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How Private Tutoring Can Help Students of All Academic Levels

Home > Blog > How Private Tutoring Can Help Students of All Academic Levels

How private tutoring can help students at all academic levels The Main Line Tutor
Private tutor helping a student on-line

How Private Tutoring Can Help Students of All Academic Levels

Most students rely on traditional classroom instruction for all of their educational needs, but it’s designed to decently meet the needs of the many as opposed to helping each individual pursue their academic goals. Teachers are often overworked, pressured into teaching set curricula that only barely fit within the confines of the school year. Emphasis is often placed on “teaching to the test” as opposed to ensuring that students truly understand the material, leaving them without the foundation that they need to tackle more challenging concepts. Advanced students may be bored to the point of checking out, while struggling students can’t access the support they need to catch up. Even the group setting can be a detriment, as some learners may be too shy to admit they need help in front of their peers.

A private tutor can address each of these issues and help your student unlock their true potential. Here is a look at the five best reasons why one-on-one instruction is such a powerful educational tool.

  1. Your Student Can Work at His / Her Own Pace

Students grasp concepts at different speeds, but classroom teachers don’t have the luxury of ensuring every student “gets it” before moving to the next thing. If your student feels overwhelmed in algebra I or world history, their tutor can slow things down until their confidence returns. If your student already understands the structure and function of cellular organelles, their tutor can provide more information or jump ahead to the next topic even if their classroom teacher hasn’t yet. You won’t find comparable flexibility in a traditional classroom.

  1. Your Student’s Tutor Can Make the Most of Their Innate Learning Style

There is no “correct” way to learn, but most classroom instructors rely on lecture formats because they are the easiest way to present material to a bunch of students at once. A private tutor can certainly lecture if your student is a verbal learner, but they can also provide charts and infographics to help visual learners with verb conjugations, and design interactive activities to help kinesthetic learners make the most of their educational opportunities. Some students haven’t yet discovered how they learn best, and a private instructor can help them figure out something they will use for the rest of their lives.

  1. Incorporating Hobbies Can Make Lessons More Interesting

Students who are interested in what they are learning consistently outperform those who treat studying as a chore, so getting your son or daughter interested in the material is a key to successful education. A private tutor can take the time to get to know your student as a person and incorporate their hobbies accordingly. For instance, sports can be a great gateway to statistical analysis and a variety of other quantitative subjects, while studying your own family history can make social studies more relatable. Struggling readers may also show great progress if allowed to choose their own books.

  1. Private Tutors Always Put Your Student First

Students have to share their teacher at school, but private instructors can provide personalized attention. If your student is shy about asking for help, their tutor can proactively ask them if they understand the material to ensure that any learning obstacles are addressed promptly. You can also receive regular progress reports so you always know where your student is improving and any areas of opportunity that could benefit from further review. It can be tough to get the same type of consistent updates in a group setting.

  1. Tutoring Can Increase Your Student’s Self-Confidence

Believing that you’re smart enough to succeed academically is a big piece of actually doing so, but snide remarks from classmates and even ill-timed jokes from the teacher can hurt a student’s self-confidence. The best tutors intentionally start with questions that they know their pupils will be able to answer, allowing them to build momentum and confidence before introducing something new. Positive reinforcement can also go a long way toward helping students succeed, but sadly classroom teachers may not be able to provide enough praise when your student experiences a breakthrough.

If your student is struggling in school, a private instructor could be just what they need to get back on track. If your student excels academically, a tutor could challenge them to reach for more whether that means pursuing Advanced Placement (AP) classes or looking into prestigious universities. Either way, tutoring is one of the best educational investments you can make!

About The Main Line Tutor

With over 30 years of experience tutoring high school and college students our tutors specialize in mathematics and general chemistry. Our founder, Dr. Chesloff, holds a Doctorate in Higher Science Education and has developed an education curriculum that engages the student and enhances their learning and thought process to help raise their scores and improve performance.

We offer nationwide tutoring via video teleconference in PSAT/SAT preparation (math, critical reading, writing), ACT test preparation (Get step by step instructions, mock tests and more so you know exactly what to expect with the real thing), chemistry (General Chemistry (including AP), Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry), algebra I/II, geometry, and trigonometry.

Our Mission is to target the specific needs of our students, college and high school, particularly in the area of standardized test preparation.

Our Tutoring allows for flexible hours 7 days a week nationwide via videoconference.

The Main Line Tutor
We Raise Score & Improve Performance
www.themainlinetutor.com
Tel: (610) 324-8359
e-mail: drchesloff@themainlinetutor.com

How to Choose A Private Tutor for Your Child

Home > Blog > How to Choose A Private Tutor for Your Child

How to choose a private tutor for your child The Main Line Tutor
How to Choose A Private Tutor For Your Child

How to Choose A Private Tutor for Your Child

A good private tutor can make the difference between your child getting top grades in their classes or failing miserably. But trying to find one can be overwhelming when you’re not sure what you should be looking for in a candidate. So what factors should you consider when trying to find a tutor that is right for you and your child?

