Traditionally, the SAT and ACT are taken in the spring as a junior in high school. In my opinion, if one waits to think about test prep until after taking it in the spring of their junior year, they may have waited too long.  The problem is, if they don’t get their desired score, they need to re-take the test in the fall of their senior year. By then, they may have missed early admissions and scholarship advantages. More importantly, they are usually under intense pressure, which can undermine getting an improved score. As long as they’ve taken Geometry and Algebra II, they should be ready for the test prep coursework as a rising junior.

More and more students are opting to take the ACT. Colleges are accepting ACT scores as readily as SAT scores. I have looked into this extensively, and I have yet to find a college that does not equally consider and accept the ACT. In fact, some even prefer it because it showcases all four tested areas separately with scores. Students can select the ACT option in their junior year and start the early admissions process.

Many parents question whether it’s worth it to invest in test prep. As college prices increase, so does the opportunity for scholarships. The goal of good prep is for students to score well enough to recoup any tuition spent on test prep.

In addition to a proven track record of student performance, individuals in our test prep will have the option to participate in a Test Rehearsal. Rather than the lengthy application process and cost of an official test where the scores will not likely be submitted to colleges, students prepare in house. They experience a full length exam with all the parameters of the official test—without the stress and expense of a test center.

Most individuals are quite nervous for the SAT-ACT; it’s completely understandable. Interestingly, this can be used to their advantage. Students aren’t just taught from incorrect answers: they are taught to avoid mistakes. I teach logical ways to approach each topic that yield results. They become better writers, communicators, and test takers in general. Parents consistently report their child’s confidence improves along with their test scores.