SAT & ACT
Standardized tests do not measure intelligence. They merely test your test-taking skills. Because so much college coursework involves lengthy tests, the ACT and SAT will continue to be major forms of assessment that determine university admissions. Universities have begun reinstating the ACT/SAT requirement. Even for the remaining “test-optional” schools, a strong score can massively increase the chance of acceptance.
Standardized tests can seem daunting or even arbitrary at times, but test-taking fosters broader learning and life skills. Students exceed their expected potential on standardized tests when they feel committed to the broader project of self-growth and skill-development.
First we help students decide whether the SAT or ACT is the ideal test for them to take. Each test weighs the same for college applications, so the question rests on which test will allow each individual student to shine, and which diagnostic test yields a higher score.
TUTORING PROCESS
Assessment
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We customize our approach by getting to know our students on a deep level, including their personalities, learning styles, knowledge base, and test prep history.
Test-Taking Basics
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After the initial assessment, a student meets with their tutor for a few sessions to gain basic test-taking skills and to learn the format of the Digital SAT and/or the ACT.
Diagnostic Test
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Once students have acquired basic test-taking skills and familiarity, we administer a practice test.
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We prefer to do this after introducing students to the tests because it provides a clearer “diagnostic” score than if the student took this test with zero guardrails.
Curriculum Design
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Students then analyze their diagnostic test results with their tutor and, if they haven't already, decide which test to pursue.
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Then, tutors and students co-design a curriculum best suited to their needs and progress.
Homework
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Independent practice is vital to success. Students are assigned homework after every session.
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The best results come from daily contact with test material, even in small chunks.
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Homework assignments vary depending on the student, but we establish a high standard of regular independent practice and have methods to hold students accountable and build confidence.
Practice Tests
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Our goal is for students to begin their official SAT or ACT on test day with the relaxed yet focused feeling of “Oh, I’ve done this before.”
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Toward that end, we administer frequent practice tests along the test curriculum. These tests simulate the testing experience and provide benchmarks for student progress.
Timing Strategies
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Time limits constitute one of the major challenges. The strategic approaches that tutors tailor toward each student’s specific learning styles are designed to improve time efficiency.
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Alongside the curriculum, tutors work with students to provide additional timing strategies that maximize scores.
Fine-Tuning
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Once students have finished their content curriculum, which spans a vast range of math, grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension topics, they continue to work on fine-tuning their strategies and deepening their knowledge of the content.
Official Test Analysis
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After each official test that a student takes, they consult with their tutors to analyze the results and all areas of improvement.
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Then we adjust the plan accordingly and guide the student to perfect their processes for the next test.
WHEN TO TAKE THE TEST
The SAT and ACT are each offered seven times per year. Students should ideally begin taking the test in their junior year. We see the best results when students take at least two or three official tests. Students can take the test as late as the December of their senior year for results to be sent with their college applications.
WHEN TO START TUTORING
The summer before junior year is the ideal time to begin test prep for the SAT or ACT. Starting at this time ensures that students can achieve their desired score before (or well before) the first semester of senior year, when they should be devoting their time to the college application essays and their GPA.
SCORING
The scoring system for these tests can seem cryptic, so we break it down in detail for our students.
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A question we often hear: What’s a good score?
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Our answer: A good score is one in the mid-to-high range of the specific colleges the student wishes to attend. All colleges report their standardized test score ranges. Our tutors help them do that research.