The Advantages of Standardized Test Tutoring

Last updated Feb 5, 2021

SUBSCRIBE

When it comes to taking tests—any type of test—most of us agree that studying the material beforehand is a good idea. There may be students who bounce into class, say breezily, “Oh, there was a test today? I forgot,” and proceed to ace the test, but such individuals are few and far between. For the rest of us, good study habits are the key to good grades.

But what constitutes good study habits? Or, in the case of the SAT or ACT, the best study habits?

Studying for a standardized test is trickier than studying for a Monday morning algebra quiz. For one thing, there are choices to be made before the actual prepping begins. ACT or SAT? Optional essay or no? Subject tests? Which subject tests?

Time plays a large part in standardized testing. Students need to estimate how many hours they need to prepare and how far ahead of the test they should start studying. During the test itself, they need to think about both pacing and time management.

Logistics also need to be addressed. School tests are administered, well, at school. But standardized testing may involve unfamiliar places and unusual routines. Where is the test being held? How long will it take to get there? What’s the parking situation? How many breaks will there be? Am I allowed to bring a snack? What kind of calculator can I bring?

Standardized test tutoring can make the test-taking experience easier, less stressful, and more productive from start to finish.

Mentoring

A tutor can serve as a mentor for the entire test preparation marathon. Choosing which test to take, reviewing content, practicing test strategies, and mentally preparing to “go live” on the day of the test: All these steps are easier with an experienced guide to help the student over rough spots. A student studying on his own may get discouraged if, for example, his first practice score does not meet his expectations. A tutor who is familiar with effective study habits can show the student how bigger score increases tend to follow small initial ones.

Structure vs. Temptation

Achieving a high score on a standardized test is a long-term goal, best achieved by setting several intermediate short-term goals. Regular meetings with a tutor help a student to keep his or her “eyes on the prize”—in other words, keep the long-term goal in mind. A student can easily (unintentionally) procrastinate, especially if the test is weeks away. We’re all human! According to DeAnna Rivera (“How to Select the Right SAT, ACT Prep Course”), “individual tutoring is the only way to garner wholly personalized attention to the unique topical and test-taking skills of a given student.”

Proctored Practice Testing

In “Why Should a Student Take a Proctored SAT or ACT Practice Test?” Tucker Coby notes, “Many students who take a test at home don’t do so in a manner that effectively simulates actual testing conditions.” With the best of intentions, a student at home can be distracted by many things: a nearby cell phone, the dog needing to be walked, or a younger sister knocking at the bedroom door to ask, “Did you want that last piece of pizza?” Proctored tests eliminate those distractions and also allow students to practice dealing with test anxiety and the pressure of strict time constraints.

Finally, to use a sports metaphor, which athlete has the better chance to win—the athlete who refuses to let anyone help her or the athlete who has the coach in his corner?

At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, we are here to help make the testing process as easy and stress-free as possible. We help you determine which test—the SAT or the ACT—is better aligned with your strengths, and we match you with tutors who can teach you both content and testing strategies to help you attain your “personal best” score. Standardized test tutoring wil give you the tools you need to succeed.

If you would like to discuss SAT or ACT test prep for your student, have questions about the new SAT or the ACT, or need any other information about college admissions exams, please contact us at office@aplustutoring.com or call 215.886.9188.

0 Comments

What They're Saying

    EXCELLENT  
  48 reviews on
 
 
         
   Angela Jay 
 2024-02-15
 
 
   Best Decision Ever!

A+ Tutoring proved to be a transformative experience for me, surpassing all my expectations. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend A+ Tutoring to any parent or guardian seeking academic improvement and aiming to unlock their child’s full potential.

Prior to selecting A+, I carefully researched and evaluated other services. My goals were twofold: to prepare my son for the standardized testing required for preparatory school and college applications, and to enhance his time management skills and study habits.

Mr. John’s personalized approach resonated with my son’s personality and specific learning needs. Despite my son’s demanding sports schedule, Mr. John was incredibly flexible and accommodating. The sessions were comprehensive, combining instruction, engaging conversations, and homework assignments to reinforce existing concepts and introduce new ones in advanced math, English, and science.

