COURSE FORMAT
What makes Test Preps courses different?
It’s all about the Small Groups! Because a maximum teacher to student ratio of 1:6 is maintained, a Test Preps instructor is able to offer more personalized attention to each student. Our classes are small and all instructors are highly accessible to every student before or after class. The SAT curriculum is presented in a positive and interactive setting. We care about our students’ individual goals and our classes reflect this philosophy.
In comparison, The “Big Name” SAT Preparation companies are huge businesses that utilize professional sales people to enroll students. Courses are usually held at the company’s local corporate sales office and often have large class sizes to maximize profits. Students are enrolled to meet the monthly sales quota.
Check us out! We truly are different!
When do classes meet? Test Preps classes meet for 8 weeks. The 2-hour sessions are held on Sunday afternoons from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. or 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. When the Sunday session becomes filled, we will consider adding an additional class on Thursday nights (7:00 - 9:00 p.m.). Where are Test Preps courses held? What is the average class size? Class sizes are small, which ensures personalized attention for every student. Enrollment is limited so that group sizes are capped at 6 students for every one instructor.
What materials do students receive? The following materials are included in the cost:
What is a typical class like? A 2-hour session includes an interactive strategy lesson followed by guided small group practice utilizing the SAT Preparation book and additional materials. Generally, one hour is spent on the Critical Reading Section and one hour is spent covering the Math section.
What topics are covered in the course? All sections of the SAT are covered in our course. The focus remains on the Math and Critical Reading sections since most colleges are not utilizing the Writing Skills score for admission criteria at this time. Please check out the Course Syllabus page of this website for a week-by-week overview of the curriculum that is covered.
How much homework can I expect? Weekly homework averages approximately 45 minutes per night and corresponds to the lesson from the previous class. Since we all know how busy high school students are, please be sure that your child has the time to commit to this endeavor when you sign them up. The best time for them to take the SAT is when they are available to make it a priority. Missed classes must be made up before the following week at an additional fee of $50 per hour.
How accessible are the Test Prep instructors? All instructors are available after class to answer questions. In addition, students are provided with an email address and phone number should questions arise during the week. Registered students may reserve additional time with an instruction if they would like to receive more “one-on-one” attention in any area at a reduced fee.
What is cost of the SAT Course? The cost of the course is $650 which covers the eight week session, two textbooks and all additional materials. This is an exceptional value for 16 hours of small-group, ability based tutoring. Don't take our word for it, read the testimonials on our website or ask us for a referral from someone in your area. We are confident that you receive an outstanding recommendation for our program!
SCHEDULING When Are Test Preps courses offered? Test Preps courses are based on the SAT schedule and are offered 6 times per year: beginning in January, February, March, August, October and November.
When should a student take a SAT course? By the end of the Junior year in high school, a student should have taken the SAT at least once. We realize how busy high school students are and believe that the ideal time to take the course is when a student’s schedule allows time for the extra work. Please consider: sports, AP exams, extra-curricular activities (prom, dance, musicals, etc.) and family vacations. Our best advice is to start early in the spring months of Junior year are already jam packed. Consider the December or January SAT for the first attempt rather than waiting until March. Additionally, we strongly recommend that students take the SAT immediately upon completion of the Test Preps Course while the strategies and tactics are fresh in their minds. When should we register for a Test Preps SAT course? Because class sizes are limited to ensure our small group format, a student should register as soon as possible. Classes fill up quickly, and it is not unusual for registration to be closed several weeks in advance of the starting date. To register for one of our classes, proceed to the Registration page of our this website.
Can I enroll in a SAT course that has already started? If spaces are available, a student may still enroll in a course after weeks 1 and 2. However, the missed session(s) must be made up before the next class. If a student enrolls after week 2, both sessions must be made up before week 3. A student who registers late must pay the full cost of the course, plus a reduced private tutoring fee of $50 per hour for the missed class.
Do you offer a guarantee that my score will increase? It has been our experience that those students who actively participate in our 8-week course and conscientiously complete all assigned homework will gain the confidence and necessary skills that are the key ingredients to success on the SAT. We do not offer a money-back “guarantee” per se, but we believe strongly that a Test Preps course guarantees a well-prepared student, which results in improved SAT scores! Our incredible growth in the last 8 years with absolutely no advertising is indicative of the number of referrals we have received from very satisfied clients. Please check out our Testimonial page to hear why both parents and students are big fans of Test Preps!
ATTENDANCE What is the attendance policy? Since each class serves as the foundation for the one following it, the first 3 classes are mandatory. If one is missed, it must be made up prior to the next scheduled class. Private make up classes cost $50 per hour, which is a lower hourly rate than our private tutoring fee.
SAT INFORMATION What is a good score on the SAT? Your college goals determine what a “good” score is. Checking the admissions guidelines for all the colleges you are interested in, as well as the average SAT scores for those particular schools, is very helpful.
Three sections are included in the SAT: Math, At this time, most colleges are not factoring the Writing Skills score into their admission criteria. However, this section is covered in the Test Preps course so that students can feel confident in their ability to address the entire test. Additionally, some schools use this score to determine placement in remedial English classes. The College Finder link at www.collegeboard.com is an excellent resource for accurate information.
How many times can a student take the SAT? There is no limit to the number of times a student may take the SAT. Regardless of the number of times the test is taken, all colleges accept the highest SAT score. However, simply retaking the SAT will probably not significantly increase their score. Preparation and diligent practice are essential in order to impact a positive change.
How do I register for the SAT? The 2009-2010 SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines can be found online at www.collegeboard.com. In order to avoid late registration fees and increase your chances of taking the SAT at the testing center of your choice, it is recommended that a student register for the exam at least 8 to 10 weeks before the testing date. Registration can be completed online at www.collegeboard.com. If you have previously taken the SAT, you can register by phone: 866.756.7346. Additionally, a SAT test preparation booklet can be obtained from your school guidance office.
CONTACT US:
Amherst Youth and Family Center
5005 Sheridan Drive (Near Mill Street)
Williamsville, NY 14221