Anonymous wrote:ACT is easier than SAT.

Many people say that but not 100% true statement. Some kids do better with ACT and some with SAT.

ACT is easier than SAT.

Depending on how your DD does on the SAT, keep the ACT in mind too. We are actually going to take the ACT first. If DC scores between 34 and 36, we're done except for two subject tests (some schools want them, some don't).

The ACT is more achievement oriented and suited better for DC. But DC has also done an 'inexpensive' SAT prep just in case.

My child did the practice questions on the SAT site. They are free and give the student a good idea of what to expect. After each question there is an explanation of why the right answer was right. They used to send out a "Question of the Day" which were fun to do each morning; I think those are still available somewhere on the site. There really is no need to spend a lot of money on SAT preparation when there are so many free and low cost resources out there. Ask around of families with kids who recently graduated, they may have SAT books that they are done with that they may be willing to pass on. We spent little to no money on this and my child did quite well.

Big fan of Capital Educators. They seem well-connected with the independent school world and I've been very impressed with their approach. Very customized, outstanding customer service, and their view of the tests fits very well with my child's - it's not about how much you know, it's about how high you can score, and Capital provides tips and techniques for maximizing your score.

Anonymous wrote:Why is it ok to prep for AAP and SAT but not for TJ? Double standard?

IMO, the TJ and Blair tests are mostly IQ tests (in Blair's case, the Pearson company makes the test) whereas the SAT is mostly what you know (vocab, grammar, geometry) with a dash of IQ-related stuff. I say this as a NMSSF with a kid in a magnet.

I don't have a problem with kids learning *more* vocab and *more* geometry to do well on the SATs because, heck, now they'll have larger vocabularies for life. But TJ test prep means you're basically faking a higher IQ than you will ever have, because IQ tests do rely on a limited number of problems that can be taught.

Also, if your kid can get in the 80th-90th pctile on the SATs, s/he can probably compete well against most kids in her future college. But TJ and Blair take the top 1-2% by IQ, and that might put your kid at a huge disadvantage or even discourage some kids.

Breakthrough Test prep

Why is it ok to prep for AAP and SAT but not for TJ? Double standard?

Thanks!!

Anonymous wrote:Innovative Study Technique in Largo.

I have a friend in Mitchellville who really likes their services.

PP again. I think you might be able to get a private tutor but not sure. Also, try and be a little patient. Not everyone is on the forum every day to read and/or respond.

Innovative Study Technique in Largo.

I have a friend in Mitchellville who really likes their services.

Op - there are many ways to prep for SAT, I am not sure having a tutor is necessary. Sometimes school front offices keep a list of available tutors so you may want to check with your DC's school. You can also check out Craigslist - if you are careful, you can find some good ones. Or your DC can self-study by using CB's Blue Book.

Prep 1 on 1 SAT/ACT Tutoring

OP here...I figured it was a long shot.

Anyone have the name and number of a good private tutor? I live in Prince George's County. My junior DD is registered for the January SAT.