How much does SAT prep really help?

[Anonymous]

5 points on the ACT

[Anonymous]

My kid went from 29 to 33.
3 months

[Anonymous]

My kid went up almost 300 points in a few months but started pretty low.

[Anonymous]

34 ACT (up 6 points with one-on-one tutoring for 6 weeks)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recall reading that a student typically could only improve 100-200 points with studying/prep. So there's not a ton they can do. But I don't know how sound that data point is.

Disagree. My kid improved 300 points with tutoring.

[Anonymous]

My kid scored lower after the prep

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Someone commented on another thread: "I’m an SAT tutor. You can’t tutor a mediocre kid into a 1500+ kid. Sorry, but don’t waste your money."

So how much does it really help? And when is it useful to begin tutoring? For example, if you hired a tutor for your 9th grader and have him work with the coach weekly for a couple of years, is your 9th grader going to do worlds better than he otherwise would have due to the prep?

An SAT tutor typically needs to concentrate on Math and English.

The Math section of the SAT mainly assesses math skills at a 7th and 8th-grade level, mostly arithmetic, algebra 1, geometry, with a touch of basic statistics and series/sequences. It does not cover topics like trigonometry, algebra 2, pre-calculus, or the majority of 9th to 12th-grade math subjects. Therefore, hiring an SAT tutor in 9th grade might involve rehashing middle school math for three years in high school, which is unnecessary unless the student struggles significantly with middle school math.

In contrast, the SAT English section demands at least a 10th-grade level of English proficiency, particularly in reading comprehension, essay argument analysis, vocabulary, and grammar. This is the area where an SAT tutor or a high school English tutor can provide valuable assistance. Most of these language skills are developed through extensive reading of grade-level books, and a tutor can aid in vocabulary, grammar, and essay writing skill development, which is a multi-year process.

While there are numerous resources available for practice tests and test-taking strategies, foundational competency in Math and English is where tutor assistance is truly beneficial.

Actually, Algebra 1 and Geometry is not middle school math at MANY schools. Most (90%?) of 9th graders take Algebra 1 or Geometry at my DC’s private school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I recall reading that a student typically could only improve 100-200 points with studying/prep. So there's not a ton they can do. But I don't know how sound that data point is.

Disagree. My kid improved 300 points with tutoring.

From what to what?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid scored lower after the prep

Same. Significantly lower too. Ugh.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, if you want to see maximum improvement in SAT math scores, consider hiring a tutor throughout 10th grade to make sure chemistry and math (usually algebra 2) is learned the right way. There are a significant number of SAT math topics covered in both of those courses. In chemistry, Unit conversions, percentages, ratios, data interpretation, etc. are learned throughout the year. Most Algebra 2 courses include a review of algebra 1 concepts in addition to algebra 2 concepts. These courses represent a little over half of the SAT math questions. Consider starting “SAT Prep” summer after 10th grade: this helps students reinforce material and prepare them for precalculus in addition to getting them ready for the SAT. The students I’ve done this with have often seen 100-200 point score improvements in math alone from 10th to 11th grade PSAT.

For verbal, READ. Especially over the summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Generally start no more than 3 months before the test. "Years in advance" is too much, they'll get burned out.

You might get 100 to 150 points, but that may not be the tutor so much as the fact that using the tutor forces the kid to take lots of practice tests. If the kid practiced constantly with tests available online, that would usually provide the same benefit as a tutor.

Yes to this. I'm a former Kaplan tutor. You can absolutely get someone up by 100-200 points with a few months of tutoring (which mostly consists of learning strategies, and taking tests, going over every problem they get wrong to figure out why, and making sure they know how to get it right next time.)

Don't start in 9th, it's a waste of time, but DO encourage them to read challenging material and be aware of vocabulary/learn Latin and Greek roots.

+1

Most important thing I have learned is your kid must read and be able to analyze and comprehend. This also help with vocabulary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Generally start no more than 3 months before the test. "Years in advance" is too much, they'll get burned out.

You might get 100 to 150 points, but that may not be the tutor so much as the fact that using the tutor forces the kid to take lots of practice tests. If the kid practiced constantly with tests available online, that would usually provide the same benefit as a tutor.

Yes to this. I'm a former Kaplan tutor. You can absolutely get someone up by 100-200 points with a few months of tutoring (which mostly consists of learning strategies, and taking tests, going over every problem they get wrong to figure out why, and making sure they know how to get it right next time.)

Don't start in 9th, it's a waste of time, but DO encourage them to read challenging material and be aware of vocabulary/learn Latin and Greek roots.

Latin Greek root is antiquated advice. The test has changed so much since when you were a tutor. Vocabulary is hardly a thing anymore.

[Anonymous]

Currently working with a tutor, summer before 11th. Started at 1280 and last practice was 1470. Hoping for more gains before summer ended.

[Anonymous]

My DD went from 28 to a 35 in six months with one on one tutoring every other week. I definitely think it helped. But she put in a lot of work on her own based on homework tutor provided. So it also depends on if your child is willing to put in the work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I recall reading that a student typically could only improve 100-200 points with studying/prep. So there's not a ton they can do. But I don't know how sound that data point is.

Disagree. My kid improved 300 points with tutoring.

Have your kid explain to you what “typically” means.