SAT preparation ideas

[Anonymous]

Based on your kids experience, could you please suggest best SAT preparation options and when to start preparing and when to take it? Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I felt that one on one tutoring was worth it. We used prep 1 to 1. Even if you don’t intend to use them, the consultation is very helpful to get a baseline and see what areas they need work, and whether they seem stronger in ACT or SAT.
I think when to take it depends on when your kids can stay most motivated. We did it the summer before junior for my older kids and that worked well. They are extremely busy during the year and the summer allowed them more time to prep. I have a rising junior now again and am waiting until I am certain she will be able to take the test close to prep.

[Anonymous]

We started to think about options after getting the sophomore PSAT score.

For my kid with a fairly high PSAT score (high 1300s), we encouraged him to use Khan Academy the summer before junior year (which he barely did). He took the SAT and ACT in the fall of junior year, was happy with his scores and was done. (he was in honors pre-calc junior year).

For my kid with a fairly low PSAT score (1100), we signed her up for a group SAT prep class for the winter of junior year (she was in regular pre-calc and didn't have all the required math before then). The class didn't help much, her SAT scores were no better, but she ended up doing well on the ACT with some additional math prep from a book. She took her tests in the spring of junior year (two SATs and two ACTS - in hindsight, we should have had her try an ACT much sooner).

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the responses.

[Anonymous]

Figure out when you want to take the test and sign up. Then back in to the test date with your prep plans. We have signed up for 1-1 tutoring with compass prep. we've heard that 1-1 prep is worth the investment from upperclassmen. lessons are once a week and done virtually. prep will include two practice tests. so basically prep starts about 10 weeks prior to the test for our kid. our kid wants to take the test late summer and prep over the summer (to reduce pressure of school year and make use of the new free time this summer with all other plans cancelled)

khan academy has free sat test prep we've heard. it's probably very good based on other videos we've seen over time.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the PSAT. DS had a good PSAT (1300 range) but is not the best at self-motivating for study. So, he did a Princeton Review in-person class (offered at a discounted price through his school). Really, it just provides strategies for approaching the test and multiple practice tests in test conditions. Took SAT once and got a 1490. If he hadn't done as well as he wanted on the SAT we'd have invested in 1-on-1 tutoring at that point to focus in on weaknesses.

If PSAT was weak, we'd just start with the 1-on-1 tutoring.

[Anonymous]

Anyone have any luck with Huntington?