SAT prep. Does it work?

[Puppmom]

DD just got her PSAT scores back and she scored slightly below average. She'll be taking the SATs in a few months and I"m wondering if an SAT prep course in order. For myself, my score improved over 200 points from my first to second attempt but that's probably not the same for everyone.

She's an A/B student and is currently a Junior. Should I wait until she takes the SATs and see what she scores? Then do prep and have her retake over the summer? Or do prep now? Does it work?

 

[SCDP]

I took the SATs in 2004 or 2005 (graduated HS in 2005 so I dont remember when I took them). I did the Princeton Review prep course and it did improve my score. The SAT is all about knowing how to take the test. You can teach yourself by going through practice books on your own time, or do it in a classroom setting. I don't think many people score well with no practice. Do you think your DD will learn better in a classroom setting where they have homework and meet weekly, or is she good at studying on her own? I felt that with all my other commitments I would not dedicate the time needed to prepare without a class.

However, I took the GRE last year and purchased 2 books on my own and went through them at my own pace. I had matured since HS and knew test prep courses would come out of my own paycheck so I made myself study.

Either way I think it is definitely worthwhile to practice and prepare. Whether you do it with a class or with SAT prep books, that is up to you and your DD and should depend on her learning style.

Hope this helps, and good luck! I

 

[vc10um]

I realize this is a bit off-point, but does the college/university she plans on attending require the SAT? Most colleges I applied to (in 2001/2002) would look at your SAT score if you HAD one, but the ACT was the REQUIRED test.

If she does need it, I second what the previous poster said about a class vs. just teaching yourselves from the books. It's all about knowing HOW to take the test, and you'll probably learn the same things in the books vs. the classes. It's just a matter of where she'll put in more effort.

I took an LSAT course, but not the ridiculously long drawn-out ones, and it improved my score by about 7 points just learning HOW to take the test, and then I upped it about 5 more points on my own by practice. Just personal experience.

 

[LJL]

Best advice right up front other than looking to see whether she should take the SAT or ACT is to take the class/practice BEFORE the test. Many schools average the scores since the reporting shows them every time the test has been taken. Some schools will consider your best score in each category while others will average. Averaging is scary if your goal is to make big gains.

 

[daintyG]

I just got a new job teaching ACT prep. I think that she will benefit from an SAT prep course.

When I was in HS, I practiced and studied on my own and saw improvement. However, the ACT prep course I am going to teach now would have helped even more. The prep courses give you strategies on how to take the test. (For example, on some sections of the Science exam, you don't even need to read the passage to answer the questions!) They teach you the different kind of questions you can expect for the test. If she practices on her own, she will get better, but if she learns this other information also, that would be best.

 

[soocool]

DD is a college freshman. I don't remember her PSAT scores, but I know she scored much higher on her SATs. She took her PSAT on Oct 2009 (I'm not sure but she could have scored around 192?). She had also taken the PSAT as a sophomore so that she knew what her strengths were and worked on her weaknesses. She took the SAT in Jan 2010 and her combined score was 2160 and then again in June 2010 and that combined score was 2320.

Most colleges look at the Math and Critical Reading scores (check the colleges your daughter is looking at first) and select the highest scores from all the SAT tests she takes. So in DD's case that was over 1500 (1520??) for CR & Math.

All DD used was the College Board SAT Prep test book (they put out the tests so why use a different prep book. Also, they have online prep courses http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice and you can sign uo for the daily SAT question of the day that helps you prepare ) . For the PSAT we purchased past PSAT tests from College Board (you can purchase the Wed & Sat tests, but have to make sure you ask them to send you the answer sheet so you can check your answers).

DD had many friends who paid anywhere from $500 to a couple of thousand dollars to take the tet prep and none of them scored as high as she did. The kids who did score as high took practice tests over and over again and who took Honors and AP classes, if that is any help.

Let me give you a website that might help you and your daughter: http://www.collegeconfidential.com/ . DD and I used this website a lot to help her in her college search and test prep as well as selecting the right high school courses.

Good luck to your daughter!

