Standardized Test Prep
Clarity Learning offers private or small group tutoring to supplement whatever test prep program you’ve selected.
We teach students to:
•Recognize which problems are worth their time to solve and which should be skipped/guessed.
•Recognize the patterns in problem types.
•Re-do problems to build speed and confidence.
•Practice basic concepts that are the building blocks to larger, “multi-step” problems.
Our test prep is based upon whatever prep book the student has already used (if any). For the SAT, we usually recommend the CollegeBoard’s book, as the CollegeBoard writes the exam, and the book is based upon recent, released exams (link: http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/official-sat-study-guide). However, any of the major books are fine.
The first step would be to informally assess what the student already knows about the exam content and her inherent “test-taking ability.” Some people are just “good at taking tests” and seem to have an innate ability to choose the correct answers by general knowledge and the process of elimination. Other students “over think” the test and make errors. We also want to find out if she needs to work on one section over another, or if she needs work in every area.
Much of this can be done for free at:
- “SAT / ACT / CAHSEE Basics” Table (This is a regularly updated table on the Clarity Learning Blog. It’s also helpful for students matriculating into college classes.)
- ACT website
- CollegeBoard’s Free, Printable Practice SAT Test
- CollegeBoard Textbook Companion Site (You need the current book.)
- CollegeBoard’s Free Skills Insight
We encourage families to take advantage of these resources. After that, the student can meet with a tutor to work on specific areas.
However, if the student simply cannot/will not do this work on her own, then we can meet to do everything!
Resources: Here are some of our favorite resources for test data and content.
Recommended books:
Note: The SAT, ACT, CAHSEE, and other tests are the property of their respective publishers. Clarity Learning is not endorsed by these publishers.
