<p>I had heard that a lot of these companies manage to give you a lower score than you might really earn initially on their "intake exam", so that they can show improvement after their classes. Overall, did you find this to be true, or just fiction? If it is true, how do that they do that?</p>
<p>I would guess they would write the "intake exam" to be more difficult than the actual SAT, so you score lower. Then for the final exam, they'll make the questions easier, so it looks like you've improved.</p>
<p>No idea if it's true, as I never took a course.</p>
<p>Well, that is what I heard. I was wondering if others found this to be the case, and how they do it if they are using actual SAT or ACT questions? Perhaps they take hard questions from multiple exams and rewrite them into a new exam that they use for their intake? I am asking because my kid scored lower on their testing than the practice standardized testing in his high school (scored lower on 3 out of 4 sections). It really makes me wonder.</p>
<p>they don't help you with much.
most of the tutors are poorly trained.</p>
<p>Maybe, but it is forced practice and studying, with forced homework. My kid is not motivated enough to self study, IMO.</p>
<p>wow is that the truth ???. I will take one prep course to help boost my score. I don't know where the teachers get the questions from ?? Do they write themselves??</p>
<p>I think that the only reason prep companies "work" is because you're forced to do the work; self-studying is probably more effective (if you already understand the basic material), but the problem is that most people aren't exactly clamoring to get to their SAT books on a lovely sunny weekend. But when you have to, on the other hand....</p>
<p>i find that studying with friends is better than a prep course.
its more "competitive"</p>
<p>I would think it is like any business of this sort. Some will be less than honest, others will be very honest. The one I am aware of through a friend says they just use readily available SAT type test to get a real baseline. Then go from there. From what I was told they focus on teach test taking tricks and push the student to work on their vocabulary a lot. I agree with those who say do it on your own. D was very successful studying herself, allowed her to set her own schedule, rather than have to conform to someone elses. However, I do think that if the student is not self motivated or needs someone to "crack the wip" then one of these programs can be good just because it makes them study.</p>
<p>yeah on the SAT the best way is train yourself. But I think working with at least one more friend is very helpful. You may not get bored and get the tips from friends too.</p>