It’s the most important test that most high school students will take. Yet, many don’t realize it and simply never prepare for the SAT beyond a few late night cram sessions or half-hearted attempts at online practice exams. Top students, however, know that SAT scores do matter. And depending on the college, SAT scores can matter 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, while an outstanding SAT score won’t guarantee acceptance into Georgetown, Princeton or Duke… it can help.
How to improve SAT scores? Proper preparation is essential
Improving an SAT score isn’t easy. It takes hard work, studying, and lots (and lots!) of practice questions.
But, practice without guidance can be futile. Some students opt to take the test multiple times in the hopes of increasing scores — or combining superscores. Experience with the test alone will not boost score much. And, students can fall victim to test 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 SAT is scheduled for Saturday, December 1. 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!
Unlike self study, group sessions from franchise outposts or online cookie cutter curriculums, BTB has a proven success formula honed over our 30 years in business. Our custom tutor matching process, 1:1 methodology and student accountability model are designed to give your student the greatest chance for success.”
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 Learning Dynamics 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.
