Northern Virginia SAT & ACT Test Prep Courses
Giving Each Student the Competitive Edge
One-to-One Test Preparation Tutoring
We provide highly trained test prep tutors throughout Northern Virginia and an innovative, proven curriculum designed specifically to help students prepare for high-stakes standardized tests such as the PSAT/SAT, ACT, SSAT/ISEE, HSPT, and TJ through one-to-one teaching. Our instruction is three-fold: content review, essential test-taking strategies, and simulated test practice.
How Our Program Works
We custom design an instructional program for each student.
- The first step in each of our tutoring programs is to have the student complete a comprehensive diagnostic test.
- We determine the student's strengths and weaknesses using a computerized analysis of the test results.
- From there, we custom design a test prep program which will enable the tutor to focus on the areas in greatest need of improvement.
- One of our dedicated Education Directors hand-selects a tutor who will best suit the student's academic needs and personality.
- Instruction is focused on verbal, writing and/or math review, test-taking strategies, and practice with actual exams — the three proven ways to boost scores.
- Parents receive up-to-the-minute progress reports after each tutoring session, and have access to our online portal, which provides practice test scores and feedback, homework assignments, and scheduling information.
"We just received Samantha's scores on the HASP and they are terrific! Thank you so much for preparing her and easing her anxiety, so that her skills could shine. These scores qualify her to compete for a scholarship and to be in honors classes — we are so grateful."
— Mary B.
Packages (Includes Practice Tests and Materials)
15 Sessions (22.5 Hours)
Recommended for students who need comprehensive preparation in reading, writing, and math. Includes 4 practice exams, flash cards, and math and verbal course books.
12 Sessions (18 Hours)
Recommended for students who have less time to prepare, but still need comprehensive instruction in reading and writing. Includes 3 practice exams, flash cards, and math and verbal course books.
9 Sessions (13.5 Hours)
Recommended for students who need prep in only one or two subject areas and where time is limited. Includes 2 practice exams, all necessary course materials.
Hourly tutoring is available for those not purchasing a test preparation package. Materials and practice test fees apply. All sessions are 1.5 hours in length.
Free Practice Tests
Educational Connections offers free ACT and SAT diagnostic practice tests. These assessments help us develop a customized program for each individual student. In some cases, students have taken the PSAT and have a general idea of how they will do on the SAT. They may be curious as to how they would do on the ACT. A practice ACT will allow you to compare the two tests to determine which is a better fit for your child. Request a practice test to be sent to your home. To request a practice test administered at our office, please call (703) 934-8282.
ACT vs. SAT
| ACT | SAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 4 sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) | 10 Sections (Critical Reading, Math, Writing) |
| Time | 2 hrs 55 minutes, and optional 30 minute essay | 3 hrs 45 minutes, including a required 25 minute essay |
| Wrong Answers | Not penalized | Penalized |
| Score Reporting | Choose scores to be sent | Choose scores to be sent |
| Points | Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36 and averaged for a total score | Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800 and added together for a total score |
| No. of Questions | 215, all multiple choice | 140 multiple choice, and a free response math section |
| English | Focuses on grammar and punctuation | Focuses on vocabulary |
| Math | More straightforward problems — includes Trig and a science reasoning section | More word problems and includes Geometry and Algebra II |
| Website | act.org | collegeboard.com |
| Upcoming Test Dates | Sept 11, Oct 23, Dec 11, Feb 12, Apr 9, June 11 | Oct 9, Nov 6, Dec 4, Jan 22, Mar 12, May 7, June 4 |
SAT Test Format
10 sections
- 3 Critical Reading Sections
- Two 25-minute sections
- One 20-minute section
- 3 Math Sections
- Two 25-minute sections
- One 20-minute section
- 3 Writing Sections
- One 25-minute grammar section
- One 10-minute grammar section
- One 25-minute written essay
- 1 Experimental Section
Scoring
- Critical Reading Score: 200-800
- Math Score: 200-800
- Writing Score: 200-800
- Total Score: 600-2400
Test Time
3 hours 45 minutes
