<p>I need advice on how to encourage and help my younger sister. For some reason, she does not do well on standardized tests. The PLAN predicted a 23-27 ACT and she was devastated, especially when the GC recommended kids with those kinds of scores look at state schools and some pretty non-selective private ones. This hit especially hard because we have been visitng some pretty selective schools lately (I'm a junior) and she really likes some of them. For example, she loved WASHU, but their ACT range is like 29-33. She is a sophomore and is incredibly hard working. She has a 4.0 in honors classes (this is not a result of grade inflation). I have a high GPA, but not a 4.0. I test very well, though (221 PSAT and 33 ACT with almost no prep.) I don't know how we can have such similar grades (hers are actually better) yet such different scores. Does anyone know I can encourage her or help her raise her score? Do you have any success stories of overcoming low PLAN and PSAT scores and getting high SATs and ACTs? Thanks in advance for any help!</p>
<p>Test prep books and classes work well, but keep in mind that a lot of schools--even the selective ones--realize that there are some incredibly intelligent kids who don't thrive on standardized tests, and as such, they're putting less weight on standardized scores. If the rest of her applications are strong, she should still be able to aim high, but work on what she can.</p>
<p>Whoa your sister is just like me. My advice is try not to worry too much and try to stay focus and concentrate. Tell her to play games with her mind. For example when she's taking those stanardized tests and if she is worry about it tell her to say something like "What the heck...it's just a test. I'll ace it anyway." ^__^</p>
<p>I don't have a sister personally, but I'd have to say keep encouraging her and tell her to take alot of practice tests if thats what she needs. Someone as smart as your sister has to improve :) . </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>I scored a 22 on the plan test and by taking just a couple practice tests and learning the techniques of the test I raised it up to a 29 for the real thing. Half of the game is memorizing the directions before hand, becoming familiar with the types of questions, and pacing yourself. There is no need to worry. You can study for the test to some degree! Think positive and everything will be fine.</p>
<p>For the SAT, the average score increase after another year of high school is around 100 points. (I think this is the number, if I'm wrong, please correct me.) And since the ACT tests more "school taught" information, a natural increase in one's ACT score seems likely as well. So, if she can score in the high range of the predicted scores right now, then she has a good chance of scoring within the range of WUSTL during her junior year. Now, add in some preparation, whether it be courses or review books, and I think she will have a good chance of meeting her goal.</p>