 

[Puppmom]

Best advice right up front other than looking to see whether she should take the SAT or ACT is to take the class/practice BEFORE the test. Many schools average the scores since the reporting shows them every time the test has been taken. Some schools will consider your best score in each category while others will average. Averaging is scary if your goal is to make big gains.

This is interesting. DD hasn't narrowed her search yet but we were told SATs and that ACT is accepted as an alternative in some instances. I'll definitely have to do some more research on this piece.

 

[soocool]

I also wanted to add that your DD may do better on the ACT so she should aim to take both. You don't have to send scores to colleges right away, you could wait and see how she does. Also, colleges look at the rigor of courses your child takes in high school (academic vs honors vs AP) and the school organizations/clubs/sports she is involved in, plus community involvement (if her high school has a program whereby students earn recognition by performing volunteer work I would highly recommend it - my DD did over 200 hours during her 4 years and mostly over the summer). So unless your DD is looking at ivy leagues schools her SAT scores may not be as critical as the things I mentioned above.

Also, like my DD her SAT scores may be higher than her PSAT, but I would encourage her to take them either in Jan or March? and the ACT as well before you decide if she needs a formal test prep course that could cost a lot of money.

 

[daintyG]

DD is a college freshman. I don't remember her PSAT scores, but I know she scored much higher on her SATs. She took her PSAT on Oct 2009 (I'm not sure but she could have scored around 192?). She had also taken the PSAT as a sophomore so that she knew what her strengths were and worked on her weaknesses. She took the SAT in Jan 2010 and her combined score was 2160 and then again in June 2010 and that combined score was 2320.

Most colleges look at the Math and Critical Reading scores (check the colleges your daughter is looking at first) and select the highest scores from all the SAT tests she takes. So in DD's case that was over 1500 (1520??) for CR & Math.

All DD used was the College Board SAT Prep test book (they put out the tests so why use a different prep book. Also, they have online prep courses http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice and you can sign uo for the daily SAT question of the day that helps you prepare ) . For the PSAT we purchased past PSAT tests from College Board (you can purchase the Wed & Sat tests, but have to make sure you ask them to send you the answer sheet so you can check your answers).

DD had many friends who paid anywhere from $500 to a couple of thousand dollars to take the tet prep and none of them scored as high as she did. The kids who did score as high took practice tests over and over again and who took Honors and AP classes, if that is any help.

Let me give you a website that might help you and your daughter: http://www.collegeconfidential.com/ . DD and I used this website a lot to help her in her college search and test prep as well as selecting the right high school courses.

Good luck to your daughter!

Yes. If she does the prep courses, she should take the practice tests over and over again to increase her speed and apply what she learned at the prep courses. Some prep courses only give you tools that you need to practice on your own.

 

[violet3]

My score also went up more than 200 points (in the old numbers) after taking a prep course - I really think they work.

 

[Saoirse2]

My baby sister is also a Junior, she will be taking the SAT on march 10 [right before AP testing]. 
Some HS students do well on their own while others do better in a group setting.
Local colleges where SAT testing is offered have Saturday pep groups for $600 [6 sessions]. Free second time around if your teen decides to prep/test again.
Private prep tutors here charge $130-180 per hour, most teens need 20 hours. They give out lots homework and test like no tomorrow based on your teen's PSAT/NMSQT weaknesses. My parents are currently looking for a tutor, her PSAT was 196, 57 in math. 
Like another poster said, she could test early in the year and decide from there.

 

[zoebartlett]

It was a long time ago but I did take a prep course and it helped.

 

[MsP]

I realize this is a bit off-point, but does the college/university she plans on attending require the SAT? Most colleges I applied to (in 2001/2002) would look at your SAT score if you HAD one, but the ACT was the REQUIRED test.

I think you have this switched...

 

[MsP]

I realize this is a bit off-point, but does the college/university she plans on attending require the SAT? Most colleges I applied to (in 2001/2002) would look at your SAT score if you HAD one, but the ACT was the REQUIRED test.

I think you have this switched...

