College Admission Test Prep
For both the SAT and the ACT, we offer preparation that combines knowledgeable and supportive instructors, our specialized curriculum, and the most comprehensive practice-feedback system available. Please contact us to find out more about our test prep services.
We primarily use instructional materials that have been developed in-house, the results of thousands of hours of study and analysis of testing materials. We do not subscribe to the philosophy of one-size-fits-all testing tricks; instead, we work with individual students to identify strategies that will work for them. The last phase of preparation usually involves students taking previously administered, full-length practice tests and then reviewing those tests in detail with a tutor. We provide proctoring guidelines and personalized guidance for families to create test environments at home.
The SAT
The SAT is an adaptive, digital test that is composed of two multiple choice sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section is divided into two modules.
College Board typically administers the SAT seven times throughout the year: once each in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June.
Answer services, previously known as QAS and SAS, will no longer be available on the digital SAT.
Additional Information on the SAT:
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat
Register for the SAT:
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/digital/digital-testing/dates-deadlines
The ACT
The ACT consists of four multiple choice sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and one optional essay section.
ACT, Inc. typically administers the ACT seven times throughout the year: once each in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. For testing dates in April and June, families can purchase a detailed score report and a copy of the test taken. This “Test Information Release” is also typically available for one fall test date each year, although the eligible date may change year to year. We encourage our students to order this "Test Information Release" when available. This service can be ordered during registration or up to three months after the testing date.
Additional Information on the ACT:
https://www.act.org/content/act/en.html
Register for the ACT:
http://www.act.org/content/act/en/register.html
Preliminary Tests
Most high school students will take the PSAT/NMSQT (the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) during the October of junior year through their schools. Some students may also choose to take the PSAT 10 in the spring of sophomore year. PSAT scores provide a projection of a student's likely SAT scores. Some schools may also offer the PreACT test—a diagnostic version of the ACT—to tenth and eleventh grade students.
We can provide tutoring and coaching for the PSAT; however, as it is a diagnostic test for the full-length SAT, students will generally also be preparing for the SAT or the ACT in tandem. Students preparing for the ACT will not be at a significant disadvantage if they wish to take the PSAT, as there is a high degree of material crossover between the two. Our tutors can provide coaching on the few strategic differences that do exist.
Additional Information on the PSAT: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt
Additional Information on the PreACT: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/preact.html
SAT vs. ACT
The vast majority of colleges now accept both the SAT and the ACT for admission, and there is no obvious trend that might indicate which students will perform better on which tests. Therefore, diagnostic tests are the most helpful tools in order to determine which test is better for a given student.
We can provide and grade a previously administered SAT and/or ACT for diagnostic purposes. We then work with families to decide which test might be best. If a student wishes to take both tests officially, the SAT and ACT dates do not conflict, even if they are offered in the same month. Please contact us for additional information about choosing a test.