Test Prep
We offer test prep for the SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests (SAT IIs), ISEE, SHSAT, SSAT, BJE, TACHs, NY Regents, and AP Exams.
See Resources for more information on these tests.
Our Approach to Standardized Test Prep
Preparation for a standardized test seems daunting at first. It’s no secret that standardized tests are a critical aspect on applications to private/specialized schools and colleges. So needless to say, there is a lot of pressure associated with preparing for a standardized test. Our Academic Coaches understand this unique pressure and are trained to help students build confidence for test day.
We have developed a three-phased test prep curriculum that can be customized to meet each of our student’s specific needs:
Phase I
Solidify the fundamental academic skills that are most commonly tested. We start with internally developed assessments of key academic concepts and diagnostic practice tests. Based on the results, we craft a personalized plan to strengthen the understanding of the underlying academic skills critical to the material on the appropriate standardized test.
Phase II
Teach test-specific strategies and techniques. Students practice using these strategies and become familiar with question patterns through assigned practice questions for homework. We want our students to master these techniques and therefore start our practice without time constraints.
Phase III
Ensure our students are confident in their abilities and capable of performing come test day. We use a combination of timed individual sections for homework and full-length practice tests to help our students become comfortable with the pressure of time constraints. Test anxiety plays a significant role on standardized tests for many students. We prepare our students for all the potential speed bumps that may arise on test day, so they can remain focused on the test itself.
Student Pacing
Every student works at a different pace and will spend varying amounts of time on each phase. Throughout the test prep process, we evaluate areas of strengths and weaknesses through diagnostic practice tests and homework problems.
Practice Tests
We administer practice tests to help our students become more familiar with the standardized test taking environment and time constraints.
For times and locations of our practice tests please see the appropriate Private Prep location.
Prep Materials
There is a wealth of material available for standardized test prep. We thoroughly examine this material and use only those resources that accurately reflect the actual questions on each standardized test. As such, we primarily rely on material published by the creators of each test.
We offer test prep for the SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests (SAT IIs), ISEE, SHSAT, SSAT, BJE, TACHs, NY Regents, and AP Exams.