What Experience Do They Have with the Subject?

What qualifications do they have that are related to the subject you want them to teach? You’re unlikely to need a tutor with a doctorate, but they should ideally have some experience with the field past compulsory education requirements, such as industry-related qualifications or experience as well as academic achievements.

Are they up to date with the requirements of the curriculum your child is following? Different school systems and examination boards may have different grading criteria, even for the same subject. If passing a specific exam is one of your goals, then confirm that the tutor can help with this.

How Long Have They Been a Tutor?

Have they only recently started tutoring, or have they been doing it for years? Everyone has to start somewhere, so don’t be too quick to pass on someone just starting their tutoring career. Confirm that they are familiar with the course or subject you wish them to tutor and that they are otherwise suited for the learning goals you have for your child. If other factors affect your child’s learning experience, such as dyslexia or hearing difficulties, then consider looking for someone who has been tutoring for longer and has experience teaching similar students.

Have They Had a Background Check?

Is it clean and currently valid? If the tutor works for an agency, then they may have run a background check as part of the recruitment process, but don’t automatically assume they’ve had one and passed unless you’ve been told this directly. Be aware that background checks don’t always find all relevant information from someone’s past. Different locales may search for and record different information during a background check. It can also be challenging to piece together an accurate history if they’ve lived in several places during their lifetime. Regardless of these limitations, you should still insist that a tutor pass a background check before hiring them, especially if your child is very young or if they’ll be left alone with the tutor on a regular basis.

Is There Positive Feedback from Their Previous Clients?

Was the tutor referred to you by a satisfied customer, such as another parent you know? It’s essential that the recommendations you find or receive come from people who have used their tutoring services. They should not just be friends or relatives vouching for the tutor to help them find students.

Ask how well previous students have done after being taught by the tutor, or more specifically, how much the students’ grades improved, not their final grade score. For example, while it’s impressive for a student to be scoring 90% on average in their tests after tutoring, if the student was already scoring 85% before seeing the tutor, then it’s not a significant change in score overall. But if they were averaging 65% before tutoring, then 90% is a considerable improvement compared to their starting grade.

Have You Met Them in Person?

Always see a potential tutor in person before agreeing to hire them. You don’t need to have a long formal meeting with them; a quick chat will do. A conscientious tutor should want to talk to you first anyway to discuss the learning goals you have for your child. Make sure you are happy to have them teach your child. Find a different tutor if they seem off to you somehow during this meeting.

Finding a suitable private tutor takes time, but by considering the points above, you can make yourself an action plan and start sorting through your list of candidates.

About The Main Line Tutor

With over 30 years of experience tutoring high school and college students our tutors specialize in mathematics and general chemistry. Our founder, Dr. Chesloff, holds a Doctorate in Higher Science Education and has developed an education curriculum that engages the student and enhances their learning and thought process to help raise their scores and improve performance.

We offer nationwide tutoring via video teleconference in PSAT/SAT preparation (math, critical reading, writing), ACT test preparation (Get step by step instructions, mock tests and more so you know exactly what to expect with the real thing), chemistry (General Chemistry (including AP), Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry), algebra I/II, geometry, and trigonometry.

Our Mission is to target the specific needs of our students, college and high school, particularly in the area of standardized test preparation.

Our Tutoring allows for flexible hours 7 days a week nationwide via videoconference.

The Main Line Tutor Philadelphia
The Main Line Tutor

The Main Line Tutor
We Raise Score & Improve Performance
www.themainlinetutor.com
Tel: (610) 324-8359
e-mail: drchesloff@themainlinetutor.com

The Top 5 Benefits of Private Tutoring

Home > Blog > The Top 5 Benefits of Private Tutoring

The Top Five Benefits of Private Tutoring

Every parent wants the student in their life to make strong academic progress, but for some reason there’s a societal stigma attached to private tutoring. Both students and parents sometimes see tutoring as the last resort for learners who have fallen behind their peers, like an admission that the student wasn’t smart enough to get by on their own. This attitude not only has adverse consequences for the self-esteem of students who may need a helping hand to pursue their goals, but it also completely misses what private tutoring is all about.

Classroom teachers are busy, and tutors act as a supplement to the learning that takes place in school. Nearly any student can benefit from receiving individualized attention to complement in-school learning, so investing in a tutor doesn’t mean that your student is stupid or that you’ve failed as a parent. Here are five of the best reasons to look for a private instructor:

  1. Private Instruction Allows Students to Learn at Their Preferred Pace

Traditional education is designed to offer something for everyone, generally at the expense of providing an optimal experience for anyone. Some students grasp concepts almost immediately, leaving them bored while the teacher spends a week on a given topic. Others might need a few weeks for the material to click, meaning that their classroom instructor has to move on before they are ready to.

