Test Prep
The key to acing these all-important exams is preparation. Our test prep services can help!
- SAT Test Prep – the most widely recognized standardized test for admission to US colleges and universities
- ACT Test Prep – a second popular standardized test for college admissions
- PSAT Test Prep – preliminary or “practice” SAT
- GRE Test Prep – the standardized test for admission to graduate schools
- GMAT Test Prep – the standardized test for admission to Masters of Business Administration programs
- LSAT Test Prep – the standardized test for admission to law schools
- AP/IB Test Prep – High school Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams
- HSPT (High School Placement Test) Prep – a comprehensive placement test for eighth graders for placement in the 9th grade
- SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) Prep – for students seeking admission to an independent elementary, middle, or high school
SAT/ACT Test Prep
Did you know that your SAT and ACT scores can account for up to 50% of your college admission and up to 100% of your merit scholarships? Are you looking to increase your SAT and ACT scores?
Professional Tutoring’s SAT/ACT preparation programs, offered to the Northern Virginia area, range from one summer to nine months. Students work together in small groups, using Professional Tutoring’s proprietary workbook, Conquering the SAT and ACT Exams with Julia Ross, along with three other text books.
Score improvements correlate with the length of the course, generally ranging from 200 to 400 points on the SAT and approximately five points on the ACT. In contrast, most other test preparation programs “guarantee” 100 to 150 points on the SAT or two points on the ACT.
The curriculum for the SAT and ACT exams includes:
Reading & Writing
- Effective and Efficient Reading Skills
- Analysis of Single and Paired Passages
- Vocabulary Building
- Expression of Ideas
- Rhetoric and Synthesis
- Standard English Conventions
Math
- Heart of Algebra
- Data Analysis
- Geometry and Trigonometry
- Mathematical Reasoning
Science
- Understanding the ACT Science section
- Interpreting Graphs and Charts
- Deducing Answers through Reasoning
Test Taking Skills & Strategy
- Time Management
- Pitfall Awareness
- Trick Avoidance
- Familiarity with the Exams’ Structure
(September-May)
(December-May)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about Professional Tutoring’s curriculum?
Professional Tutoring's test prep curriculum begins with basics and works students through the most difficult of test questions. This comprehensive program allows the students to learn the curriculum from A to Z. The focus of our programs is increasing knowledge AND learning how to apply this knowledge to the SAT and ACT exam. Most of the short franchise (aka factory-learning) classes offered by our large competitors look to teach kids quick strategies to get through or cope with the SAT/ACT. In contrast, our deep learning supports the students through the entire grueling SAT exam as well as prepares them for the challenging ACT exam. Additionally, many students immediately find that the Professional Tutoring SAT/ACT program is supporting them in their academic subjects. While most SAT or ACT programs “guarantee” a 100-point improvement or 2 points on the ACT, the majority of the Professional Tutoring students see a much greater improvement. Please see our testimonials.
What programs are available?
Junior Programs: We offer two Junior classes: a nine-month September to June SAT/ACT Test Prep Course for Juniors and accelerated Sophomores and a six-month December to June test prep program for Juniors. These students take the May and June SAT as well as April and June or June and July ACT in their Junior year of high school. Most never have to take another SAT or ACT exam!
Tutoring Program: Sometimes students will elect to study for SAT’s and ACT’s with Professional Tutoring on a tutoring basis. We also offer SAT/ACT tutoring programs over the summer and into the fall for rising seniors.
I have seen other places use a one on one approach, isn’t that better?
How much do scores typically increase?
Our average improvement from our 2020-21 SAT and ACT test prep classes was approximately 200 points on the SAT and 5 points on the ACT. Our highest improvement from last year's classes was 270 points on the SAT and 8 points on the ACT.
Have you ever seen a perfect SAT or ACT score from a student?
What is the difference between the six- and nine-month junior courses?
Both courses are effective for SAT/ACT exam preparation. The nine-month course, however, allows for a longer, more consistent time period for learning. The result is more opportunities to practice and demonstrate learned knowledge as well as to take more practice exams. In our experience, the length of time committed to the programs directly correlates to an increased exam score.
Why not take a weekend class:16 hours and poof, we are done?
Has anyone’s SAT score ever decreased after your course?
No.
Why don’t you have a shorter, less expensive option?
At Professional Tutoring, LLC we believe in a holistic approach to learning. Our test prep curriculum is designed to increase the student’s knowledge for the exam as well as impart test-taking strategies. When our students take the exam, they do well because they know the material. Our comprehensive systematic instruction focuses on the contents of the exam, critical reading, math and writing over a period of time where they can understand and demonstrate the knowledge learned from the material.
My child is a high achiever; what if he/she is in the class with kids that are not at his/her level?
The SAT and ACT test prep curriculum is structured to elicit the best effort/results from the individual student at any level. The students are put into small groups with other kids who received similar scores, so that their group reviews the material at a pace that works for everyone. Furthermore, the collaborative environment encourages critical thinking and discussions from all students making for a rich and diverse learning environment.
My child has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is this program right for them?
My child is Learning Disabled (LD), is this program right for them?
Do you offer a guarantee?
Can I set up a special class for a private group?
Yes! Please contact us to discuss details.
This all sounds great, how do I register?
Please contact us and fill out the registration forms:
- 9-month SAT/ACT Prep: 2021-22
- 6-month SAT/ACT Prep: 2021-22
Is there homework?
Yes, students can expect one to two hours of weekly homework that support and complement the classroom learning.
What if my student does not have time for class homework?
What if my student wants to do well on the SAT/ACT without working?
What happens when a student does not do the homework?
Who are the instructors for the SAT/ACT classes?
Classes are all led by full-time Professional Tutoring staff. Our lead instructors are supported by other full-time staff members and teaching assistants to ensure a low student/teacher ratio. You can read more about our staff and their qualifications here.
How long are the classes?
Are there ever any makeup classes?
What curriculum is used?
What is the SAT exam?
What is the ACT exam?
Why would my child need a class for the SAT and ACT exams?
How many times should a student take the SAT/ACT?
Should one take both the SAT Exam and the ACT Exam?
What is the difference between the ACT and the SAT?
What about SAT Subject Tests?
My student has really good grades and great extra-curricular activities, why should s/he take the SAT/ACT?
These exams don’t seem fair. Shouldn’t colleges just look at grades?
Other Exams Test Prep and Tutoring
In addition to the classroom-based college entrance exam (SAT and ACT) test prep, Professional Tutoring also offers tutoring-based test prep for AP/IB exams, PSAT, high school entrance exams (SSAT and HSPT), graduate school entrance exams (GRE, GMAT, & LSAT). This is taught within the tutoring environment.