Self-Studying vs Solid Prep Course

swans004
Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:13:29 +0000

I’m a tutor (just to give you a basis for my perspective), and I totally agree that self-motivated students are better off preparing on their own than attending a class, especially the run of the mill “big box” prep classes that most students enroll in (small, local companies do tend to do a better job as the above example shows). Classes are usually chaotic, filled with students who’d rather be anywhere else, and often insanely expensive. I used to teach them, and they’re not worth it for most kids. For a disciplined student, they’re an epic waste of time and money

Buy the official SAT or ACT prep guide, and maybe a Princeton Review book for strategy if needed, and that’s it. Many more official, legally released practice questions are available online if you hunt for them (or just PM me and I can tell you where to look). If he/she has some questions, or hits a plateau and can’t discern the cause, then spring for a session or two with a tutor. That way you get some individualized help that won’t break the bank. If you do seek out a tutor, DON’T call Kaplan or PR or any of their ilk. The rates can be outrageous, and their tutors aren’t any more qualified or talented than those who work independently…and given how little of the hourly rate goes to pay those Kaplan tutors, the best ones strike out on their own anyway!

Best of luck to everyone!