In order to achieve a top score on the SAT or ACT exam, rigorous practice, targeted testing, and personal attention are required. Whether you are looking for a one-on-one tutor or a test prep class, you always want to partner with someone as invested in your child’s success as you and your child are. Our aim is to give students everything required to reach for a score that feels unachievable on their own!
You may be wondering about the best option for your child. Should you sign your son up for a test prep 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.
Mix and Match According to Your Student’s Needs
One-on-One Tutoring
Many people think that one-on-one tutoring is the very best option. You may be surprised to learn that this is not always the case. We have found, however, that students who do “not test well” and those who need significant help in specific areas, benefit the most from one-on-one SAT and ACT test prep. As you consider private tutors, it is important that the one-on-one work is fully personalized; with assignments and practice tests customized to your student. It is important that your child is able to spend more time on the areas in which they struggle, and less time in areas in which they already excel.
Small Group Test Prep Classes
Because one-on-one instruction is not always the best option for all students, it is important that you consider small group test prep classes. 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 always a surprise to parents!
Self Study
Studying alone can be a great option for SAT and ACT test prep as well. As a general rule, we only recommend this for highly motivated students. When considering self-study as a cornerstone of SAT or ACT test prep, we strongly advise parents to find a highly experienced tutor to help you design a program that will work well for your child. We also recommend that the tutor also meet with your child once a month to ensure that they stay on the right track.
Full-length Practice Tests
Regardless of what combination of one-on-one tutoring, small group test prep classes, and self study you use, it is extremely important to have your student take more than one full length, small group practice test. We find this reinforces all they have learned, and normalize the test-taking experience. When progress is measured, and their course of study adjusted between practice tests to focus on their areas of weakness, you significantly increase the probability that your child will achieve the top score they seek.
Why Leave it to Chance?
Schedule your student for a full-length practice test, including our detailed analysis of their results. Upon review, you will know the best option to help prepare your child for the SAT or ACT exam. For more information, or to register for a full-length practice exam, please call 408-823-9999, or contact us via email.