Why should you still take the SAT/ACT?

Published Friday, January 14, 2022 by Briant Sarris

If you are looking to apply to college soon, you may be debating on whether or not you will take the SAT, especially since most of the universities you want to apply to may be test optional or test blind. So, what are the benefits of taking the SAT or ACT even if your school does not require a test score?    Many colleges, including those that are test optional or test blind, will use your provided standardized testing scores to award merit scholarships for incoming students. These scholarships can range from $1,000 to a… Continue Reading

What is the difference between the SAT and the PSAT?

Published Saturday, December 11, 2021 by Mariah

You must have heard about the SAT as well as PSAT. They seem quite similar, but what is the difference between them?  Objective The first significant difference is the objective behind each test. You are highly encouraged to take the SAT to prepare for college admissions. The PSAT, while not required, is significant as you may be eligible for a National Merit Scholarship or recognition as a Semi-Finalist if taken in your junior year, which looks excellent on your college application!  Dates The PSAT is only offered once during high school, in October of your… Continue Reading

PERFECT SAT Score and Scholarship Student!

Published Saturday, December 11, 2021 by Temi

Monta Vista High School junior Siya Digra is one of Excel Test Prep’s most recent perfect scorers, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it! After a long string of ACT champions, Siya has stepped forth to take her rightful place among our SAT hall of famers. To celebrate her accomplishment, we invited her to come to our office for an interview, and as part of our getting-to-know-you process, Siya answered a few questions for us beforehand, sharing with us the process leading up to her SAT exam success. Siya began her prep journey with… Continue Reading

Excel Test student Harini Adivikolanu is one of Excel’s latest perfect scorers

Published Saturday, December 11, 2021 by Mariah

A junior at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, Harini scored a perfect 36 on the ACT exam. During her recent perfect score interview with Excel, she detailed all the ways Excel’s classroom experience and post-course support contributed to her success. Harini noted that she chose to take a prep course specifically to benefit from learning tips and tricks from instructors who have taken the ACT – help she knew she couldn’t receive from a prep book alone. “The [Excel Test] teachers’ lessons are of high quality because they have taken the ACT themselves… Continue Reading

STANDARDIZED TESTING: COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Published Saturday, December 11, 2021 by Tifinie

SAT and ACT When colleges are looking for new students, they review applicant profiles in search of the best of the bunch to make up their student body.  Of course, the most reputable colleges usually get the cream of the crop, aiming to enroll the most talented students they can find.  The rest of the students then disperse into various universities and local colleges. Which students are the most talented?  How do colleges decide?  Colleges use various tools when evaluating eligible students.  Every student that applies will submit an application package providing crucial information about… Continue Reading


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