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Step Four: Deciding How to Prepare for The ACT or SAT Exam
Start Your Journey Here!
About this Step
With your score report in hand, it’s now time to decide how you will prepare for the exam. Because test-taking requires specific skills and strategies to master, it’s exceedingly useful to have an experienced instructor guide you through this process, whether you choose to take a class or work with a tutor one-on-one. Who you work with, and for how long, will depend on several factors, including your starting and goal score, your school schedule, and your family budget. You can review these options here. Speaking with one of our test prep experts is also a great way to weigh your options and decide which one is best for you.
You May Be Asking...
Do I really need to study two hours a week for 10 weeks?
Ideally, yes. Everyone’s schedule and needs are different, so there will always be exceptions, but, in general, this time commitment gives you the opportunity to work through a variety of strategic and content areas, as well as take and analyze several practice tests, incorporating what you’ve learned.
How does working with a Test Prep tutor help?
Our test prep tutors have received extensive, ongoing training to guide you through all aspects of the testing process. Starting with your initial diagnostic results, they will help you identify your strengths and areas of opportunity and will design an individualized course of study and strategic approach to help you reach your personal goals.
How does taking a small group class help?
A small group class is an effective and affordable option for families who want intensive instruction with peer support. Our top tutors will guide the class through a carefully curated curriculum designed to prepare students academically, strategically, and emotionally for the test. It includes three full-length proctored exams and a student workbook.
How does taking a sprint class help?
Our sprint classes are taught by the same elite team of tutors who work with students one-on-one and teach small group courses. In four action-packed hours, they will introduce you to the content and strategy necessary to take on each section of the exam. By taking a sprint course you can guarantee that you will not be going into test day blindly.
How does taking multiple time-tested practice tests help me?
The SAT and ACT’s time constraints are part of the challenge, so you need to practice both accuracy and pacing throughout your preparation. Taking timed tests allows you to put your focus and pacing strategies into practice, and helps you develop the “muscle memory” to move through the exam effectively.
Wasn’t I supposed to learn everything in school? Why do I have to do extra work for a test that should be assessing my raw knowledge from high school courses?
You would think so, but no! Test-taking is its own skillset, and it can be mastered by any other. While background knowledge will certainly help you, your exam score is separate from you as a student.