Frequently Asked SAT & ACT® Questions: (2 of 2)

Got questions? A+ Test Prep has answers! If you haven’t read part one of this two part post click here.

In Part One of this series, we focused on questions about how admissions exams, SAT and ACT®, fit into the college application process. However, A+ also receives queries about our specific role in preparing students for their next academic step. The following are our most common FAQs.

1) Who are your tutors? A+ tutors’ skills are impressive and varied; however, they all have teaching experience. Some are retired teachers; some have taught at the college level. Most A+ tutors have worked with us for many years.

Tutors often have credentials in areas other than academia, as well. Members of our staff have degrees in subjects from English to science to counseling. Our numbers include engineers, linguists, world travelers, and Peace Corps volunteers.

Finally, before our tutors are entrusted with any student’s academic welfare, they must submit security clearances, provide transcripts, pass practice tests, conduct demo lessons, and participate in A+ training seminars.

2) What if our tutor just isn’t working for us? Can we do anything? Our tutors sincerely love what they do. As dedicated educators, they want your child to get the maximum benefit out of his or her sessions. They (and we) also recognize that not every tutor/student pairing is a good fit.

If you do not feel your child’s sessions are as productive as they could be, we want to know as soon as possible. You may request a different tutor, and we will work with you until you are satisfied with your student’s progress.

3) What is the structure of your program? We offer assistance with test preparation, executive functioning, or achievement in any school subject. If your son or daughter is preparing for the ACT® or SAT, thirteen 1.5-hour sessions is the standard option. However, your child’s package can be tailored to fit specific situation. We’ll work with you to create the ideal program for your student’s needs.

Generally a student will work with two tutors, one for math and one for verbal, although we have tutors on staff who are conversant with both sections.

4) How much homework will my child need to do? We have a saying at A+: “Practice doesn’t make perfect; practice makes progress.” On average, test prep homework requires a commitment of 2 to 3 hours per week. The more your student works on his or her skills and strategies, the more certain it is that those final scores will reflect that hard work. However, we understand that kids are busy these days. They often juggle schoolwork, extra-curricular activities, jobs, and family commitments. Your tutor can help prioritize your child’s assignments for the best results.

5) What kind of guarantee do you offer? While a guarantee of a certain score on the SAT or ACT® is not possible, we are more than happy to provide references from previous clients. We, in fact, regularly feature student success stories in our newsletter and on our website. A+ makes every effort to insure that you will be happy with the services you receive and your student’s progress. We stand behind our work!

At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. If you do not see the information you need here, just contact one of our Client Service Directors.  Anne Stanley and Susan Ware can be reached at 215-886-9188.