<p>I'm new to this and the mom of a son who will procrastinate at-home prep. He goes to an excellent public school in CA (for whatever that's worth!) and it seems that most kids take a prep course. I haven't heard much good said about the big 3, which are too expensive anyway. What about Power Score and Revolution? Is there anything that works??? He's a good test taker but his PSAT scores were much lower than we expected (150) given his consistently high state test scores. My older daughter was the same but her PSAT were higher and she was easily able to score a 1200 on the old test. TIA</p>
<p>All courses work to a certain degree.</p>
<p>Your best alternative is to look for a smaller local company or a private tutor. If you live in or next to a major city, you should find a good number fo them, and most will be happy to provide references. One way to keep the cost low is to organize a small groups. In the end, you will find it much more effective, as well as cost-effective. </p>
<p>Since self-preparation work very well, you might consider “bribing” the procrastinator by offering a small stipend for every practice test.</p>
<p>Thanks Xiggi! I’m not above bribing but I think his problem is anxiety, which has been an ongoing problem. We live in the San Francisco Bay Area and there are a few local prep companies but all are over $800. Sadly, I’m a public school teacher who can’t afford that much!</p>
<p>Anxiety is indeed a problem for many students. Although it cannot be eradicated completely, there are a few things that can be done. Anxiety usually comes from the fear of the unknown. One way to feel more confident when taking the test is to rely on a solid preparation that covers all part of the test. While it is impossible to know what the questions will be, a great number of “favorites” will show up. Knowing what to expect in GENERAL and feeling confident to be able to solve most that will come up should work wonders. </p>
<p>Fwiw, do not focus excessively on the lower PSAT score. For many, the PSAT is harder because it is shorter and each wrong answer accounts for more. If you can have him take one of the tests in the Blue Book and, after scoring him, invite him to go over te entire test, including the correct answers. If a question is unclear, post it here and you will see a number of anwers to clarify. </p>
<p>Make it a family project. Since your son attends a good school, chances are that his bases will be solid. Accordibgly, all that might be needed is going through a handful of tests to grab a few hundred points.</p>
<p>SAT prep classes are not necessary self prep should be enough but if one needs assistance than looking for a private tutor or local SAT prep classes is a more affordable and efficient solution as you will pay less and might get good care as classes will be smaller providing better care to your needs.the teacher to student ratio are less in these local classes as compared to classes of large and branded SAT prep companies.I will advice reading following link it addresses the need of taking SAT prep classes and why self prep and private tutor/Local SAT prep classes are better option-
LINK-> [TAKING</a> SAT PREPARATION CLASS IS NOT NECESSARY](<a href=“http://satteststudy.com/taking-sat-preparation-class-is-not-necessary/]TAKING”>http://satteststudy.com/taking-sat-preparation-class-is-not-necessary/)</p>
<p>i hope it helps.</p>
<p>Hi,
I don’t live in California, but I’m currently taking a test prep course through a small, private company. My friends, who’ve taken the Kaplan prep course, didn’t find these types of “mega” test prep courses to be much help, other than the fact that they got a lot of practice tests. On the contrary, I’ve found mine to be a lot of help, due to their small class sizes, personalized test help, and unique approach of conquering the test. Also, just going to the classes has motivated me to study more on my own.</p>
<p>The “Kaplan” type prep is good for someone who has particular problem spots that can be worked out with 100’s of area specific practice questions.</p>
<p>In general I found that a private tutor worked the best. I had more control over when and and where we met. Also the instruction is actually one-on-one instead of what I experienced with the Kaplan classes - which are superficial outlines read aloud with a few questions answered. Kaplan didn’t teach the material, just how to take tests (which is what they seem to advertize).</p>
<p>The thing I found was that the private tutor was Much more helpful but in the long run more expensive. Yet, I believe it was money well spent.</p>
<p>If you live near a decent sized city or University, Craig’s List worked great for us. Got a few #'s; had a few conversations and chose a tutor that worked out great!</p>
<p>I’d ask around at your school - teachers guidence counselors and such to find a private tutor or private small group prep class if CL doesn’t turn anything good up.</p>
<p>In the Bay area there are lots of fantastic tutors doing SAT prep…but you’re going to pay handsomely for them because so many other people are willing to. Most good courses know that they’re good and will charge much more than $1000, too. </p>
<p>There are also a lot of charlatans out there who will be happy to take your money without helping you much. </p>
<p>The bottom line is that (good) SAT prep isn’t cheap. That said, assiduous searching on Craigslist, etc might produce someone who’s trying to break into the business, is eager to please, and is actually good.</p>
<p>Before you hire someone, ask them these questions:
- What did you score you YOUR SAT?
- What is your approach? Are you a technique guy, or a content guy?
- How many other clients do you have right now?
- Can you supply references?</p>