I have spent the past 8 years of my life teaching, researching and immersing myself in the world of test preparation. Ask my any question about the test, and I promise you that I will have an answer for you that is backed up by hours of research. The average score increase I see in the ACT is 3 points (out of a possible 36), with some students improving their scores by 5+ points. SAT scores increase by 200-300 points.
I am also a strong champion for the ACT. I truly believe that the ACT is a much more well rounded test than the SAT is, and many experts will agree with me. While this may be an unpopular opinion in southern California, I have made it my goal to convince as many of my students as possible to prepare for the ACT.
That said, the best practice for preparing for the ACT or SAT, in addition to great tutoring, is quality practice material. In my experience, the only book available on the market that should be used for ACT test preparation is the official one published by Peterson's, and the only book that should be used for the SAT is the CollegeBoard blue book. I offer these book at a discount price to students who study with me. I am also proud to say that I am one of the few tutors out there who has a library of previously administered ACT and SAT exams that I use for my own personal students. Unfortunately, due to copyright laws, these tests are not available for resell.
As part of my commitment to being a test prep expert, one of my practices is to take every public administration of the ACT and SAT. It allows me to spot trends in the test, and it allows me to teach from a first-hand perspective. Many tutors have not seen an actual exam since they took it in high school. For many tutors, the test has changed quite a bit since then. That combined with the proliferation of bad books on the market can make finding top notch test preparation really difficult to find.
Did I mention that I do math also? I received my bachelor's degree in mathematics, so I can work with students on any level of mathematics up to AP calculus. That includes algebra, geometry, advanced algebra, precalculus, and trigonometry. I have fun doing it, and I hope I can help instill some of that sense of wonder and amusement into my students.
In case you are curious, I did get a 2400 on the SAT when I took the test on March 9, 2013. I also received a 36 on the ACT when I took it in February this year. I have uploaded images of my score reports. Due to photo limitations on WyzAnt, I was unable to show the whole document, but I would be happy to show the document for those who need more proof of my test scores. Former students of mine have received acceptances to Northwestern (my alma mater), MIT, Princeton, Berkeley, and Columbia University among other schools.
Tutoring is done in my office in Laguna Hills so I can most effectively schedule and tutor my students. I have a digital library of all my ACT and SAT material and math material as well.
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