<p>Where I live, there are only three options for test prep: Excel (which I'm not considering as my sister had a bad experience), Elite (I've heard it's really expensive?), and Kaplan.</p>
<p>I was wondering whether Elite is worth the money; a lot of people in my area take their classes, but then again, most of the people in my area are crazy rich. I don't know that many people who've taken Kaplan classes; I'm considering the Unlimited Prep deal (PSAT, ACT, and SAT prep; it's the most affordable).</p>
<p>Also, can anyone give a definite price on Elite ACT classes and Elite SAT classes? I can't find prices anywhere.</p>
<p>According to diagnostic tests, I'm at a 34 on the ACT (34 Reading, 34 Writing, 36 Math, and 30 Science) and a 2150 on the SAT (800 Math, 640 Critical Reading, 710 Writing); neither of these included the essay section (my main concern, especially for the SAT, where they give the most arbitrary of prompts). However, in a practice test I took earlier, I got a 10/12 on the ACT essay and... Well, we don't talk about my SAT essay score. Let's just say it's really low.</p>
<p>Is Elite worth the money? Is Kaplan any good? Thanks!</p>
<p>Oh, by the way, I plan on taking the ACT this fall or winter (I’m a rising sophomore) so I’m qualified for more summer programs/it’ll offset my freshman year grades (I plan on applying to very competitive programs, and my GPA may hinder me without the ACT).</p>
<p>i would not take any prep classes with those sorts of scores as a freshman. you can likely teach yourself just fine. i think and could be wrong but i think many of those classes are geared for all test takers so they will be hitting on things below your abilities. also, some are designed to get the kid who refuses to study, to in fact, prep. i don;t know about the pricey option(that may be more exclusive) but if i were you, i would balance that one with a private tutor(a good one) who can get you to your desired scores. Your CR score is currently low but perhaps it is fine for a rising sophomore. that being said. i would find ways to build the CR score up including reading quality literature and come up with ways to finetune your vocabulary. i do think spending about $200 if that is the going rate with a private tutor who can tell you what is the best advice and prep books specifically for you is the wisest way to spend your money. </p>
<p>Self-studying is the way to go. It’s nice to see students like you (freshmen) who are concerned about standardized testing, since people often realize its importance a little too late; however, know that you have plenty of time. </p>
<p>That 34 is quite the solid score, and you can certainly bring it up significantly with practice on the Science section. The 2150 is also pretty good, since CR is the only section you really need to focus on. Learn some vocab, practice those passages, and you’ll be able to significantly improve that score, too.</p>
<p>Just for reference, I started off where you’re currently at the beginning of junior year. By the end of junior year, I had a 2320 and a 34. So don’t worry about the SAT/ACT too much; you’re definitely on-track for high scores with minimal prep! :)</p>
<p>EDIT: I see that you’re planning on getting these scores out of the way for summer programs. Nevertheless, my advice applies. It looks like Math is your strong suit, so make sure you don’t make simple mistakes and capitalize on that strength. Also, for the ACT Science section, just treat it like another Reading section, except don’t read the text. Just skip to the tables/graphs. The amount of actual Science knowledge necessary is surprisingly not as much as you would expect.</p>
<p>I’m currently taking Elite right now and the price tag that comes along with the program ($2600 for the 8 week boot camp) is not worth it. They give you a lot of materials and it helps but with the types of scores you’re getting you’ll be absolutely fine. Also, if you read Xiggi’s huge thread, many instructors and tutors on there used to work for Kaplan and said it was not worth it. </p>
<p>I’d recommend the self-studying path as long as you’re motivated enough to do practice tests and go over them by yourself (you certainly seem able to do that).</p>
<p>I was considering elite as well, but my parents refused to pay the price, however, I’m glad they did that because IMO self studying is so much easier; you could go at your own pace and learn things you need to know, unlike the unnecessary things elite makes you do. Basically, just refer to CC. </p>
<p>My parents are probably going to make me take prep courses anyways (whoopededoo) but I’ll certainly go with the less-pricey option. My mom was adamant on making me do Elite (while my dad wanted us to go with the less expensive option: it costs about $300 per course, which is pretty inexpensive for prep), but I managed to convince her that the money is better spent on research programs and the like.</p>
<p>I don’t know, my main problem with the science section is that it’s not science. I love science as a general thing, but the ACT’s science section is basically just reading comprehension and that really annoys me.</p>