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HS JUNIORS: THE DIGITAL SAT IS COMING IN SPRING 2024! Make sure you're prepared for the changes.
Choosing a program can be daunting.
Choosing a program can be daunting.
Test prep is not "one size fits all" - your unique student deserves a program that can play to their strengths and inspire them to work hard.
When choosing the one that's right for your family, consider:
Who are you?
What is your student's learning style? Level of motivation? What do they value, and who/what will help them buy in?
Who are they?
What does each program value - high scores, student connection, competition, freedom? Prep programs are as varied as the attitudes about testing itself. Choose a program that align with your values.
Logistics
How will prep fit into your life? Consider in-person vs. online, budget, and flexibility.
Here's what you might expect from 3 types of test preparation:
Here's what you might expect from 3 types of test preparation:
test prep tutor
A tutor who specializes in test preptest prep tutor
PROS:
CONS:
- Completely individualized
- Flexible timeline
- In-person and online
- Tutors are the ones with the real expertise! Companies create curriculum, but tutors actually teach it to students
- Tutors are experts in helping students, not just producing scores and protecting business
- Connect with and care about students
- Mid-priced
CONS:
- No score "guarantees"
- An experienced test prep tutor is more expensive than a typical academic tutor
big companytm
The ones who pay for Google Adsbig companytm
PROS:
CONS:
- Huge amount of practice materials
- Lots of reviews
- Responsive customer service
- Often come with a score "guarantee" to protect your investment
CONS:
- Most expensive option
- More investment in curriculum than in tutors (tutors may be smart but not experienced, and always underpaid)
- Students must be self-directed and willing to learn mostly from digital materials as opposed to customized lessons
- Cookie-cutter experience
- In-person options are rare
- High-anxiety environments; focus is on scores alone
free resources
Online articles, YouTube videos, & Khan Academyfree resources
PROS:
CONS:
- Free!
- Khan Academy's SAT platform is partnered with the College Board for accurate, representative practice
- 10+ official practice tests available online
- Many quick strategies/"hacks" to try
CONS:
- No accountability; students must be entirely self-directed
- No individualized attention
- "Quick fixes" only go so far
- Limited legitimate practice questions available
- Difficult to analyze and interpret progress
Lastly . . .
Why me?
Why me?
Expert.
Expert.
I have lived and breathed these tests for over 4 years. And my time has been spent not just analyzing the tests themselves, but translating them for students. I have created the methods and materials I use in response to the shortcomings I see - in real time through students' eyes - in the brand-name curricula on the market.
Human.
Human.
A curriculum is only as good as it is user-friendly. Having a person to teach, customize, clarify, and encourage is the most user-friendly method I know.
Holistic.
Holistic.
The SAT & ACT are predictable; teenagers are not. I recognize that these tests are just stepping stones to your student's more exciting, creative future. I can help them stay motivated by appealing to their goals: who they are, not just how they score.
questions?
questions?
Happy studying!
Happy studying!
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I promise I won't bombard your inbox - just essential human guidance to help you and your student succeed.
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