<p>I just went to a test prep company, and had my kid tested for standardized testing. Interestingly, scores went down overall in each area of testing from the practtice standardized tests done in his hs. Is this common? Seems a bit strange to me.</p>
<p>Also, do most test prep companies try any way that they can to get you to pay up front for tutoring? It is hard for me to believe that in this economy, or even in a good economy, most families are paying for private tutoring up front, especially before they get to know the tutor. I found this a pretty high pressured experience. Oh, and no, I did not pay up front. I walked out.</p>
<p>Thanks, token. I am not really interested in debating whether it is necessary. I want my kid in the runnning for merit and/or FA with the best packages possible. He is already behind "the eight ball" since he comes from a very competitive hs and is a B student there. I have therefore decided to invest in some tutoring, even though I really don't want to. Frankly, it was worth it, IMO, for my older kid. I am just shocked at how my initial experience with the test prep industry changed this time around. I found it more pressured, more expensive, and demanding, when I am the boss, since I am the one doing the paying. Oh, and general, it is now slicker, but all that slick stuff did not work with me. I find it unbelievable. You would think that if a customer is willing to drop significant money there, they would accomodate by not forcing the money up front issue.</p>
<p>I am a private tutoring fan. A few sessions in weak areas, homework and great results! It helps that tutors around here are only private $25- $35 per hour. Oldest did 6 sessions and youngest three. Tutor did an initial test, scored results and said how many sessions she needed. She was right on and we were very pleased!</p>
<p>Nothing like that around these parts. Well, I could get tutoring for a bit less by the hour than what I would be paying, but I do believe that the results with a standardized test tutoring company will be superior to my neighborhood educator who is doing private tutoring on the side. They do pinpoint strenghts and weaknesses. Oh, and I agree about private tutoring. I am only looking at private tutoring through the company. I know too many students who did not improve scores much from group tutoring. I am not looking into group tutoring at all.</p>
<p>Well, I found this whole experience unpleasant and stressful, with a lot of pressure, this time around. I really don't feel good about starting after all of that pressure. I did end up being able to work something out so my kid could get his tutoring. I still don't believe their standardized test scores though.</p>