Pros – it can increase your scores tremendously Cons – you may not increase your scores, or you didn’t do enough research and took the wrong course or class or read the wrong book Costs – $100’s to $1,000’s
If you can afford it, do it. Test prep matters. It can help with test strategy development, focus on areas of challenge, and so much more. It is not fair as all kids deserve some kind of test prep. The basic form is test prep books. The most sophisticated are group classes and individual tutoring. Find what you can as test prep can help. In this competitive world, do what you can to maximize your test readiness.
The biggest advantage to test prep is improved scores, but no method of preparation is magic. The higher your test scores are the more scholarship offers you are eligible to receive. The con to SAT/ACT prep is the cost. It is very expensive to take a prep course, however there are many sites that offer free testing prep.
First the cost is relatively the same….check out the sites for each test because it depends on timing (early or late) and the tests (subject, with writing, w/o writing, etc)
The Common Application collects resume data or 10 activities. There are only a few schools that now even allow for an additional resume upload (Penn, Brandeis, Georgetown, to name a few). So, given that most schools don’t request it – aka they don’t want it – it isn’t all that important compared to other parts of the application. Although if a school gives you the option to submit one do it. Nothing optional is ever really optional.
The reality of test preparation is that it is less about the pros and cons of the various options than it is about individual learning styles. The organized classroom structure that characterizes many program is undoubtedly best for some, but for others focused one-on-one tutoring might be the best approach. Meanwhile, another student might be best served working on their own with a CD or computer program. There is no one best way, but there must be full student engagement for any approach to work. There is no one right answer and the approaches, the costs, and the relative convenience vary significantly. The one thing that can be said is that in today’s world of competitive admissions, if you can afford it, you should undertake some form of preparation, for if you do not, you may find yourself coming up short against the person who did.
If you have the motivation, time, and money for a prep course it will only help you. It will give you both strategies to attack the test and also practice time on the test, and both of these will bolster confidence. Often, local community colleges offer reasonable test prep courses. The cost and time commitment are two considerations when choosing a test prep provider.
Everyone’s learning style is different. While some students are disciplined enough to study independently, others need the strong arm of a tutor or test prep service to keep them focused. How much money you spend on these options depends where you live, how long the course is, and who is providing the instruction.
There are basically 3 ways students can prepare for standardized tests. 1. They can buy a study book and work through it on their own. This is the least expensive method (30 dollars), but is also the least effective for most students. 2. Students can take a course with other students. This will provide structured overview of the test and general strategies. It can cost anywhere from 500 to 1500 dollars, but will be impersonal and therefore inefficient. 3. Private tutoring is the usually the best way to prepare. It will be the most expensive, costing between 100 and 400 dollars an hour based an the level of expertise and experience of the tutor, but will be the most effective, efficient and convenient way to prepare. I recommend some amount of private tutoring for almost all of my clients.
Yes, getting familiar with the style, content, flow and timing of these tests will help you score your best, but what type of test preparation will work best for you? Over factors to consider with any option is cost factor, time management, target date for testing and scheduling. Let’s discuss some options… 1. Preparing on your own-meaning you purchase a book, DVD or gather materials from “free resources” to prepare. Only try this one, if you’re self-motivated, disciplined, organized and able to develop an individualized study plan over time. 2. Purchasing an online study program with feedback and remediation available 24/7-some of these programs are very powerful and if USED can raise your scores. My experience with this, works for about 40% of students who subscribe to these services. 3. Group SAT/ACT Prep classes-you need a structured classroom setting with a teacher in the room and the cost seems more economical. Downside here is there are 25 other students taking the class who are all at different levels of performance and the curriculum is standardized so you’re sitting through 6 hours of lessons in areas that won’t bring your scores up further. 4. Private one-on-one instruction-Cost factor here can be upwards of $100-$200 per hour and you’ll need 8-16 hours of instruction. And where did you get the recommendation for this person from? Make sure you’re provided with recommendations and that you follow up on them. Set up an interview to see what the “tutor’s style” and expectations are to see if this is a good fit for you.
