Can anyone recommend or speak of a successful experience with prep?
I tried one outfit last year and my son’s scores actually went down after 12 weeks of tutoring. It was discouraging.
I’ve heard similar stories of score declines after tutoring… and after spending lots of $$$!
exactly…but I’ve had a couple of inbox recommendations I might try!
Just as an aside, but there have been dozens and dozens of academic studies on the effects of tutoring and coaching on the SAT, starting in the early 1980s and continuing at least through the early 2000s. (I’m not aware of any studies on the SSAT specifically.) The conclusions of the researchers have been very consistent: notwithstanding the claims of the tutoring/coaching companies, the evidence shows minimal value-added. The more carefully constructed the study, the smaller the gain, with meta-analyses showing average gains of between 10-20 points total (out of a 1600 scale).
If it is at all possible, and you have the time, you might consider working directly with your child using standard, commercially available prep books and materials. No one knows your kid better than you do, or cares as much.
Summit Educational Group in Newton offers free timed practice tests.