SAT/ACT Test Preparation
PErsonalized Planning
We know that college admissions and creating a testing plan can feel like a bit of a maze. Let us create a testing plan that works for you! We have helped hundreds of Bay Area students from San Mateo to San Jose prepare for both the SAT and ACT, and we’d be happy to guide your student too. Our preparation looks at the exam as both a combination of content knowledge and test-taking skills. Based on homework performance and practice test results, we craft a unique test preparation plan for each student. Schedule a free consultation to charter a path to your test taking destination!
How to choose between the SAT or ACT
Students and parents are often conflicted on whether the SAT or ACT would be a better fit. The truth though is that both the SAT and ACT are pretty similar in terms of content, and most students score about the same on both exams. However, there are some important formatting differences and learning style details to consider when choosing either the SAT or ACT. if you’re trying to find out which exam might be best for you try taking our online quiz!
How to Prepare for the SAT & ACT
A typical SAT preparation course is 15-hours long and broken up into 10x1.5-hour sessions. In sessions, we guide students through the structure of the exam, teaching them relevant test taking techniques and approaches along the way. After the first several sessions, students take a full length practice test to assess content gaps and weaknesses. Outside of sessions we provide targeted homework drills that allow students to practice by themselves—when things matter most—the particular portions of the exam that they are struggling with. By the end of a test prep course, students will have had the opportunity to take at least three official practice tests and review them with their tutor, cover to cover. Due to this targeted approach, our SAT and ACT preparation delivers better results in less time!
When Should I Begin Preparing for the SAT?
The SAT and ACT aren’t everything, but they are an important part of any student’s college application. Most students take their first SAT in either December or March of their junior year, or they take their first ACT in December, February or April of their junior year. Because we often work with students for approximately 10 sessions, we typically recommend starting to prepare about 10 weeks prior to a student’s scheduled exam. With that said, the best tutor in the world can’t teach all of the content on either the SAT or ACT in 10 months, let alone 10 weeks. Therefore, the best thing you can do is make sure your student is performing well in their current classes, particularly their math and English courses. If you are interested in getting them some additional academic support, click here to learn how we can help.
FAQ:
Are there SAT classes near me? >>
Probably. We are pretty flexible, so call or text to check availability @ 650-273-7258
When is the deadline to submit SAT scores to any of the UC Schools? >>
The University of California schools accept fall applications from November 1st through November 30th. They have a strict November 30th application deadline, and applications submitted after are rarely considered. Ideally, students have completed all testing by the end of October of their senior year. With that said, students can take an SAT or ACT as late as December, but it's then generally advisable to have your scores sent directly from The College Board (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) to the school you are applying to.
What is the required SAT score for UC Schools? >>
It depends on the school, but generally your goal should be at least a 1200 overall.
Do I need to take the essay on the SAT or ACT? >>
It is technically optional, but we HIGHLY recomend you take it.
How do I know if I'm eligible to get extended time on the SAT or ACT? >>
Generally, students that already recieve testing accommodations at their school are usually eligible to recieve extended time or some other form of testing accommodation. If you don't usually receieve accommodations but think you should for the SAT or ACT, speak with your school counselor. They will be able to advocate on your behalf and give you the appropriate paperwork you need.
Is the SAT harder than the ACT? >>
No. Not really. The exams are really similar, and most students score about the same between the two tests. With that said, if you really want a rough generalization of the two exams, it's usually fair to say that your average ACT question is easier than the average SAT question, but you also have much less time on average per question on the ACT. So these two competing factors end up cancelling each other out.
How much do I need to study for the SAT? >>
This really depeneds on your needs and goals. Give a call to let us know the specifics, but we generally do 10 x 1.5-hour sessions, with some students doing a bit more, and others a bit less depending on your goals and starting point. Each prep is custom, and the planning is free, so give us a call! 650.273.7258