The SAT is a make it or break it situation. Students get four hours to test their knowledge and prove to colleges that they have academic promise.
To battle this excruciating test, many students spend thousands of dollars on SAT tutoring. The tutoring is costly and much time is invested. After all the tutoring and work, do students that hire an SAT tutor get an advantage over others who study on their own?
Junior Sandip Srinivas said, “I think having the structure of a class really helps, but I also think the best way to prepare is to take practice tests and by doing this they can get used to the structure.”
Getting into college has become more and more competitive. Scores that used to be high just don’t cut it anymore. According to universitylanguage.com, Ivy Bound students score between 2100 and 2380 on the SAT.
Although the test may not be the best way to examine a student’s knowledge, it is definitely an imperative role in the college admission process.
There are plenty of free SAT practice resources. The Belmont Library offers free practice tests. These tests are simulated just like the real SAT and use previously released SAT tests.
Another free resource is an after school SAT practice session here at Carlmont. This is free, convenient, and an easy commitment.
The sessions are 4 days a week and start shortly after seventh period.
Lastly, to prepare for the SAT, every high school student can take advantage of one website: collegeboard.org.
When you visit the Collegeboard website, there are a series of tabs including SAT, AP, College Search, and College Planning. One of the most commonly used features is the SAT tab.
Junior Charlotte Jackman logs on to Collegeboard for SAT practice. “Collegeboard is my favorite website for SAT practice. They send me a practice question by email every day. It’s completely free and super useful.”
Collegeboard’s official book has over 12 practice tests, but the website has free individual questions and one full test.
Junior James Schulte said, “I think they have a really strong reputation. And I can’t think of any other standardized testing companies off of the top of my head.”
Collegeboard is the number one company for college preparation. It is free, simple, and easy to access.
So why do students spend money on SAT tutoring when there are free resources at their disposal.
Although SAT tutoring may be pricey and time consuming, it may boost the score and help a student for success. On the other hand, there are plenty of free resources at one’s disposal. When deciding what path to take, one must ask if the cost of an SAT tutor will significantly boost one’s score so that it was worth it.
Currently the test is out of 2400, opposed to the old score of 1600. A relatively new section was added, writing, to make each section worth 800 points.
Parents must decide if it is worth spending money on an SAT tutor for their child. Would it give their child that extra edge to get that extra 200 points and break the 2000.
To get such high scores, some would say a tutor is necessary. The SAT is all about strategy, so if a student practices enough, he or she can increase their score significantly.
That said, if success is all about practice, then why does a student need to spend money on a tutor? He or she can practice on their own.
