Favorite Things: Test Preparation

As you know, Saint Thomas has an on-campus SAT review course called the Saint Thomas Review. Many students like this course a lot; others haven't. If the timing of the Saint Thomas Review works for you, and you'd like to prepare for the SAT (rather than the ACT), go for it. However, if you'd like to take a different course, I also highly recommend the Princeton Review (http://www.princetonreview.com) and TestMasters (http://www.testmasters.com). These organizations offer SAT review courses throughout the year at a variety of times during the day.

Kaplan is another test prep organization out there, but I have been unimpressed with their customer service for our students: we have had two students be promised courses at a site near their homes only to find out that the courses have been reschedule at a site more then 20 miles away. They offer a high-quality course like that of Princeton Review, but I can't recommend the local providers after they've wasted other STES families' time.

In general, I suggest that students take a review course or generally start preparing for the SAT and ACT in the summer before the junior year, especially in July or August. They'll then take the PSAT in October of the junior year, then plan to take the ACT and/or SAT starting that fall or spring.

Also, please note that not every student needs a review course; some students will simply benefit from getting an SAT or ACTreview book and reading its introduction and doing practice questions. I prefer the prep books by Barron's and Princeton Review. Also, Princeton Review occasionally offers free one-night test prep talks and free practice SATs. I highly recommend taking part in those, if only because every little bit of information and experience can be helpful.Continue Reading...