The tangible outcomes were apparent: not only did my son’s grades improve by at least one grade level, but he also secured early admission to prep school! Moreover, I observed a significant boost in his confidence and overall demeanor.

I am deeply grateful to Mr. John, Ms. Dorothea, and Mr. Dan for their exceptional dedication and support. They truly went above and beyond to ensure that we felt fully supported throughout the process. Their contributions have made a profound impact on my son’s academic journey, maximizing the value of my investment.
  
 
 
       
   Kenneth Greenspan 
 2023-11-28
 
 
   Extremely professional and thorough
  
 
 
       
   Leah Reinhard Peshek 
 2023-11-15
 
 
   I just wanted to thank A+ for helping my son achieve his goals. He worked with 2 instructors Andrew and Barbara for both the SAT and AP exams. Whatever they did it was magic! Not only did he get the results he wanted- he surpassed them. It was hands-off for me, he scheduled and communicated with his instructors on his own, which taught him responsibility and accountability. Yet, their lesson follow-up emails kept me in the loop. I can’t recommend them any more highly. If you decide to use them you won’t be disappointed, you will see a student who is better prepared for their studies as well as any tests they choose to take- they even seem more mature and confident. A+ I’m giving you an A+ Thank you so much, Leah Reinhard.
  
 
 
       
   Rebekka Hartwell 
 2023-10-28
 
 
   We had a great experience with A+ Test Prep and Tutoring. I appreciated that the tutor tailored the sessions around our daughter's needs and worked with her strengths. I can definitely recommend this program to anyone needing some extra support.
  
 
 
       
   Rhiannon Kelly 
 2023-08-31
 
 
   My son needed assistance preparing for an exam. We reached out to A+ test prep and they were wonderful. They were able to schedule him for tutoring without an delays. Their knowledge, assistance and guidance speaks volumes. A+ exceeded all outlets expectations. Thank you
  
 
 
       
   Andrea Emmons 
 2023-07-06
 
 
   The tutors were terrific, very thoughtful and really understood my child's needs in terms of studying. The hours worked well with our schedule and the homework assigned was super helpful!
  
 
 
       
   V Penz 
 2023-06-22
 
 
   A+ Test Prep provided superior tutoring custom-tailored to meet my son’s specific needs and learning style. His SAT score increased by 160 points with 12 hours of tutoring!!! That put him well-within range for all of the schools to which he is applying. A+ truly listened to make sure they exceeded our expectations starting with matching our son with Rob. He is an experienced tutor who set goals and developed a specialized plan. Rob taught clear, structured, organized lessons, helped my son plan his practice and homework, and taught test stress-management and relaxation techniques. These lessons also helped fill-in gaps from the pandemic.  The writing, reading and math lessons and strategies  Rob taught gave Dylan a strong foundation of critical-thinking skills which will serve him well in college, the work-force, and beyond.  A+ staff, including Rob, gave prompt, detailed and insightful feedback after each session. You will get ENORMOUS value for your financial investment with A+.  I investigated 6 other tutoring companies and am confident A+ was the best for tailoring their tutoring to a program that best fit my son’s learning style!!
  
 
 
       
   Megan Gasper 
 2023-05-26
 
 
   This tutoring program literally changed my daughters test scores by 1000 points, and they were so helpful, and communicative with me the entire time. I really recommend them for every student, whether they are trying to make their test scores better, or make their scores above excellent
  
 
 
       
   Zarah Adams 
 2023-05-04
 
 
   We chose A+ for Preparation to help our daughter prepare for college entrance exams. May daughter had Pam for the verbal portion of the exam. Pam was amazing! She asked about extra-curricular activities and demonstrated genuine interest in my daughter's role as a student in and outside of the classroom. Pam also noted how important these activities are to colleges. John was the tutor for math and science. He helped my daughter feel comfortable and confident in her skills. My daughter's ACT composite score went up 5 points! I would highly recommend A+ for Test Preparation!
  
 
 
  
 
  Load more