Test Prep FAQs

Here at A+, we have been in the business of achievement for nearly 30 years.
Here are the answers to some common questions parents have asked us about our company and our tutoring.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when to begin the test prep process for my student?

We recommend beginning to gather information during the summer between 10th and 11th grade for your student. Some rising Junior’s will want to prepare for a test early in the fall to accommodate their busy schedules during the academic year. Others will want to wait until later and test in the winter or spring. Both plans are viable and smart, and our Directors can help guide your efforts.

How do I find out which test, the SAT or the ACT®, is best for my student?

We recommend your student take both a diagnostic SAT and ACT® to compare the scores and see which test best shows his or her strengths. A+ offers a free diagnostic SAT and ACT® to all students as well as consultation to review the scores and give insight on which test would be the best fit. Contact us today to schedule your diagnostic test!

What kind of score increase can I expect my student to experience?

On average, students who complete our full test prep program experience a 160 point increase on the SAT or 4 point increase on the ACT®. A student’s individual results largely come down to his or her personal investment in the program and achieving success. For more information on this topic, please see our Policies and Procedures.

Can my student have one tutor for both English and Math?

We have several tutors who are trained to tutor in both English and Math. For more information on this, please call our office.

What type of tutors do you hire?

All of our tutors are rigorously vetted for both their academic knowledge and teaching ability. We require all of our tutors to have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree as well as expertise in SAT/ACT® testing. For more information on this, see our Our Tutors page.

How much homework will my student have during a test prep program?

Your student can expect to have homework after each tutoring session. The homework is a critical part of our program, and students should set aside about two hours per week to complete their assignments.

How many times should my student plan to take the official SAT/ACT®?

We recommend students register for at least two real SAT/ACT® tests to give themselves two chances at achieving their best score.

Can we do only a few test prep sessions rather than a whole program?

We are unable to do programs that are only a few sessions. We have found over the years that only a few sessions do not enable the tutors enough time to work with the students to make an impact on their SAT/ACT® scores.

Can we do a half program for just English or just Math?

Yes. We can do a half program focusing solely on English or Math. For more information on this, please contact our office.

Can I add on extra sessions at the end of my program if necessary?

Yes, we are happy to help with this.

Can your tutors help my student prepare for the essay on the SAT/ACT® if he chooses to write it?

Absolutely!

Can my student do three sessions per week?

We do not recommend this. During the academic year, we only recommend students do one session per week due to their often busy school schedules. During the summer, if a student has more time, we can do two sessions per week depending on schedules and availability.

What’s the difference between the SAT and the ACT®?

While both of these tests are considered college entry exams, they are considerably different tests. Please see our (link here) Test Comparison for more information.

Do all colleges accept both the SAT and the ACT®?

The majority of colleges accept both the SAT and the ACT®, but if you’re concerned that the college your student wants to attend may not, the best course of action is to contact the college directly.

What Score Do I Need?

SAT and ACT® Score Ranges by College

Comparing the SAT to the ACT®

Learn the differences between the SAT and ACT®.

LEARN MORE

5 Tips from Our Tutors

Here are a handful of tips from our tutors to help you on the SAT and ACT®!

Tips to Dominate Your College Essay

Tips from our tutors on how to conquer your college essay!

LEARN MORE

What Score Do I Need?

SAT and ACT® Score Ranges by College

LEARN MORE

Comparing the SAT to the ACT®

Learn the differences between the SAT and ACT®.

LEARN MORE

5 Tips from Our Tutors

Here are a handful of tips from our tutors to help you on the SAT and ACT®!

LEARN MORE

Tips to Dominate Your College Essay

Tips from our tutors on how to conquer your college essay!

LEARN MORE

“I was really happy with the (A+ tutoring) process. Going into it, I figured the tutoring would help me learn the necessary content. But I think how it really helped me was getting me ready to take the test: getting familiar with the format and the pace. It made me so much more prepared and ready to take the test than a lot of students that don’t do tutoring.”

Matt Graeff, Wissahickon High School
4 Point Increase on ACT® Composite Score

“I learned so much that helped me not only do better on the SAT, but with my high school courses, and most importantly my college future. Thanks A+ for such a great program!”

Eric Rzepnicki, Pottsgrove HS
370 Point Increase on the SAT

“If you are at all considering using A+ Test Prep and Tutoring but are unsure if you should use their online or live tutoring, I’d like to tell you that our son has absolutely thrived with his online tutoring sessions! Ben has always been good in Math as long as he has had a lot of practice and support. That was fine for many years but once we hit Algebra, there was a lot of stress in our family around math homework and studying for tests.

To lessen the frustration on the part of both Ben and my husband–who worked with Ben the most–I decided to hire A+. My only concern was that we already had a packed schedule of after school activities and I couldn’t imagine driving anyone to one more thing. So we opted for online tutoring with A+. It has been amazing!! Not only does Ben get himself set up with his work at his own desk, he loves the technology they use to work through the math problems. When does your 13-year-old thank you repeatedly for anything, nevermind tutoring? He looks forward to it and checks in with me every Sunday to make sure that he has his session on Mondays. Best part, he is now getting A’s in math on a regular basis, I am not driving all over the suburbs and our house is back to being a lovely, peaceful place!”

Lori Fischer, Parent, Fort Washington, PA

“My tutors really boosted my confidence and made a difference in my SAT scores. Thank you A+.”

Justin Kohl, North Penn HS
300 Point Increase on the SAT

Resources

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Why A+

Learn about our unique process and tools for your student’s success.

Test Prep FAQ

Answers to SAT and ACT® questions and find out more about our test prep programs.

A+ News

Learn from the experts about test prep, college admissions, scholarships, and more!

What They're Saying

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Contact Us

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(215) 886-9188

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A+ Test Prep and Tutoring -- Philadelphia

505 York Road, Suite 6, Jenkintown PA 19046

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A+ Test Prep and Tutoring -- Montgomeryville

593-1 Bethlehem Pike, Unit #4, Montgomeryville PA 18936

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office@aplustutoring.com

Test Answer Sheet Submission

ACT® and SAT® are registered trademarks belonging to ACT Education Corp. (“ACT”), and College Board, respectively. ACT and College Board are not involved with or affiliated with A+ Test Prep & Tutoring, Inc. nor do ACT or College Board endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by A+ Test Prep & Tutoring, Inc.