't even make it through that. He went to two ACT sessions before concluding that they were a total waste of his time. )

Long story short - the SAT is more teachable/beatable. The ACT, not so much.

Originally Posted by Emc62

It is easy for Oklahoma newspaper to list 17 names, Texas has 226 so that's a long list. I believe Plano West has more perfect scores than entire state of Oklahoma.

Eh, that's an unlikely claim. Could happen, probably didn't. To make that true, you'd need PWSH to get perfect ACT scores at a rate of 1 in 80, vs. the national rate of 1 in 1200 or so. PWSH kids might be smart, but they ain't that smart.

Plano West kids aren't magical, and, as noted above, the "robo-kids" are programmed for the SAT more than the ACT.

[Emc62]

Originally Posted by frenzyrider

No offence but nobody is really trying to impress you. Getting a perfect a ACT score is always impressive to college. It is not due to just tutoring alone but due to the kid's dedication as well. There are many who take the tutoring but never reach the perfect score. It is hard work and tutoring helps you to work smartly!

Exactly. You can offer same opportunities to everyone but only a certain percentage is willing or capable to benefit.

[usamathman]

I made a lot of money in college tutoring high schools students.

Test prep alone without a solid math/science foundation will not yield much results.

Those that had top scores are almost always the ones that took advanced math and science courses (AP calculus, physics, AP chemistry, etc).

It is definitely possible to teach a student to master the SAT/ACT but only after they have mastered all of the fundamentals and only with the assistance of specialized tutoring.

Most students in high school never master the basics because their learning ends at 2:30 pm when the school bell rings.

I applaud any student that can ace a standardized test regardless of their race. Takes a lot of hard work and practice.

AND for the last post....every student does not have the same exposure to resources. I know several people that would

have jumped at the opportunity for tutoring.

[mami2emily]

Originally Posted by Big G

Most of the test prep places focus on the SAT, not the ACT. Karen Dillard, for instance, runs a program of 14 2-hour classes for the SAT, which most kids go through at least twice, and many three times. That's followed by continual seminars, sample tests, and computerized review - all targeted at the SAT.

In contrast, their ACT prep (a freebie with paid SAT prep) consists of only 8 hours total, focused mostly on making sure you're familiar with the test format, timing, and question types. .

We have met many people in our district paying north of $3K for ACT tutoring, not SAT, through private tutors and small companies specializing in the ACT. A lot of the programs I personally looked into encompass 24 hours' worth of private tutoring for the ACT. I was floored as I had never even heard of the ACT growing up, most schools required the SAT. Now a lot of schools take either one. Most of the kids my daughter knows plan to focus on the ACT.

[MurphyPl1]

25 years ago it was regional. Midwestern states preferred ACT which is why it still gets do much focus on Illinois as a benchmarking test. I took both but there were probably 3 dozen kids who took the SAT. And all those were looking to flee the state. I mean attend out of state.

[jdallas]

Originally Posted by MurphyPl1

25 years ago it was regional. Midwestern states preferred ACT which is why it still gets do much focus on Illinois as a benchmarking test. I took both but there were probably 3 dozen kids who took the SAT. And all those were looking to flee the state. I mean attend out of state.

I attended high school in Illinois. We referred to the ACT as the community college goal because that's what they required. It was a way to achieve some scholarship money based on scores, a test run for the SAT and, yes, we all fled the state.

[MurphyPl1]

Originally Posted by jdallas

I attended high school in Illinois. We referred to the ACT as the community college goal because that's what they required. It was a way to achieve some scholarship money based on scores, a test run for the SAT and, yes, we all fled the state.

Interesting because all the state schools including UofI required it back then. I'm sure that's all changed since then. And now we've even got some schools dumping the tests altogether.