Truth: Many students and their families
are discovering that test prep courses aren’t able to stand up to the
high level results they claim. According to a recent report put
out by the National Association for College Admission Counseling,
expensive test prep firms boosted average SAT test scores by only 30
points combined on the verbal and math sections (out of 1600 possible)
and only one point on the ACT (out of 36 points possible).
According to The Wall Street Journal,
several test prep firms also inflate how effective their training can
be. What’s more, some prep courses use mock tests that are actually
harder than the real test to make it look like a student’s score is
getting higher because of the training. Learn
more about a similar case where a
student took such a test.
The promise of a higher SAT/ACT test score
is very tempting, so before you show a college test prep firm the money:
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Ask test prep firms
for references. You want to be able to personally talk to someone on
the phone.
-
Check their standing
within the community. Business watch groups like The Better
Business Bureau offer detailed information about how their customers
feel about the product or service they offer. This is a solid way to
make sure the firm you’re looking into is in good standing.
-
Make sure your money
is refundable. Inquire about money back guarantees. If the company
you research refuses to refund your money if you don’t experience
the results they claim, you should look for a firm that does.
Begin with Free or Small Fee Prep
Courses. Believe it or not, there are a number of ways
you can prep for your SAT/ACT without breaking the bank. Here are a
few ideas to get your studying started:
Check with your local library.
Area libraries have numerous test-prep
books that you can check out. Among the most popular are the Kaplan
and Princeton Review guides.
In addition, many libraries offer test prep seminars and workshops that
cost much less than hiring a test prep firm.
Try small fee college books, audio
books and mock tests.
Additional resources are out there that
are very cost-effective. College Board’s $20 study guide is just one good example
of prepping for the test without spending a lot of money.