SAT Test Prep Classes Can be Very Motivating
Plan Ahead
When will your child take the SAT? If it is anytime during the next school year, this summer is a great time to start preparing for the SAT.
Your child should plan to spend at least 5 hours per week for 12 weeks studying for the SAT. Some students will need more time than this, but I have found very few students who can dramatically improve their score on this difficult exam in less time.
The Best Program for Your Child
Should you sign your son up for an SAT class or private one-on-one sessions? Or should you simply find the best materials and support him in studying on his own? There are a multitude of options when it comes to SAT test prep and different solutions work for different students.
One-on-One Tutoring
Many people believe that one-on-one tutoring is the very best option if parents can afford it. I have found that this is true for students who don’t tend to test well or who need extra help in some areas. Make sure that the program is truly personalized (many aren’t and will bring exactly the same materials for every student regardless of their unique needs) and your son will be able to spend more time on the areas that he struggles with and just do a brief review of other areas that he remembers well from school.
Classes
I have discovered that one-on-one instruction is not always the best option for all students. Some high achieving students are actually more comfortable in a class setting where they are not the focus of attention the entire time. They can absorb the information without feeling that they are in the spotlight. These students prefer to be able to simply stop the instructor whenever they have specific questions. And of course the lower price tag on classes is nice too!
Self Study
Studying alone can be a great option for SAT test prep as well. But I only recommend this for highly motivated students and I strongly advise parents to find a highly experienced tutor to help you design a program that will work well for your child. They should also meet with her once a month or so just to ensure that she stays on the right track.
More Info Coming Soon
This series on Summer SAT Test Prep will continue with detailed posts on how to choose the right class, how to choose the right tutor, and a list of resources for self-study.