Preparing for college entrance exams is becoming a controversial issue in America. While some students benefit from a wide array of resources available to them to prepare for the SAT and/or ACT tests, many students have limited access to programs and classes that can help them prepare. Educators and politicians have raised the issues of equity and fairness when it comes to access to test prep programs. While this is a legitimate concern, research has shown that there are many things you can do to improve your test scores without paying for a class, tutor, or test prep program.
The Collegeboard (the people who administer the SAT tests) did a longitudinal study following three groups of students: those who did no preparation for the SAT, those who used the free sample test and test-taking tips that can be obtained when registering for the test, and those who paid for test preparation. Not surprisingly, the students who went into the test “cold” performed the worst; however, students who utilized free resources generally did as well as those who paid for test preparation services.
Having said that, it is still best to consider individual factors when thinking about test preparation. Examine yourself and try to discover what kind of test-taker you are – how have you performed on past standardized tests? Do you suffer from test anxiety? Are you someone who ‘crams’ the night before tests at school? How committed are you to preparing for the test(s)? If, after reflection, you decide you would benefit from a test preparation program, start asking around for the best programs in Sacramento. While there are many (usually expensive) national test preparation programs such as Kaplan or Princeton Review, there are also programs sponsored by local universities, community colleges, high schools, or individual teachers. Programs can range in price from approximately $100. to upwards of $900., depending on the company and the length of each program. See your counselor at Christian Brothers if you need more specific information. CB usually sponsors a practice SAT test in March (varies from year to year). We also offer our own six-week prep course taught by CB teachers (from 07-08 onward). See folder at left for further details.
You can also do your own preparation by going to the public library, your local bookstore, online, or the College Center in Br. Edward Hall. Books such as 10 Real SAT’s or Barron’s SAT Prep and dozens of others will help you to practice and prepare at home. Even Collegeboard has an SAT Question of the Day on its website each day – if you tried one a day for a few months it would help you improve your readiness! There are also computer programs like One on One with the SAT that you can purchase. If you do not want to buy a lot of prep books, you may check them out at your local library. Go to the Web Resources (Links) folder on this website for a list of addresses for test prep assistance. Remember that the best preparation of all is frequent and copious reading of all kinds – for school and for pleasure! And remember, too, that you may take the tests as often as you like, and colleges will always take your highest score!
For your convenience, local programs are listed below. This listing does not constitute an endorsement by CBHS.
Scholars Tutoring Center - Specialists in serving the Catholic School community. Comprehensive SAT/ACT Prep Small-group Classes and 1:1 tutoring services. Our SAT/ACT tutors are specialists in test subjects and strategies. Prep classes are scheduled before most test dates. 1:1 tutoring available for all standardized tests and most SAT Subject tests. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. Centrally located at 2255 Watt Avenue, Sacramento. Phone: 916-979-9755; http://www.ScholarsTutoring.com or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Learning Edge: ACT & SAT Prep classes on the fly…12 hour crash course for the last two college entrance exams of 2009-10 school year. Visit www.learning-edge.org or call 916.484.6600 to reserve a spot.
Schulman’s SAT Workshops, held regionally, dates vary.
Cost: $300 includes 5 sessions and a review book.
Call (530) 478-PREP (7737) to register.
Check the website for dates, times, prices: www.schulmansat.com.
Taming the SAT, sponsored by USC, held at the Sacramento Convention Center, dates vary, approximate cost $220.
Call (800) 761-3086 for information or to register.
Please check the website http://www.tamingthesat.org for updates to the schedule.
Bobrow Test Prep Services - $295. (materials included) Call 800-426-2769 or go to www.bobrowtest.com.
SAT I Preparation Course, Preppin’ the SAT, Mark Pennington and John Bullock, held at Bella Vista High School, 8301 Madison Ave., Fair Oaks, Room P-6, cost $399. To register call 1-888-565-1635 or go to www.penningtonpublishing.com/sat Fee:$399. Material fee of $40 for text and worksheets. Fees payable to Mark Pennington. See the flyer in Br. Edward Hall for more details.
Ames Seminars SAT I Prep Course, at Rio Americano High School. To register call 800-799-9799 or www.amesseminars.com
SAT Prep tutor Ms. Eileen Steinberg, BA, MA - a credentialed teacher with over 20 years experience. Call 488-2714 or go to www.the-english-tutor.com.
University of California has a free interactive online test prep course. Go to www.cavhs.org for user-friendly tutorials, a vocabulary builder with more than 2,000 words to help reinforce academic skills tested by SAT and ACT, as well as suggestions for incorrect responses and explanations for correct responses to multiple choice questions. This site also features times sample tests to help identify strengths and weaknesses and suggests directions for study.
University of the Pacific SAT Prep Course: go to www.pacific.edu/hdl or call 209 946-3064 for more information. Course focuses on Math portion of exam.
Kaplan Test Prep: Complete SAT Prep for $499. Go to www.kaptest.com or call 800 KAP-TEST fro more information.
Revolution Prep - The SAT Preparation Course:
Bella Vista High School + Rio Americano High School - Register at 1-877-REV-PREP or online at www.revolutionprep.com
Sherwood Test Prep: 4 Week ACT Course: $349. 6-Week SAT Course: $399. Locations in Sacramento, Roseville and Stockton. Call 1-866-TEST-PREP to register or go to www.sherwoodtest.com Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sylvan Learning SAT Prep Time . This is a free service to all Sacramento Area high school students. Call today, 916.394.1125, to get more information and to reserve your seat at these free events.
