Since the SAT and ACT are important criteria for college admissions, you should not assume that your student can take these tests with no preparation. Test scores can make or break a student's chances for college acceptance and scholarships. Most experts believe that a good test prep course can help to improve students' SAT and ACT scores. Here are 5 tips to find a good SAT and ACT course near you:
1. The teaching is most important. Most test prep courses offer similar information, but a good course will have a teacher who can motivate the students. The course should be taught by an experienced coach, not a high school teacher or someone who has only scored high on the SAT and ACT.
2. The course should be affordable. There is no reason why parents need to spend $1000 for a course. Paying more does not make a course better nor does a big name make it more effective. Parents should contact local, small test prep companies and inquire about what they offer before they sign up for another SAT or ACT course.
3. Students should practice and take real tests. Students should only take test prep courses that utilize tests that are published by the College Board and the ACT. Practice should also be done on real tests. This helps students to know exactly what to expect and makes for a less stressful experience. What good is practice if you are not using the real thing?
4. The course should focus on content and strategies. Parents should inquire about whether a course focuses on test-taking strategies or also includes practice materials with review and explanations. Students need to understand the content of the test, but they also need to know how to approach each part of the test and some test-taking techniques that will help them improve their scores.
5. A test prep course should fit the needs of your child. Is the course small enough to be beneficial? A course should include no more than 8-10 students. Does it take too much time away from homework and other activities? Students should spend only as much time as they need and once a week classes should be sufficient. Will your student learn how to handle anxiety and gain confidence? Stress relieving practices should be introduced and practiced.
Parents should always read the fine print of any test prep course. There are no score guarantees in spite of what you may be told. Students are usually given the opportunity to retake the course, but parents do not receive their money back.
Small improvements in test scores can make a difference in college admissions. That's why test prep can contribute to the overall success of a student's chances for college acceptance.
For more information on test prep or to receive a free college planning newsletter, go to http://www.collegedirection.org. Susie Watts is an educational consultant and test prep coach in Denver, Colorado. She is the founder of College Direction. Susie has been working with students for more than twenty years. Susie provides test prep for the SAT and ACT through tutoring, small classes, and an online program where she is able to monitor a student's progress. She also assists students with their college search, applications and essays, and college counseling throughout the college admissions process.
By Susie Watts, founder of College Direction in Denver, Colorado. She also works with students from other areas of the country. She assists high school students with the college search, applications, essays, and college counseling to help them become stronger college applicants. She is also a test prep coach for the SAT and ACT and provides individual tutoring, small classes, and an excellent online SAT/ACT course. She helps students with learning disabilities and works with student-athletes to find schools that are a good fit for them academically and athletically. Susie has been working with students for more than twenty years. As an educational consultant, her goal is to help students have success in college admissions. She is a member of five professional organizations and continues her educational development through state and national conferences and seminars. She also visits colleges and universities on a regular basis to determine what makes one unique from another. She is a writer who enjoys sharing her knowledge of college admissions, test prep, and the specifics of applying to college and finding ways to afford it.
