Frequent Questions
Why does your seminar cost only $525 when others cost more than twice that amount?
As a former high school guidance counselor, I have seen first-hand that students who prepare for the SAT outperform those who take this test with no prior experience or knowledge of the questions or strategies. I have also seen that in many instances, students whose families cannot afford the price of those expensive courses are at a distinct disadvantage, and it is for this reason that I have developed this course.
My goal was to create a seminar that would offer the same amount of instructional hours and meet the same high standards of the more expensive courses, without costing families a small fortune. Our success in doing this is demonstrated by the many testimonials we receive each semester, some of which we have included on this website.
Our instructors are all experienced, knowlegeable, and caring educators who know how to motivate students to do their very best. They consistently receive high marks on our student evaluations. Our curriculum is comprehensive, providing a thorough review of all of the math principles and concepts tested, suggestions on how to approach the unique kinds of problems only seen on the SAT, and definitions for over 500 vocabulary words typically appearing on this test.
Students take two full practice tests with us, which are then computer-scored. A detailed test report shows the students exactly what they need to do to improve. Answers to all test problems are provided in the student manuals, along with detailed explanations on how to do each problem. Students who take our classes are well prepared when it's test time!
In addition, we will show them short cuts and strategies, such as how to pace themselves and when to guess. In short, we take the mystery out of the test, and give our students the knowledge and confidence they need to do their best.
Although we can make no guarantee about how any individual will perform, we are confident that students who attend our classes and do the assigned work show a significant improvement in their scores. After comparing the first and last student test scores taken during our classes, we have found that scores improve an average of 100 - 150 points overall. This increase can often impact decisions regarding admission acceptance and rejection, and athletic or academic scholarship eligibility.
We want to provide the opportunity to excel to as many students as possible, and we have priced our seminars competitively so that they are affordable to as many families as possible.
Does the test measure I.Q.?
Absolutely not! If it did, scores would not be affected by any amount of practice or preparation, and courses like ours would not help.
Why do students take the test?
The SAT is required by most colleges and universities as part of their application process. Because course content and grading practices vary widely among high schools, these scores give colleges another way to compare and assess students' academic abilities.
How fair is the test?
The test is designed as a predictor of how well a student will perform academically in college. However, research indicates that scores do not always predict consistently. For example, the test tends to predict women's performance better than men's, and some ethnic groups more accurately than others. Moreover, the test targets a very narrow and specific range of skills, and does not measure many skills and attributes commonly associated with student success (e.g. creativity, leadership ability, initiative, and perseverance) and this is why many students often obtain lower scores than their academic ability would indicate.
Does coaching really help?
The good news is that this test is very vulnerable to coaching. Students who practice the problems and prepare themselves do perform better. And improving your scores can only increase your options in selecting colleges, as well as your chances of admission to your preferred schools.
When is the best time to take the test?
The tests are offered seven times each year. Juniors usually take the PSAT's (preliminary or "practice" SATs) in the fall of their junior year, and the SAT in the spring, usually in May or June. If students are not happy with their scores, they have another opportunity to take the test in October of their senior year, and possibly again in November or December. With these winter dates, however, they run the risk of not getting their scores sent to the colleges in time for admission decisions.
Should I take the test more than once?
Most students unhappy with their first score will take the test again. Colleges commonly use the highest combined score in any one sitting. An admissions representative at the University of California was asked once "how many times is too many times?" His response: "The way we make admission decisions indicates that we consider the test scores important. So why wouldn't students take the test two or three times? On the other hand, if a student takes it six or seven times, we wonder if he has a life."
Our recommendation: Unless you're ecstatic over your initial score, take the test at least twice. Most students improve the second time around, and colleges won't penalize you if the score does not improve.
