Life throws lots of crucial, challenging tests at us, and those who want to pass those tests study for them. Complex admissions tests like the SAT and ACT require a level of study that transcends just reading a book or watching a video. Big tests require preparation–a planned sequence of content instruction, practice testing, and test review. And as critical as the HOW and WHEN are, you also want to nail the WITH WHOM aspect of test prep.
I recently joined Lisa Marker Robbins and Amy Seeley (two extraordinary professionals themselves) on the College and Career Clarity podcast to discuss Finding the Right Test Prep. This episode is well worth a listen for anyone entering the test prep market. If you don’t have 28 minutes at the moment, these are the most important factors in choosing the right test prep provider:
REPUTATION
Experience and expertise matter most in a test prep teacher or tutor, but how do you really know how good someone is? Ask around! The educators who help their students achieve amazing things make a strong impression on those they work with. Ask your smartest friends, school counselors, and anyone else plugged into private tutoring who they recommend and, more importantly, who they’d send their children to.
A PLAN
Challenges as complex as earning an amazing standardized test score require more than a “play it by ear” plan. Find test prep providers who present a cogent strategy for deploying curriculum, support material, and practice tests to meet a student’s specific needs. Not every learner follows the same path, but a great educator knows the path each kind of learner usually follows.
A NETWORK
Test prep isn’t just challenging for test takers. Keeping up with best practices in learning and teaching along with ever-changing exams and admissions standards requires constant attention and training. Unfortunately, many tutors choose to go it alone. Seek out the solo practitioners and small tutoring companies that collaborate with other professionals. Membership in the National Test Prep Association is, in this space, the gold standard for commitment to a code of ethics and ongoing professional development.
OFFICIAL MATERIAL
As the creator of the internationally implemented TestBright SAT/ACT Curriculum System, I believe that every educator should operate from a clear (and regularly updated) pedagogical framework. Lesson plans alone, however, are not enough. Look at test prep like sports or the performing arts–coaching must be combined with practice to achieve results. The best practice for the SAT or ACT tends to be official SAT and ACT material. Providers with a plan for the Official ACT Prep Guide or the College Board Bluebook material show a commitment to proper use of official material.
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to assessing the right test prep providers. How can you learn more?
— Review this Tutor and Test Prep Provider Checklist
— Listen to the full Finding the Right Test Prep podcast
— Reach out to trusted referral sources and college counselors
The perfect prep provider for you is out there. Don’t stop looking until you find them!
Mike Bergin