<p>Does anyones kids have experience with either TestMasters or StudyWorks for SAT prep? S has pretty much admitted that while self-studying would probably be best, he needs the discipline of a set schedule, with homework, etc. So the plan now is to take the PSAT in October, the ACT in December, the SAT in April or May, the ACT again in April, and then just see where he stands. For the ACT, S really has no option but to self-study because there are no test prep options in our part of the country. But thats okay, since he can select which, if any, ACT score to send. For the SAT, it probably makes sense to take a course. Ive heard too much bashing of PR and Kaplan, so Im now looking at TM or SW. They cost the same, and both have a 300 Point Guarantee, though as with most guarantees the details arent quite as generous. TestMasters will let you retake the course again for free if you dont improve 300 points, but the website doesnt explain how the improvement is measured. SW seems to have two guarantees. A full money-back guarantee if there is no improvement at all, and a pro-rata refund if a student doesnt improve by 300 points but it looks like this only applies to Seniors and is measured from the students Sophomore PSAT score. Odd. On the other hand, while its not part of any guarantee, SW allows students to re-take the course an unlimited amount of times for a $45 materials fee. Help! Im confused.</p>
<p>Lderochi:</p>
<p>You may want to post a similar question in the SAT Prep forum. Testmasters is discussed quite often in the forum. For instance, the company had great results on the first "new" SAT, when they had 3 or 4 perfect 2400 scores. They seem to be very good. However, there is little known about the results outside their original location. When companies grow, the biggest difficulty is to find tutors of similar qualifications and experience. This is a reason why Kaplan and PR is often criticized, as the generic classes are often taught by newly appointed tutors. </p>
<p>Studyworks is lesser known. If it is the same company, you may want to check their instructions on video CDROM. This may help you get a sense for the type of instruction they offer. </p>
<p>I believe that both courses are much better than PR or Kaplan. My recommendation would be to call the companies and ask the owners about the proposed teachers, the scope of the program, and if there is a "free" class available. Another option would be to "crash" an existing class and talk to current students. </p>
<p>Lastly, you may want to see if there are no other "smaller" tutoring companies such as IvyBound in your city. Smaller companies tend to offer a lot more as far as individual guidance and follow-up. </p>
<p>GL</p>
<p>PS I would not worry about the various moneyback guarantees.</p>
<p>Thanks Xiggi -- I will check out the other forum and perhaps post the same inquiry there. Local companies and/or tutoring would probably be a better path, but one of the downsides of living in a more rural area is the lack of these things. TestMasters and StudyWorks both have classes in Wilmington on weekends -- and that's still over 1 1/2 hours drive one way.</p>
<p>lderochi - just a thought - my offspring needed "incentive" and a little structure in order to get started studying for SATs/ACTs. Her private school offered a home grown prep class for a couple of hours a week for the 4 weeks leading up to each first spring test date (Jan/Feb). I'm not sure that anything covered in class helped her that much, but taking timed practice tests and some of the math review did help, as well as the guidance in getting started.
Maybe if your child's school doesn't do this, some other schools in the area might, ours doesn't advertise the class outside the school, but a few siblings and non-attending faculty children do take the class.</p>
<p>Thanks cangel, I'll ask around.</p>