 

[Amber St. Clare]

oh, don't get me going on SAT Prep courses We sent our son to a small, private high school with an excellent reputation. He did an OK, not great job on the test and the principal sent home a letter to all parents hyping several prep courses and how much better the students would do by enrolling on one of the courses.

This so got my dander up....I called the school and asked to speak o the principal and asked him WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN DOING ALL THIS TIME THAT MY SON NEEDS REMEDIAL WORK? My son has a higher IQ than either of his parents so he's no dummy. The principall danced around and said of course it was up to the parents.....he completely dodged my question.

So he took a course and did much better. But the whole situation still sticks in my craw.

 

[Puppmom]

Just a quick drive by since I'm up to my knees (okay waist) in laundry. I see what you mean by *strategy*, DD didn't know that omitting questions can be better (with just a few exceptions) than giving an incorrect answer. Knowing that alone would have improved her score...

 

[Haven]

I think it depends on your daughter.

For some students, the familiarity they'll feel after spending an extended amount of time in a prep course talking about the test and taking practice tests over and over is something that will really help improve their scores.

For others, test-taking strategies such as identifying common question stems and strategic planning for attacking the questions is what they need most. Certain test-preps will help these students, as well.

Others need preparation in the actual content areas, and would be better served by studying the content and not the tests, themselves.

Overall, if you have the means and your daughter has the motivation, a test prep probably won't hurt.

On a slightly related note: My BIL just took the GRE for the second time and used the memory palace technique to learn new vocabulary and it really helped him. His score skyrocketed.

As for which test (ACT or SAT) is required, it depends on the region. All Illinois high schools administer the ACT during junior year because Midwest schools require the ACT more often than the SAT. But the opposite is true in other parts of the country. It is rarer for students to take the SAT around here if they aren't planning on leaving the Midwest for college. I took both tests one time each just to see if I scored better in one or the other, and my scores were exactly equivalent. Go figure.

 

[Puppmom]

Thanks everyone. This information really helps. I do think DD could benefit but I can't tell if it's content or strategy (or both) that she needs to work on. Princeton review seems to cover all bases. She's a great student but generally doesn't do well on standardized tests. She does so well in school because she works extremely hard which is why I think a prep course might be good for her. If she's given the opportunity to prepare, she will take advantage of it.

I was honestly in the dark about how much these courses cost but if it has the impact on her score that it should (assuming she puts the work in), it will be worth it.

Man, my BABY is going to college in less than two years! Now that is crazy!

 

[Arkteia]

I got the name of Princeton review course from my friend (her daughter was able to increase her SAT score by 100). Expensive, but worth every penny! I enrolled my son and he attended classes and mock boards every Saturday. They gave him a tutor ($ 40.00 for 2 hours, but it was 5 years ago). He was not good at language arts so she trained him. At the very end, I hired a private tutor who did crash course in math.

My kid ended up in 98th percentile in language and 95th in math. He probably started high, but in no way would he be able to get such scores without the courses. In hindsight, he thinks that Saturday mock boards helped him most.

BTW, he thinks that SAT's are tricky and for some students, ACT are more straightforward and yield better grades.

I wish best of luck to your daughter! Sometimes it is difficult the first time.

 

[JulieN]

The important thing is taking practice tests and making sure you know why you got something wrong. Classes just make it easier to force yourself to do the practice tests.

 

[Cehrabehra]

What score are you considering average? I've never been able to find a consensus. My daughter just took the SAT for the 2nd time 2 weeks ago and I'm curious to know her score... The first time she took it she went in without ANY prep whatsoever and this last summer I got her a book (I think like SAT for busy students) that just went over everything in brief. She came out of this test with high confidence in her performance where as last time she was completely unsure. I am curious if there was any improvement.

 

[MissStepcut]

I realize this is a bit off-point, but does the college/university she plans on attending require the SAT? Most colleges I applied to (in 2001/2002) would look at your SAT score if you HAD one, but the ACT was the REQUIRED test.

I think you have this switched...

In the Midwest most schools need ACT.

 

[MissStepcut]

I didn't really study for the SAT or ACT but I did work my butt off for the LSAT and I think prep courses are great, especially when paired with lots of practice tests. These things are criminally learnable.

