SAT & ACT Prep

We do not believe in a one size-fits all approach.  Instead, we tailor test prep tutorial to each student.  We use prior SAT or PSAT results and student/parent input to determine what areas of the test to review during our sessions. Students will be given a section of an actual SAT to complete for homework each week.  In our sessions, we will review this homework and then go over any concepts that were needed on missed questions.  In addition, we will review any strategies that could be used with specific questions or that could be used to help manage time on the test.  After each homework, we will provide a score for that particular section.  This allows us to monitor student progress from week to week.

Typically, we recommend once a week (one-hour session) starting about three months prior to the test.  If a student is starting with higher previous SAT and/or PSAT scores, we recommend starting 1-2 months prior.

The SAT is heavy on algebra 2 concepts.   We recommend that a student has taken at least a semester of algebra 2 before starting test prep.  If a student has already taken algebra 2, then we recommend taking the test as soon as possible while those concepts are still fresh in mind.

We do not report score increase data simply because every student starts from a different score (i.e. someone who has scored 1000 has more potential points to gain then someone who starts at 1350).  Also, individual effort on homework varies.   For this reason, we do not offer a guarantee.  We have found, however, that students who complete their homework consistently and also independently review what we have covered will likely see significant improvement in their scores.

The SAT and ACT are both accepted at almost all colleges.  Schools do not prefer one over the other. So, what is the difference? The SAT tends to be a more difficult test content-wise, but easier timewise.  The ACT tends to be "easier" content-wise, but the time limits can be more challenging.  The ACT also has a science section, which is not a review of science topics, but rather an analysis of scientific studies, experiments, etc.  Both tests have near identical reading and language sections.  The math on the ACT does have some (very few) precalc topic, but the questions tend to be more straightforward.  If a student has begun to prep for one of the tests and decides to switch tests, it is easy to switch tracks because of the the overlap between the two tests.

We typically do not recommend a student preps for PSAT.  Often, a student has not seen all of the concepts that will appear on the PSAT.  Instead, we simply suggest to use the PSAT as an experiential tool to get used to the format/style of the SAT.