By Anthony T., Teen Portal Staff Writer
If you already took the SAT and are disappointed with your results or if you postponed the inevitable and plan to take the dreaded test later in the year, there is still time to improve your scores. While there is some controversy over whether it’s actually possible to dramatically alter the outcome of the test, I think it’s worth it to prepare and/or retake the exam after doing a little test prep. At the very least, you might learn some strategies that will help you get a few more correct answers. But is it worth it to shell out thousands for a class or tutor versus doing it on your own or by taking a class through Arlington Public Schools (APS)? Well, it depends on your situation (and, of course, on those college application deadlines!):
• Option 1: Study on your own -- This option is especially attractive if you are in a crunch to take the test to meet college admissions deadlines. It is also probably the best option for someone who is motivated and/or who has already taken the exam and wants to take it a second time. The results from their first test will provide them a guide to different topics that they need to focus on while studying. Here are some ideas for resources to consult:
* There are tons of online resources that will provide you with some great study materials. Of course, these are usually free. The College Board’s website allows you to sign up for the “SAT Question of the Day” and provides sample questions for you to practice. In addition, Number2.com is a Web site that provides quizzes and review material on the different sections of the SAT. APS lists a few other choices for online test-taking prep.
* Commercial guidebooks and CD/DVD Rom programs for the SAT are produced by many different companies including Princeton Review, Kaplan, Barron’s, and Peterson’s. The guidebooks usually cost around $20 and the multi-media products can be a few hundred bucks (Tip: Students of military families can apply for a free copy of an SAT/ACT prep program). In addition, Arlington libraries have extra copies old guidebooks on their shelves.
• Option 2: Take a private class or hire a tutor -- SAT prep courses are great for someone who does not know a lot about what the SAT test entails. Most of them are also helpful for students who find it hard to get the studying process going on their own. The classes, offered both in a classroom and online (including “express” courses for those up against college deadlines), are comprehensive and cover all of the basic material as determined by the College Board. However, the world of SAT prep courses is unbelievably complex and surprisingly expensive. There are a multitude of different options ranging from private online tutors to classes held at local high schools. A simple search on the Princeton Review Web site returns over 100 hits on different classes and tutors located across Northern Virginia. The classes, which vary in number or sessions, cost in the $1,000-range. Classes with a private company, such as Honors Test Prep LLC (with locations in Falls Church and McLean), cost even more, while private tutoring can set you back up to $7,000.
• Option 3: Take a class through APS -- The classes offered through Arlington Public Schools’ Adult Education Program are drastically more affordable than the others out there. APS offers an SAT prep course several times a year. Note: If you need to take a course to prepare to take the SAT before January, you are out of luck. The next course won’t be offered until then. Although the APS class is somewhat shorter in length than some of the other classes offered, the class only costs $170 for 12 two-hour sessions. Check the listing of courses this winter for more information.
