TEST PREP
The ACT vs. the SAT
Colleges do not prefer one exam over the other so the students should decide which test is a better fit for them. Different students tend to do slightly better on one exam over the other and therefore it is important to take full diagnostic tests before making a decision on which test to pursue. Both exams cover Grammar, Reading and Math, but the ACT tests Science as well. ACT problems tend to be slightly more straightforward than SAT problems. However, the ACT has more problems for the given time, and students need to learn to manage their time well. The SAT allows more time per problem, but problems can be trickier than the ACT.
The Han Tutoring Test Prep Approach
Our students take full diagnostic tests for both the ACT and SAT during the end of their sophomore year or during the summer before their junior year. The PSAT and PACT are condensed versions of the tests, and we’ve found that diagnostic scores from the full tests are a more accurate reflection of a student's actual score.
Based on the results of the diagnostic tests, my tutors and I will determine which test suits a student best and identify topics that require extra review. We spend the first few weeks (number of weeks depends on each student’s diagnostic score) on both English and math reviewing concepts and teaching test-taking strategies.
After mastering the concepts, students are ready to take weekly practice tests. We spend another 6 weeks or so taking practice tests. This stage is when we see scores improving week by week; students have mastered most of the important concepts by now, and weekly test-taking teaches students how to manage time and familiarizes them with the test format. We should see significant improvement from the diagnostic score.
Many students take the official exam at least twice, and they tend to perform better on the second test since they have more experience under their belt. Plan to start test prep 12-14 weeks before the first actual exam. For example, if your child signs up for the October SATs, she should start studying early July.
Han Tutoring SAT/ACT Tutors
Han Tutoring test prep tutors have helped numerous students from this region reach their goal score. Dave and Eric help with all sections on the test. Amelia and Lynn help with the English section and June and Caroline can help with the math section. You can see their bios on Our Tutors.
Thoughts on Group Tutoring vs. 1-1 Tutoring
I have been teaching SAT/ACT prep the past 12 years, and I’ve found that group tutoring is not as effective for the SAT/ACT. Everyone starts from a different place, and private tutoring allows the tutor to focus on a student's specific areas of need.
The SAT is Changing
The SAT is switching to a shorter, digital format starting March 2024. This article explains what you can expect from this change.
Key Points:
- The SAT content remains the same
- The new SAT takes 2 hours; the old SAT takes 3.5 hours
- Scores are returned in a few days