 

[sonnyjane]

I realize this is a bit off-point, but does the college/university she plans on attending require the SAT? Most colleges I applied to (in 2001/2002) would look at your SAT score if you HAD one, but the ACT was the REQUIRED test.

I think you have this switched...

In the Midwest most schools need ACT.

I feel like the SAT and ACT are so different! I did really well on my SAT but kind of "bombed" the ACT. Luckily the SAT was all that was required for my school, I was just taking the ACT because I had planned to apply to a few west-coast schools and they would take either, so I wanted to see which I would do better on. This was 12 years ago though, before the SAT's changed (and I'm not sure if the ACT's have changed either).

I think there is definitely an argument for prep classes. I didn't take them, but my school required us to take the SAT three times - once your sophomore year, once your junior year, and once your senior year. The first time I got a 1270 (of 1600), the second time I got an 1170 (ehh) and the third time, after knowing a lot more about the format of the test, I got a 1400, so really the practice helped.

 

[kenny]

SAT prep must work.
I work all week and Saturday never fails to come.

 

[MsP]

I realize this is a bit off-point, but does the college/university she plans on attending require the SAT? Most colleges I applied to (in 2001/2002) would look at your SAT score if you HAD one, but the ACT was the REQUIRED test.

I think you have this switched...

In the Midwest most schools need ACT.

Eeek... sorry then! I misspoke.

I took both the ACT and SAT and only sent in my ACT because it was dramatically higher.

Something else to consider that hasn't been mentioned... do the schools average the scores, consider all scores, or just take the highest?

I know some schools I applied to discouraged taking it too many times and said they averaged the scores and you could even see on the online app screen that they input a true average. Just something to think about.

Good luck!

 

[Clairitek]

I realize this is a bit off-point, but does the college/university she plans on attending require the SAT? Most colleges I applied to (in 2001/2002) would look at your SAT score if you HAD one, but the ACT was the REQUIRED test.

I think you have this switched...

I tend to agree since only 1/9 schools I applied to required the ACT and it was a southern school in TN. Though, the majority of the schools I applied to were in the northest. I think it varies by region. I only applied to one school west of the Mississippi and they took both tests.

Definitely a good idea to check ahead of time though as you may find that most of the schools she is applying to want the ACT over the SAT depending on where you live and where she is applying.


I did not take an SAT prep course but repetition in taking the actual test helped a lot. I took it three times (sophomore, junior, and senior years) and scored better in my weaker area (verbal) each time and pretty much stayed the same in math (my clear strength). I would just get some prep books and go from there.

 

[chemgirl]

I'm in Canada so I didn't have to do SATs or any type of supplementary application. I did write the MCAT though and I took a prep course. I did the Princeton Review class for the MCAT and it really really helped. They taught strategy, had us do several practice tests, and reviewed content. If their SAT prep is anything like their MCAT prep it shouldhelp!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Where I am from in the southeast, the SAT was always the test taken. But just this year, my state is requiring all juniors to take the ACT. I am so afraid they might make it a graduation requirement to make a certain score, which would be a disaster for kids who don't test well. So I hope they refrain from going that far. But yes, I think a prep class is always good. They really need to have the academic knowledge, but the test prep can help them know the tricks of taking the test (which I hate, but it is what it is).

 

[MissStepcut]

Where I am from in the southeast, the SAT was always the test taken. But just this year, my state is requiring all juniors to take the ACT. I am so afraid they might make it a graduation requirement to make a certain score, which would be a disaster for kids who don't test well. So I hope they refrain from going that far. But yes, I think a prep class is always good. They really need to have the academic knowledge, but the test prep can help them know the tricks of taking the test (which I hate, but it is what it is).

It wouldn't make any sense to do that... Standardized tests are scored on a curve, so there always has to be a bottom 10%. If only really competent, smart, well-educated students took the test, 10% of them will be in the bottom 10%. Adopting a standard like that would guarantee a certain portion of the population always failed to graduate, no matter how well the school had prepared them. I mean I guess since it's a national test, the bottom 10% could all be in Mississippi, but still. Not really a meaningful bar to set.