It’s the most important test that most high school students will take. Yet, many don’t prepare for it beyond a few late night cram sessions or half-hearted attempts at online practice exams. Contrary to popular (and somewhat wishful) thinking, SAT scores and SAT prep do matter. Sometimes, a lot.
While strong academics are still the foundation of admissions counselors’ selection criteria, a stellar SAT score — or a dismal one — can make or break a student’s chances at a “reach college.” In fact, according to Peterson’s, one of the most accurate sources for school listings, scholarships, and admissions information, “Your SAT scores aren’t generally the only deciding factor for getting in, but they do matter more to some colleges than others… There are a few schools that have begun to place less emphasis on test scores, but this isn’t the case for the majority of schools.”
So, an outstanding SAT score won’t guarantee acceptance into Harvard, Princeton or Yale… but it can help.
How students can improve SAT scores through SAT prep
Improving an SAT score isn’t easy. It takes hard work, studying, and lots of practice questions.
Some students, however, opt to take the test multiple times in the hope of increasing scores — or combining superscores — simply through experience. This is not a sound strategy and can actually backfire, resulting in testing fatigue.
According to Ishan Puri, the author of The Applicant: An Insider’s Guide to the College Admissions Process, “Students often ask us how many times is the optimal number. The most we recommend is 3 attempts….We recommend students take at least 3 months in between tests to get adequate time to prepare. In our experience, raising your score significantly in less time than that is possible but not highly probable.”
The first fall SAT is Oct 6, 2018. You have 3 months for SAT prep. Time to get started!
Get the edge you need for the SAT with 1-on-1 SAT test preparation. At Back to Basics, our in-demand, experienced tutors will provide a completely customized approach focusing on the specific needs of each student. Students will build and strengthen their knowledge, reduce anxiety, and increase confidence. Our students have increased their scores as much as 250 points on the SAT.
Private SAT tutoring is available throughout Nationwide, southeastern PA and northern Maryland in your home, school or office, from Newark to Claymont, Bear to Greenville, Hockessin to New Castle!
Back to Basics offers two different 1-on-1 tutoring packages for the SAT and ACT tests, customized and tailored to the needs of the student:
- 32-hour SAT Prep Package: This package is suited for first-time test takers and will cover all exam sections. Students will receive a thorough review of test content, test-taking strategies and test timing for the exam. Students will receive prep materials as well as a fully administered and professionally scored practice test.
- 16-hour SAT Prep Package: Students who have previously taken an SAT exam are eligible for this package, which is streamlined to focus on a particular section of the exam, versus all sections. Tutors will utilize students’ previous test results toward improving subject test results.
Back to Basics also provides test prep for the ACT, SAT II subject tests, AP Exams, High School Entrance Exams, Praxis, GED, GRE, TOEFL and GMAT. Call our office at 302-594-0754 for further details any of the tutoring services listed.
Need more help? Back to Basics in Wilmington, Nationwide offers a college / SAT essay writing workshop to get you started!
College / SAT Essay Writing Workshop (11th – 12th grades): Don’t leave your college choice up to chance! The essay is a crucial part of your package… and the one piece that busy students most often overlook or rush through. This workshop will help move your application package to the top of the stack with a well written, thoughtfully edited, interesting, and memorable essay.
$99 for workshop:
- June 25 -28, 2018 Mon/Wed/Thurs 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm
- July 30 –Aug 2, 2018 Mon/Wed/Thurs 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm
- Aug 6 – Aug 9, 2018 Mon/Wed/Thurs 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm
CLICK HERE TO ENROLL for the College / SAT Essay Writing Workshop.
About Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. in Nationwide
Back to Basics offers 1-on-1 tutoring in 60+ subjects, professional development, translating and interpreting in 21 languages, speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavior specialists, reading specialists, paras, ELL services, homebound services, RTI support, psycho-educational testing and test prep. Plus, Back to Basics Private School is Nationwide’s only Department of Education approved 1-on-1 Private School for K-12. We also offer summer school and educational summer camps, original credit and credit recovery, along with unique enrichment options such as music, art and photography. Click Here to learn about summer camps, summer school, original credit and enrichment options!
