Despite their value, the SAT and ACT have always been the tests people love to hate. But do the test makers themselves--considering all the good works they do--deserve this same level of contempt? Amy and Mike invited Ben Sexton of Sexton Test Prep to clarify what College Board and ACT are doing right.

 What are five things you will learn in this episode?

1. How do predictive validity research supports the value of the SAT in admissions decisions?
2. Why does Khan Academy delivers such valuable free test preparation?
3. How do the testng organizations improve access through fee waivers and scholarships?
4. Why do ACT’s strengths in test security and consistency helps students?
5. How do the tests effectively assess relevant skills and knowledge?

MEET OUR GUEST

A resident of Dover, MA, Ben Sexton graduated with a Philosophy degree from Skidmore College in 2004 and has been working in the tutoring and test preparation industry ever since. After running a one-man show from 2005-2012, Ben began Sexton Test Prep in earnest in 2012, when he attracted his wife as a manager and began hiring tutors. Since then, Sexton Test Prep has expanded to a company of 20 employees that serves nearly 500 students each year through its mix of one-one tutoring, classes, and bootcamps. Ben writes all of the SAT/ACT curriculum for STP and continues tutoring heavily, with a client load of 28-32 weekly students. 

Ben also earned his M.Ed. in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation (ERME) from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College in 2014. When not working, he enjoys watching football, investing, collectibles, poker, telling bad jokes, and spending time with his wife Sarah, his sons Wyatt and Drew, and their dog, Beso.

Find Ben at https://www.sextontestprep.com/

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.