When should I begin preparation?

Earlier is usually better. SAT Math stops at Algebra 2, so waiting longer to take the SAT doesn’t make sense for students who are already going into Pre-Calc or higher. Juniors who are in AP Calculus haven’t seen some of the math on the SAT since 7th grade! Ninth grade is too soon regardless of math level because the maturity isn’t there yet. Summer before 10th grade is an early start. If you haven’t begun the preparation process by spring of the junior year, you’re behind.

What kind of increase can I expect?

The average target increase for my SAT students is 250-points. This is 100-points more than the average target increase just a few years ago. I have designed my program to meet the demand for monster score increases. A 200+ increase is too much to expect from just one test. For a 200+ increase, you must expect to take the test three times. Everyone takes the test three times, and I have three courses—one for each attempt at the SAT:

• SAT Live
  the core program
  

• SAT Advanced
  follow-up course with higher-level content
  

• SAT Simulate
  one-week simulation of a real SAT before the final attempt
  

Is a bad score held against you?

With few exceptions, the answer is “no.” Almost all colleges are going to take your best Math score and your best Verbal score out of all your attempts and combine them to make a Superscore. This is why

1) everyone takes the test three times and

2) no single test day or test module is going to hurt your application.

Should I consider the ACT?

No. The ACT organization is switching from a non-profit to a for-profit at the same time that it is launching the most significant changes to the test in twenty years. The old test goes extinct after July, and the most generous statement that can be made about the new “Enhanced ACT” is that it is a work in progress. Technical errors, reporting delays, and low quality preparation materials are all issues. Rising sophomores may consider the test next year, but there’s too much uncertainty at this stage of the rollout. Class of 2027 should avoid the ACT.

Do you offer in-person tutoring?

No. All courses are live, interactive, and 100% virtual. All my instruction has been virtual for more than five years, and the results today are better than they were before making the change.

How can I start right now?

SAT preparation begins with SAT Live, the first course in my curriculum. To supplement this, either before or during the classes, build your SAT vocabulary with Vocab Lab, my free digital vocabulary development program.

For students who struggle with Algebra or who haven’t seen it in a long time, it’s a good idea to review. I have a series of core math lessons (slope, factoring, etc) that are also available for free on my YouTube page.

Don’t do practice tests! If it’s not an offical test, it’s not going to be representative of a real SAT. If it is an offical test, then I use it! There are a very limited number of official tests available on Collge Board, and I use all ot them in my courses. Once you’ve worked through a test on your own, it’s no longer useful as a teaching tool. Save those practice tests—you’re going to need them!