Yes, getting familiar with the style, content, flow and timing of these tests will help you score your best, but what type of test preparation will work best for you? Other factors to consider with any option is cost factor, time management, target date for testing and scheduling. Let’s discuss some options… 1. Preparing on your own-meaning you purchase a book, DVD or gather materials from “free resources” to prepare. Only try this one, if you’re self-motivated, disciplined, organized and able to develop an individualized study plan over time. 2. Purchasing an online study program with feedback and remediation available 24/7-some of these programs are very powerful and if USED can raise your scores. My experience with this, works for about 40% of students who subscribe to these services. 3. Group SAT/ACT Prep classes-you need a structured classroom setting with a teacher in the room and the cost seems more economical. Downside here is there are 25 other students taking the class who are all at different levels of performance and the curriculum is standardized so you’re sitting through 6 hours of lessons in areas that won’t bring your scores up further. 4. Private one-on-one instruction-Cost factor here can be upwards of $100-$200 per hour and you’ll need 8-16 hours of instruction. And where did you get the recommendation for this person from? Make sure you’re provided with recommendations and that you follow up on them. Set up an interview to see what the “tutor’s style” and expectations are to see if this is a good fit for you.
The obvious advantage of test prep is improved scores, but other pros include increased comfort with test format and content, decreased test anxiety, and enhanced content-area knowledge. Test prep isn’t magic, though: It only works when students put in the time and effort. While some diligent students are dedicated enough to prepare on their own for a minimal cost (under $50), others need the instruction and accountability of a structured program. The more personalized and time-intensive the program, the more it will cost. Online classes can be found for a couple hundred dollars, and traditional classes typically cost $600-$1,000, while private tutoring can cost several thousand dollars. Don’t be fooled by “bargains”: Ask around for recommendations and seek out experienced SAT/ACT prep instructors.
There are many different test prep methods, and while they vary in cost, type, and effectiveness, there is not just one way to study for the SAT. Some students do well with the least expensive option: studying from a test book. While for others this does not produce results because they need motivation from an instructor or tutor. For students needing an extra push, the next level of test prep would be an online course and then the more expensive options are in-person classes and private tutoring.
Some are better than others….practice, practice, practice
If you’re considering taking ACT and/or SAT prep classes, the pros are that the classes will most likely prepare you for the SAT and ACT tests by mimicking the exact test day conditions. By the time the test day occurs you shouldn’t be in for any surprises. It is also customary for many classes to offer money-back guarantees or extra class time at no charge, if your standardized test scores do not improve after taking the class.
If you’re looking into hiring a private SAT or ACT tutor, one major pro is that all those excuses you use to get out of studying won’t hold up when you have a tutor looking over your shoulder. They’ll take you, step-by-step, through the questions and give you a better perspective than some books can offer. Plus, the one-on-one interaction with a tutor will help you concentrate on the parts of the test you really need to work on.
Looking into SAT and ACT test prep materials?
Private: Pros- Personalized to you. Typically doesn’t involve “upselling” of private label products. Cons- Typically more expensive. You don’t know what you are getting. Buyer beware and make sure you do your research.
Prep on your own is the most cost effective; being disciplined enough to consistently take time to prepare is difficult. Taking a test prep class can be expensive but it will give you insight to the questions and will keep you on track. Individual tutoring can cost a bit less if you can pin point areas you need to focus.
There are so many ways to prepare for the SAT and ACT, from studying on one’s own to working one-on-one to taking a prep course. Some of these methods can be quite costly, and the most expensive ways to prepare may not be the best for a particular student. I recommend one-on-one prep if available (I have done this with students via Skype) because the professional can really customize the material and teaching method to the particular student. Some students are reluctant to ask questions in a larger setting. I also recommend that the prep teacher or organization use authentic College Board of ACT materials; nothing beats the real deal! While software is available and cheaper than prep classes, some students have not found it very effective. There is too much temptation to wander online for some; for others the feel of the pencil and paper is invaluable in preparing for these tests.
SAT is used alone with other accomplishments subjected to different applicant pools. SAT is also normally used for scholarships. the studen’ts GPA is the single most important evidence alone with the curriculum selection and challenges of the courses.
There are many programs and choices out there for preparing for the SAT or the ACT.
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