<p>I'm interested in knowing if there is any quantifying information that compares the effectiveness of Princteon Review vs. Kaplan SAT Preparation Courses. I don't really want anecdotal testimonials, but more statistical information as well as differences in their program structures. </p>
<p>We had attended a local Princeton Review presentation and were thinking of using their services, but just today we got a letter through our high school offering the Kaplan program at a reduced rate.</p>
<p>it REALLY depends on the instructor. But, a self-starting kid can do just as well self-studying with a few prep books bought from amazon.</p>
<p>How do you know if the instructors are competent?</p>
<p>that's the rub -- you don't until you get to the class.</p>
<p>
[quote]
How do you know if the instructors are competent?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>For starters, check the minimum requirements to get an instructor's job at Kaplan or Princeton Review. Once you figure out that the qualifications and training is pretty much the equivalent of taking the same course you're interested in, it's pretty easy to ascertain the value of the generic $500 to $1200 course. </p>
<p>Fwiw, there is little difference between PR and Kaplan as both accomplish one thing: help average students earn an average score based on the forced participation in exercise. Otherwise, the information in the 20 bucks books is the same as the classes. For students with learning difficulties on one side or students who are very well prepared, the classes are simply worthless.</p>
<p>I agree. Most SAT courses are focus on memorizing "tricks" and "techniques" to try and maximize the score of an average student. If you're aiming to get 700+ in each section, you'd be better off buying a book (I'd recommend Barron's) and study yourself.</p>
<p>The Kaplan instructors at our school were terrible - particularly for evaluating essays. (The only part of the course Mathson participated in.)</p>
<p>Would you say there's any value in practicing taking the tests through Kaplan or Princeton Review? We have twins and our daughter, an honors A+ student and self-starter, I think will do very well, but our son, who's an honors A-/B+ student, has real test anxiety. I think our son could find useful the classroom structure (or working with practically anyone who's not his parent!) to help him feel more confident.</p>
<p>I did an SAT course last year, and then again this year followed by the actual SAT. Although not by Princetonreview or Kaplan, it was ASI i think.</p>
<p>The instructor last year was terrible !! But this years guy was really good, and my PSAT scores soared. I just hope that reflects onto my actual SAT scores.</p>
<p>More expensive and still depends on the indiv instructor, but have you considred one-on-one test prep in lieu of a class. I found it much easier to get recommendations for indiv tutors (who act as independ agents and who depend entirely on referals) than info regarding the overall/general quality of the instructors at Kaplan or the other companies.</p>
<p>I agree with nyc. Go over the results from the PSAT and any previous testing to determine the student's weak areas. Then ask his/her high school English/math teachers for referrals to tutors who can help the student with those weak areas. Using the College Board's Official Study guide and going over the results with a tutor who can help the student understand the concepts behind the questions (AKA the "Xiggi" method) is a more efficient use of time and money, I think, than sitting in a class that may or may not focus in on your particular weaknesses.</p>
<p>Again, the individual tutor does NOT have to be one of the ones from PR or Kaplan -- there are very professional tutors out there who charge about half of what the "test prep" companies do on an hourly basis. Start by asking the high school teachers for referrals.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your responses. I'm glad to know we have some choices out there regarding SAT prep. It looks like a visit to Amazon for a combination of books is in the future. And certainly having an individual tutor gives us all kinds of flexibility, and if he/she is not adequate, we have recourse to find another, unlike Kaplan or Princeton Review!</p>