Filled with proven strategies and interactive exercises, our flagship course will arm you with the tools you need to show the SAT what you’re made of!
FAQs
Our 8-week, small-group SAT classes are built around the College Board SAT exam schedule. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding our classes. If you have further questions, please email us at [email protected].
How is your course structured?
Our program is comprehensive, covering all core components of the test (reading, writing/grammar, and math). Each class offers streamlined strategies, group exercises, and independent practice. We also incorporate full-length, proctored mock exams into our curriculum. These exams simulate the real testing environment by helping students practice time management skills.
How do I choose between the small group course and private tutoring?
Here are a few considerations:
- Baseline score – we use prior PSAT and/or SAT scores to gauge the students’ baseline. While we don’t have a hard cutoff, we advise students come in with at least a 550 in each of RW and Math. Students scoring below 500 per section may find the group pacing a bit fast and can consider private instruction instead. Similarly, students scoring above 730 per section may prefer a more tailored approach than the group format can offer.
- Schedule – our group classes meet at a set time each week. In seasons where we have multiple sessions running, you have some flexibility to switch between groups, but for students with a lot of time conflicts, private tutoring may be the better option.
- Learning style – our teaching style is highly interactive. To help students navigate the test, we need to understand their thought processes. In our group classes, we do our best to create a nurturing environment for students to ask questions and engage in discussions. At the same time, we respect the fact that some students prefer a more observational approach to learning. Please consider whether you would thrive more learning amongst your peers or if you’d rather have the full attention of one instructor.
- Format – private lessons are held virtually while our group classes have both in person and virtual options.
When and where are the classes?
Currently, we run classes that target the March, June, August, September, November, and December SAT exams.
To view specific class times and location, choose an option in the course selection dropdown menu of the registration form.
How big are your classes?
We average 12 students per cohort. This allows students to benefit both from effective peer learning and personalized instruction. Please note that class sizes can vary depending on the season. Fall and Spring tend to be lighter (around 10) while Winter and Summer are busier (around 14). If class size is a major concern for you, please reach out to discuss private tutoring options.
Will I have homework?
Yes, students should plan to spend around 3-5 hours per week outside of class on the drills we assign. Of course, the more time you can devote to reviewing your past mistakes, the better. Additionally, for learning and retention, it’s much more effective to space out your study time throughout the week rather than cramming everything in one day.
What if I need to miss a class?
Let us know which class you anticipate missing. During seasons where we have multiple sessions running, the preference is for you to attend a corresponding class that week. If that’s not possible, we’ll want to see if the missed lesson is a scheduled lecture or mock exam. For the latter, we’ll provide instructions on how to complete the test at home. For lectures, we’ll share a video recording taken from a prior session.
What kind of score improvements can I expect?
A 150-point increase is quite typical for our students. Our most improved student saw a whopping 340-point increase and took her score from an 1190 to a 1530!
Keep in mind that your own score improvement is dependent on a variety of factors (e.g., effort, baseline, test anxiety, etc.), many of which are outside of our control. For this reason, we do not give score guarantees. Our goal is to do the best we can to help each student realize his or her own potential.
What if the class is too fast or too slow for me?
If you feel the group pacing doesn’t align with your needs, there are a few steps we can take:
- Supplement with private lessons in between group sessions – this is a good option for students who still enjoy the group format, but want a bit more personalized attention to supercharge their learning
- Move to private tutoring – this is for students who find the group pacing difficult to manage. We can do this for both Math and English or just one section. Private tutoring is also good for advanced students who simply want to focus on their specific missed questions
If I don’t take my test right after the class ends, will I need to retake the course?
Our course is designed to teach you how to self study effectively for the DSAT. If you are attentive during class and take good notes, then you should not need to repeat the course. Instead, many students opt for a few refresher private lessons in the weeks leading up to their exam. Students of our group course receive a discounted hourly rate for private tutoring and can sign up for as few or as many hours as they would like.
Do you have a separate PSAT course?
We use the same curriculum for both our SAT and PSAT students. The two tests are very similar, and our program is designed to help students prepare for both. As long as the student has completed Algebra 2, they should be positioned to take one of our group classes.
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