Sylvan Learning Offers Free SAT and ACT Practice Tests Over Presidents' Day Weekend

Exams will Help Students Assess Readiness and Prepare for Spring Test Dates

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Feb 09, 2015, 08:00 ET

BALTIMORE, Feb. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For students, getting accepted into their top choice college is harder than ever before. To help students get an edge in this competitive process, participating Sylvan Learning Centers nationwide will be offering free SAT and ACT practice tests over Presidents' Day weekend, February 14^th through 16^th, perfect timing for students starting to prep for the April and May exams. Designed to allow students to recreate test-day conditions, these practice tests will provide students with the invaluable opportunity to understand what subject areas they need to focus on during their continued test preparation, giving them enough time to get ready for the day when their scores really count this spring.

According to the College Board, only 43 percent of students who took the SAT were deemed academically prepared for college[i] – a number that has remained virtually unchanged over the years. Additionally, only 26 percent of students who took the ACT met readiness benchmarks in all four subject areas, according to an annual ACT report[ii]. Getting students to practice as early – and as often – as possible is the first step to get them to succeed. By taking the free practice tests over Presidents' Day weekend, students will be able to get their results and start working through their weak spots with more than five to nine weeks until the first big exam dates on April 18^th (ACT) and May 2^nd (SAT).

"With the spring tests right around the corner, these practice test results will give students the opportunity to pinpoint the subject areas they need the most help with, allowing them to build a more effective study plan leading up to the big exam" said Tabatha Sweeney, Senior Director of Sylvan Prep. "Our teachers are here to give each and every student a customizable set of tools and test taking strategies they need to successfully work toward their targeted score and ultimately get into the top college of their choice."

To take the SAT or ACT practice test, which lasts about two hours, parents or students should call their local Sylvan Learning to find out the exact date and time the tests will be offered. These practice test results will be shared with students and their families, along with a personalized recommendation, based on the scores, from a Sylvan instructor. Parents and students can find their local Sylvan at www.sylvanlearning.com by entering their zip code at the top of the page.

For more information about the SAT or ACT, visit www.sat.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org.

SAT and ACT are registered trademarks of College Board and ACT, Inc, respectively.

About Sylvan Learning, Inc.
With more than 35 years of experience and more than 800 locations throughout North America, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K–12. As the leader in supplemental education, Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan's proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan programs include study skills, math, reading, writing and test prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan also provides educational services to public and nonpublic schools. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, call 1-800-31-SUCCESS, or visit SylvanLearning.com or the Sylvan Source blog.

[i] "2014 College Board Program Results: SAT"
[ii] "The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2014"

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SOURCE Sylvan Learning, Inc.