Which test to prepare for?
The ACT is the college-prep test taken by most students in Minnesota because it is required by the state schools in Minnesota and is accepted by almost all colleges in the US. It will be offered on February 9, April 13, and June 8, and July 13 in 2019. The test consists of four parts: English, math, reading, and science. The writing part is optional.
PSAT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test. This is the test that determines National Merit (NM) Semifinalists. Students must score in the top 1/2 of one percent of the students in their state on this test to qualify as a NM Semifinalist. Students can take it the sophomore year, but the only time it counts toward NM is the fall of the junior year. It is a good idea for all juniors to take this test to get an early idea of where they stand in this testing process, but students in the top ten percent of the junior class should do some serious preparation for it starting in the summer of the junior year.
The SAT is the college-prep test taken by most students on the East and West Coasts. Students who qualify as NM Semifinalists must take the SAT to become NM Finalists. The test consists of three parts: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math.
Most colleges and universities will now accept either the SAT or the ACT for admission, but the state schools in Minnesota require the ACT.
2018-19 course offerings
ACT PREPARATION CLASSES
Section 8—Feb./Mar./Apr. ACT: 2:45-4:15 pm, Mon. and Weds., 2/27 to 4/10 (no class 3/27 or 4/1-5).
Section 9—Mar./Apr. ACT: 2:45-4:15 pm, Tues. and Thurs., 3/5 to 4/18 (no class 3/25 to 4/5).
Section 10—April/May/June ACT: 2:45-4:15 pm, Mon. and Weds., 4/29 to 6/3 (no class 5/27)
SUMMER 2019 CLASSES
These are the dates for the summer classes; they are now open for registration. To register, go to my registration page and complete the registration form. Where it asks for Section number, write in “July 29 to August 2” for the PSAT and SAT class or “August 5 to 9” for the ACT class. Fall 2019 PSAT, SAT, and ACT after-school classes will also be offered, but dates are not set yet so registration is not available. The fee for my summer classes will be $320 each starting in May, but is $300 until then.
PSAT and SAT—8:15 am to noon, Monday to Friday, July 29 to Aug. 2.
ACT—8:15 to noon, Monday to Friday, Aug. 5 to 9.
How to enroll
If you wish to enroll your daughter/son in one or more of my courses, you have two options. You can complete the registration form, email it to me, and pay by credit card or PayPal. Or, you can enclose a check (made out to Mike Holm Test Prep) for the $300 course fee and mail it with the completed registration form to the return address listed below. If you wish, you can make a $150 per course deposit now and pay the remaining $150 by one week before the class begins. If students wish to withdraw before the class begins, full refunds will be issued.
Financial assistance is also available: to apply, complete the section at the bottom of the registration form.
Student selection will be made on a first-come-first-served basis. I will send registrants a confirmation email soon after its arrival.
Registration in a course does not register a student for the test itself; that is still the obligation of the student or parent. ACT registration is at www.actstudent.org and PSAT or SAT registration is at www.collegeboard.com.
If you have any questions, please call me at 952-934-7628 (day or evening) or email me at mike@mikeholmtestprep.com.
Michael M. Holm
5240 Kimberly Road
Minnetonka, MN 55345