<p>Dream School: Rice University
2nd choice: Boston University
Last choice: UT
PSAT score(freshman year): 157</p>
<p>Do i really need test prep? if so, is karen dillards in the DFW area recommendable?</p>
<p>yes, you do and sorry i dont know anything about them in particular. i can tell you you want 1 on 1 tutoring from someone using the official book to measure your progress and who will refund unused money if you decide to stop the tutoring</p>
<p>Yes, you’ll want to prep, although 157 as a freshman is a good start. If you’re looking at schools like Rice, you’ll need to have at least a 2100 so you’ve got 500 points+ to go. That’s certainly doable if you’re willing to be in the effort, so don’t feel discouraged about it at all. You’ve got plenty of time to get there!</p>
<p>I’m an SAT/ACT tutor in Dallas and I certainly am familiar with Karen Dillard. She’s been around FOREVER, and is probably a decent place to go (although she was in big trouble with the College Board a few years ago about giving unreleased practice tests to her students. There was lawsuit that I think was eventually settled). But, and I realize I’m biased here, I never recommend classes over tutoring and/or self-prepping. I’ve taught my share of classes over the years, and I found it to be the exception for students to really make major progress from them…there’s just not enough accountability and too many distractions. If you can afford a tutor, it’s a much better option (and I’m guessing you can if you’re considering Karen Dillard). Or if that’s out of your price range, you can do most of the prep yourself and maybe get a tutor for just a few hours to work on specific things you’re struggling with. </p>
<p>Feel free to PM (private message) me if you’d like to chat. I don’t recommend you get started with any serious prep now, but I can give you ideas for what to do next year to start the process. Good luck with everything!</p>