Since every student has individual strengths and weaknesses, we believe strongly in the advantages of one-on-one instruction tailored to each student’s ability, effort, and learning profile. Students learn how to maximize their existing knowledge, while also addressing information gaps in their academic foundations. Individualized instruction allows students to slow down or accelerate as needed.
Throughout the test prep process, we work together to set and achieve goals. As students meet their goals, we systematically set even higher ones. Depending on which prospective schools students are considering, we work to target realistic scores that are manageable for each student. Ultimately, our students walk into their tests knowing exactly what they need to do to achieve a reasonable score improvement.
It is important for students to commit to regular attendance of test prep sessions and the completion of homework. Among the most important factors in achieving score improvement are dedication, regular practice, and a willingness to try different techniques and approaches.
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Integrity
Many of our students raise their scores dramatically, but not every time. Despite our reputation for great results, we don’t have the power to guarantee a particular score. We help our students determine a reasonable score goal and empower them with the tools necessary to improve their scores as much as possible. We teach a systematic approach that demystifies the test, section by section.
Expectations
Some students make rapid improvements, while others experience slower progress. Expecting a specific score in any category is not always realistic, so practice exams help students and their families arrive at reasonable expectations as test dates draw near. Our tutors work hard to help their students remain positive and focused without losing perspective.
Students who consistently complete homework typically experience more dramatic score improvements. If students do the work, commit to the process and utilize their new test taking techniques, they will start to see positive changes in their scores.
Practice Tests
We emphasize the importance of strategically timed practice tests. Full-length practice exams help students and their tutors establish a baseline, further refine test strategies and adjust score goals throughout the process. The practice exam experience can also boost stamina, improve focus and generate continued motivation for improvement.
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We help students make smart choices when planning for standardized tests. This includes weighing the pros and cons of the SAT and ACT and deciding which Subject Tests to take. In order to build confidence and momentum, each tutor reviews exactly how many questions a student should answer to achieve a realistic score goal. Students who prove they can meet their initial targets are encouraged to raise their scores even higher as time permits. In all cases, students become so familiar with the test that they know exactly which questions to attempt and those that they should skip, if any.
We also help students strategize when and how often they should take tests for maximum results and minimum stress. We consider the student’s academic and extracurricular commitments, as well as recommendations from allied professionals to help students generate the best possible portfolio of scores.
Useful Links: SAT (www.collegeboard.com), ACT (www.actstudent.org)
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We offer our own comprehensive curriculum for every section of the ISEE. It includes timed class work, homework, quizzes, and skill building exercises to target every concept and skill covered on the exam. Our totally updated, comprehensive, 375-page curriculum addresses all of the major ISEE exam changes in content, scope and overall rigor for all three levels of the test.
We update and enhance our extensive preexisting curriculum each year, and have incorporated the following 2009 key exam changes made by the ERB:
- Extensively researched lists of math concepts by level
- Supplementary worksheets and quizzes covering relevant content
- Key strategies and techniques for approaching different test problem types
- Sentence completion quizzes with phrases for Lower Level Verbal Reasoning
- Customized vocabulary lists for all levels
- A host of new essay prompts
- Timed practice quizzes that simulate ISEE content, format and pacing
- A heavy dose of timed reading comprehension passages for all levels
- Plenty of instructional pages with key math facts worthy of memorization
- An easy to follow table of contents to access all components of the exam
Since students can only take the exam once per school year, we highly recommend practice exams to help to reduce anxiety and promote stamina and confidence.
We help students give the ISEE their best effort without ever losing sight of their other academic commitments and extracurricular pursuits. No matter what their score, students who complete our program take with them valuable skills in timed writing, critical reading, math and general test taking strategies. Because gaining admittance to independent day schools has become increasingly competitive and unpredictable, we highly encourage all of our clients to apply to a broad range of viable school options.
Useful Link: ISEE (www.erbtest.org)
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We also provide one-on-one test prep for students who are considering boarding schools and need to take the SSAT. Some parochial independent day schools also use the HSPT for admission. Both programs are similar in approach to our ISEE Prep, but take into account the distinct differences in content and format among the exams.
We are also an authorized administrator for the SSAT Flex exam. Please call our office to schedule independent test administration of the SSAT on a day that is convenient for you.
Call us to discuss individualized test prep for your child based on the schools your family is exploring.
Useful Link: SSAT (www.ssat.org)
Useful Link: HSPT (www.ststesting.com)
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