Standardized Test Prep
Standardized test prep involves more than just content mastery. It also involves test-taking strategy, guessing tactics, pacing, and time management. We equip students with the skills they need to build a solid foundation for the SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, GRE, and more.
Lower/ Middle School
ISEE/SSAT: Virtually all private schools require an Independent School entrance exam for admissions into Middle School or High School. The two major exams administered are the ISEE and the SSAT, both similar in their content but different in format and grading rubric. We have worked with numerous students over the years in helping them prepare for these exams, which students usually take a year in advance of their entrance grade (for example, to be competitive for application to 9th grade, a student has to take the exam a whole year in advance during the beginning of 8th grade). High school students who attempt to transfer from one private school to another usually have to take the ISEE or the SSAT.
High School
SAT: With the launch of the new SAT in Spring 2016 came a number of changes to the test. The SAT is now scored on a 1600-point scale. The math and reading sections now account for the scored portion of the test, and the optional essay is evaluated separately. There is no longer a ¼-point penalty for incorrect answers. The anatomy of the test is also new; test sections and test content have been revamped to reflect “real-world” application. With all these changes, it’s never too early to get started on SAT prep. Our tutors are trained in the latest SAT prep methodology and are fully prepared to transition students to the new test.
ACT: Many students find the ACT to be a good alternative to the SAT. The ACT has traditionally been more focused on school subject areas than the SAT, giving students the opportunity to showcase their learning and retention abilities more than their test-taking abilities.
PSAT/NMSQT: Since the College Board revamped their PSAT in Fall 2015, this exam has become more similar to the ACT. Not required for college admissions, the PSAT/NMSQT serves as a "scouting" exam, by which colleges and universities have the opportunity to learn about bright-minded sophomores and juniors (and yes, even 8th/9th graders) even before the dreadful applications process begins Senior Year. The National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test awards the recognition of National Merit Commended (top 3%) and National Merit Semi-Finalist and Finalist (top 1%) from among 1.5 million Juniors who take this 3-hour exam every October. Over the years, several of our students have achieved these coveted distinctions.
AP/IB: These Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams allow students to earn credit (with or without a grade) at the college level. For example, a score of a 4 or 5 (and sometimes a 3) on a single AP exam can save thousands of tuition dollars, allow students to place into sophomore/junior level courses, and/or give students the opportunity to explore more college-level courses after testing out of the fundamentals (such as General Chemistry, Calculus I, or Introductory Spanish, English, etc.). We have worked with students in all of the following areas (but not limited to):
Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics
Spanish, Latin, French
World History, US History, Government, Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science
College
MCAT: Our students have gone on to top-ranked medical schools around the country. The MCAT is a key piece of medical school admissions and assesses fundamental understanding of physical sciences, verbal reasoning, and biological sciences.
GMAT: Interested in going to business school? Business schools want to see candidates who demonstrate both the quantitative and qualitative skills needed to perform well in the business world.
GRE: If you’re looking to attend a graduate program, you’ll most likely need to take the GRE in the near future. The GRE is one of the most comprehensive admission tests out there, and assesses math, verbal reasoning, and writing abilities.
LSAT: The LSAT is paramount in law school admissions. An LSAT score that is just one or two points higher can unlock the next tier of law schools to you – or thousands of dollars in scholarship money. If you’ve determined that law school is the right next step for you, consider our services for private LSAT coaching.
Others: Whether a student is looking to acquire or place out of a college-level class with the CLEP test or place into Nursing School with the HESI Admissions Exam, we are here to help. Don't count us out for any graduate or post-gradaute exam prep you need and feel free to request a tutor!