Dream4Life

was it elite?

mitchklong

We looked at PSAT prep courses but passed. It turns out that most of the sites that claim to give you PSAT prep just send you to the regular SAT prep. I know they are similiar, but was disappointed at the way they just substited the word "PSAT" for "SAT".

lappelduvide

I signed up for NSF's online SAT practice course.

The requirements are:
3-4 hours of SAT homework per week
+ more on breaks

3 Divisions:
Basic, Intermediate, Advanced

If you miss three assignments or sessions, you're automatically dropped.

$250 for 10 months.
I think it's a pretty good deal. $25 a month for so much material is not bad at all.

lappelduvide

Oh, BTW

NSF = North South Foundation
Indian-based organization

shinjuurou

only things you need are a prep book and some strong determination. forget expensive prep classes.

angelsndemons

sat prep classes (I have been told) can be beneficial because you can hear the other questions/concerns from students. this is helpful as long as they are similar academically to you.

Mamadubbs

My D scored a 25 on her ACT without any prep classes or materials. Her BFF originally scored a 19 and then got a 23 after taking a couple prep classes. I just signed up my D with a private tutor at $35 per session. After seeing how much it helped her BFF and needing a 26 to get into the Honor College at her school of choice, I think it's a good investment. Should she score a 27, she'll earn another $1,000 per year in merit scholarships, and with a 28, she'll earn full tuition. A mom can dream, can't she?

SerenityJade

*used no real prep methods*

I don't know what to put...

BroDudeMan

1950->~2350ish after a prep class. definitely worth it.

Taz2013

I took a one month ACT prep course at Sylvan Learning Center in August after taking the ACT for the first time in June. My score went from a 26 in June to a 30 in September, without much prep over the summer. I dont know if its the prep class itself that helped me improve so much or if I got a low score in June because it was my first time and I was super nervous.

Castielyse

Went from 185 PSAT (No prep) -> 2190 SAT (Prep class) -> 2310 (Self prep).

Having someone who actually knew a lot about the SAT there to explain how to solve problems and learn from my errors helped tremendously. I did about two months of tutor-prep and my score went up a lot. After I learned the basic SAT methodology from my tutor, I practiced a lot and polished my skills on my own and went up 120 points. So I guess it's a bit of both for me.

However, one thing I will emphasize is the importance of what you learn in school. We did a lot of writing and passage comprehension prep in AP Language, and that definitely helped with the Critical Reading questions. The stuff I learned in AP World and US History definitely helped with potential essay topics as well. And I feel like there's an overall wisdom that you gain as you go along in high school that just helps you tackle the SAT exam better. Call me crazy, but that's just my opinion.

CamScott

I'm about to take the test, but I did prep. I think it helped a lot and my practice scores went up 3 points on the ACT. But still I haven't taken the actual test guess we will see. I think im more prepared tho.

thecreator96

Took a 6 week local prep course where 81% score higher than 2100, and was able to boost my score from a 1710 to a 2200(first try). I attended a class twice a week for three hours, as well as a practice test every Saturday. In my opinion, it was not necessary to me getting the score I wanted, but it definitely motivated me to put in the work.

carolynleekidd

I have taken two SAT prep courses and one ACT course. All three with Kaplan. ~$1,500
Very helpful.
Raised my scores on the SAT.
Not sure about the ACT as I am taking it tomorrow.

awolfatthedoor

first sat - 2030
second sat - 2090
third sat - 2290

difference on the third? I actually opened up my blue book that I had bought after the first test and stuck my head in it for a week. 6 practice tests later, I felt much better about what the test was looking for.

Some may benefit from courses, especially if it's a low score from the start, but for most all it takes is some serious determination and a blue book.