As more schools become test-optional you may be wondering if your child should even bother with the SAT or ACT.
If your child submits a test score with their application, colleges and universities will consider it as part of their application review process.
While standardized test scores certainly aren’t the only metric they’ll evaluate, they can be a good indicator of a student’s college readiness. SAT or ACT scores can impact their admission status, as well as their scholarship eligibility.
Knowing this, you might be considering hiring an online SAT tutor to help your child prepare as much as possible before test day. Today, we’re sharing a few tips to help you choose one who can motivate and teach your child the right way.
Seek Individualized Test Prep
No two students are exactly alike. Your child might excel in algebra or geometry but struggle with critical thinking. Then, there’s another student who is great at critical thinking but could use extra help with math.
As such, a universal, one-size-fits-all approach to SAT tutoring isn’t as effective as an individualized plan. At Educational Connections, our experienced and highly-credentialed tutors use research-based strategies to customize each lesson to the learner’s needs. Then, we provide each lesson in a one-on-one environment so there are no distractions.
This way, they’ll spend less time honing in on topics they’re already adept at, and more time addressing their weaknesses. You can rest assured that each session will be targeted and designed to help your child get stronger in the areas that make the biggest difference.
Understand the Approach
Before looking into SAT prep or ACT prep, take the time to understand how each tutoring company works.
Do they simply deliver a range of practice problems, day after day? Or, are they really diving into the fundamentals of the exam so students have the foundational knowledge they need to succeed?
Our approach is different for each student and caters to their specific needs. Your child will take a full-length practice test before we begin. This helps us understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as key areas in which they can improve.
Using that feedback, we’ll work together to create an effective SAT or ACT prep strategy that works. By following our custom-designed programs, students can build upon their current strengths and address knowledge gaps. This prepares them for each section of the SAT or ACT, removing learning barriers so they can optimize their scores.
Our tutoring sessions are centered around three basic elements. These include:
- Content review
- Test-taking strategies
- Simulated test practices
This approach gives students plenty of time for hands-on learning. At the same time, it also hones their listening and skills and gives them practical tips to improve their likelihood of SAT or ACT success.
Look For Mock Testing
Personalized study sessions can be incredibly helpful, but mock tests are one of the greatest tools for helping students get a real-life feel of how the test will go.
Not only do these tests cover material that’s similar to what they’ll see on the big day, but they also help them understand how to pace themselves. Look for a tutoring or test prep company that can provide access to this type of testing.
Mock testing should be included as part of the overall test prep package. Our team offers multiple Saturday dates throughout the calendar year, with easy online sign-up and secure access to the virtual testing environment.
Read Reviews and Feedback
One of the best ways to gauge the effectiveness of a tutoring company is to listen to what other students and parents have to say about it. Most reputable companies will proudly display client feedback and testimonials on their website.
Our team at Educational Connections is especially proud of the reputation and community we’ve built. We’re transparent with our Google reviews and post them right on our homepage.
While each person’s experience is unique, reviews like these can help you gauge how your student’s tutoring session might go. Even if the review is for a different service, such as an executive function coach or subject tutor, you can still read it to discern general traits, such as the tutor’s timeliness and professionalism.
If you don’t see any reviews listed, go ahead and reach out to the team and ask for references. In today’s increasingly digital world, these types of connections can help you separate viable tutoring companies from dishonest ones, so it’s a smart step to take.
If you don’t know anyone who has used an online SAT tutor, go ahead and read what others are sharing! And you don’t have to only take our word for it, we were also named the Best SAT and ACT Test Prep company in the Washington DC area in 2022 by Washington Family Magazine.
Ensure Feedback and Accountability
A large part of preparing for the SAT or ACT is monitoring your child’s readiness level. Are they getting better in their weak areas, or staying stagnant? Are the tutoring sessions making a difference?
You need a tutor that keeps you in the loop at all times. This is why we provide detailed progress reports to parents after each tutoring session. In addition, you also have around-the-clock access to our online portal, where we’ll post your child’s practice test scores and other feedback notes.
This is also the place to find information on upcoming test dates, as well as your child’s homework assignments. We recognize that tutoring is a family affair, and strive to keep everyone updated throughout the experience. If the tutoring company you’re considering can’t say the same, then it might be time to continue your search elsewhere. You shouldn’t feel kept in the dark about your child’s progress.
Hire an Online SAT Tutor Today
A great SAT or ACT score can boost your child’s entire future by helping them getting into the college of their choice. This is an important part of their academic journey, and it’s important to prepare them as much as possible.
An online SAT tutor can them get there. Our highly-qualified team will work with you and your child to develop an individual learning plan that will capitalize on their strong suits and address their areas of improvement.
Are you ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!