:-h
So currently i’m a junior and i’m thinking on taking the SAT or ACT maybe early next year.
Right now, I currently have a tutor that comes two days a week and basically goes over skills in my reading(mainly) and math. The thing is that he comes for an hour for two days a week, but each hour is 40$, which I don’t pay.
I feel like many people who score 2100-2200+ study by themselves, and it got me thinking on whether or not this is actually worth the time and money. I have the resources to study by myself (SAT and ACT book), but I just don’t know exactly HOW I can study by myself without a tutor.
So, I wanted people’s opinions on if they think a tutor is a waste of time or if i’m just doing something wrong, because to me it feels like i’m not really improving much. Should I consider self studying? If yes, then what is the best way go about this. PS, i’m aiming for around a 1500(2170) and my weakest spot right now is my reading (can’t read under time pressure).
Thanks!
Honestly, I’ve always viewed tutors as a huge waste of money. Each one will give you an entirely different set of strategies, so I think it’s better to just take the test and see what works best for you. CollegeBoard has released a few online practice tests - I would take one and thoroughly go over your mistakes. And yes, most people with high scores self-studied.
I went through like 8ish full ACT practice tests and went from a 29 to a 32 (34 superscore)
My sister went to a paid tutor session the cost $1200 and her score went from a 1500 to 1520 (old scale).
The thing is, she did not apply herself. If you have motivation to get a higher score the next test and to get into a great college, you will benefit either way. You must have motivation to study by yourself.
Both self-studying and test prep classes are what you make of them.
p.s. I’ve heard the ACT is much more time restrictive than the SAT. No experience with both, only the ACT, but I do remember the PSAT my freshman year being much more lenient on the time.
40 question in 35 minutes with five 800 word passages was impossible for me. Could never score above a 31, but got 35 on english and math and a 33 on science
I agree with @Jpgranier . Tutors are a waste of money. They can’t MAKE you learn the material, just tell you what you should know. I went from a 28 to 31 just by timing myself while taking official practice tests that I found online.
I think it depends on individual. motivation, determination and hard work.
Probably a combination of a boot camp to learn of some test strategy and self-study. My son started with a very low base. Yes, we used a tutor for some time - very expensive. But, there was a 4 point jump in ACT and he found the use of tutor worthwhile. He certainly “refused” to listen to mom - who was a trainer at work!
I didn’t think he would know by himself how to improve just by working on practice tests.
My son did not use a tutor or take a class. He used a few ACT prep books and practice tests, but was helped most by his academic classes. 25 gr7, 33 gr10, 36 gr11. I think a tutor would be useful for tips but the books and practicing are the most important.
The best practice is taking practice tests. Analyze your wrong answers, correct them, then take more tests.
As a junior you have lots of time - take the official ACT/SAT early and often.
I think the right tutor is worth every penny. However, you need to be demanding and make sure you have a great one. Just coming and working with you is not enough. My DDs tutor came once every other week but set up a wonderful homework schedule. He also offered full practice tests once o a month. Has your tutor put math formulas in your calculator and taught you how to use them. If the answer is no, then find a new one. Good luck!
Really depends on what kind of studier you are. If you’re a more independent learner, definitely self study. I self studied and got a 36; it just really depends what makes you learn best.
I am also looking into both self-directed practice and tutor-assisted options. So, this thread is meaningful. But I have done a lot of offline research on this, and I don’t think it is productive when people provide very deterministic opinions such as “And yes, most people with high scores self-studied.” from @lhw1998 above.
I didn’t find any definitive study that provides a statistically significant understanding of how high scorers achieved their results. I have also seen from other parents in our school to “downplay” how rigorously they have prepared for and invested in test prep. So, it might look better to just say “I studied by myself and did it”.
I just don’t think the answer is as clear as saying one can achieve any score in a self-directed practice capacity or most high achievers achieve it with high scores. I have seen successful and failed cases for both so far, and I am trying to find out the best course of action for my Junior at this time.
@Testingearly “Has your tutor put math formulas in your calculator and taught you how to use them. If the answer is no, then find a new one. Good luck!”
I do think this comment does work for a very specific case but it doesn’t look like a great way to pick tutors. Tutors should be teaching the rationale behind the subjects and the skills, not corner-cutting and “memorization” of formulas. Should we be evaluating how good tutors are based on whether they put formulas in our students’ calculators?
There is no way to test this scientifically via your own subjective experiences, because you cannot go back in time and try the other option (tutor vs. self-study). In other words, you cannot have a control and experimental group for your own life. But your SAT/ACT score is arguably the most important number in your entire academic career, so why take the chance if you can afford a tutor?
@jturnke - I don’t think that is how you pick a tutor but rather how you eliminate potential ones. If you want to get a perfect ot top score, then every second counts and a shortcut can be the difference between a 36 and a 35 or 34 on a section. I also think a good tutor, sets up really good homework plans and provides practice tests.