In contrast, a private tutor can introduce fresh concepts as their pupil is ready to receive them. This ensures that study sessions remain engaging without feeling too overwhelming, allowing students to engage with the learning process and develop the self-confidence they’ll need to tackle more difficult subjects in the future.

  1. Tutors Can Teach to a Student’s Preferred Learning Style

All students are capable of learning, but everybody does so in a different way. For instance, visual learners might use infographics to help them understand cell replication or the causes of World War II, while auditory learners might get more out of talking a topic over with their instructor instead. Some kinesthetic learners study best by actively doing something, an approach that the traditional classroom can struggle to accommodate.

There are no rules when it comes to how private study sessions are structured, meaning that students can choose the approach that works best for them. Many instructors can even offer multisensory lessons that are designed to engage students in multiple ways simultaneously. Why force your student to use a generic curriculum when they could be using one designed around their specific needs?

  1. Students Can Build a Personal Rapport with Their Instructor

When one teacher is responsible for 30 or more students, it may be impossible for the instructor to forge a personal relationship with every learner. Furthermore, some students are shy about asking for help in front of their friends, especially during the elementary and middle school years when students are studying fundamental concepts they’ll build upon for the rest of their student lives.

Private instruction takes place in a one-on-one learning environment where the student’s needs always come first. If your student is shy about asking for help, their tutor can create a learning environment where questions are encouraged. If your student is struggling because they find the material dull, their instructor can look for ways to incorporate their interests outside academia to liven things up. For example, sports can be a great way to introduce students to statistical analysis.

  1. Tutoring Can Go Beyond Core Content

While private tutors can certainly review specific concepts such as English literature and the scientific method with their students, they can also delve into broader study skills that can be applied in a variety of classes. For instance, students can learn how to sit down and study for an exam, how to create a plan of attack for a large project, or how to take better notes in class. These skills are vital to student success but generally aren’t taught directly at any level.

Furthermore, a private instructor can share test-taking tips to help students work to their potential. If your student gets test anxiety, their academic coach can share mindfulness tips such as deep breathing exercises and meditative practices to help them concentrate. It’s also possible to leverage many tests against themselves if you get stuck. For example, your student can review how to eliminate incorrect responses on multiple-choice tests or practice showing their work to at least earn partial credit on many math tests.

  1. Tutoring Works

Experts have been studying the efficacy of private tutoring for centuries and the evidence is clear: students who work with a one-on-one instructor tend to earn better grades and get more out of school than those who do not. The specific benefits depend on multiple variables such as a student’s goals, how much tutoring they receive, and so on, but high-achievers and struggling students alike can expect to get something out of it.

Conclusion

Private instruction is a powerful educational tool for students of all ages and ability levels no matter what they’re studying. As such, it is time to remove the stigma attached to it and empower the next generation with the skills and knowledge they’ll need moving forward. Don’t you want to set your student up for success?

About The Main Line Tutor

With over 30 years of experience tutoring high school and college students, our tutors specialize in mathematics and general chemistry. Our founder, Dr. Chesloff, holds a Doctorate in Higher Science Education and has developed an education curriculum that engages the student and enhances their learning and thought process to help raise their scores and improve performance.

We offer nationwide tutoring via video teleconference in PSAT/SAT preparation (math, critical reading, writing), ACT test preparation (Get step by step instructions, mock tests and more so you know exactly what to expect with the real thing), chemistry (General Chemistry (including AP), Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry), algebra I/II, geometry, and trigonometry.

Our Mission is to target the specific needs of our students, college and high school, particularly in the area of standardized test preparation.

Our Tutoring allows for flexible hours 7 days a week nationwide via videoconference.

The Main Line Tutor
We Raise Score & Improve Performance
www.themainlinetutor.com
Tel: (610) 324-8359
e-mail: drchesloff@themainlinetutor.com

Happy Mother’s Day | The Main Line Tutor

Home > Blog > Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day

The best families are built on love, patience, laughter, hugs, and faith…and wonderful Mothers

The Main Line Tutor
We Raise Score & Improve Performance
www.themainlinetutor.com
Tel: (610) 324-8359
e-mail: drchesloff@themainlinetutor.com

Why Should My Student Work with A Private Tutor?

Home > Blog > Why Should My Student Work with A Private Tutor?

Why Should My Student Work with A Private Tutor?

Whether the student in your life is falling behind their peers academically or simply losing interest in their studies, working with a private tutor could help them pursue their educational goals. A private instructor allows your student to study in a one-on-one learning environment that revolves around their unique needs, helping them make the most out of every session. Here are four reasons why private instruction often proves beneficial:

1. Individualized Attention

When your student completes an assignment for their classroom teacher, they need to wait for the entire class’s work to be reviewed before receiving feedback on how they did. By the time they get their assignment back, the material is no longer at the forefront of their mind. Since they may no longer remember their thought processes while working on it, it could prove challenging to correct any mistakes in a meaningful way.

In contrast, a private instructor has fewer papers to review, allowing your student to receive feedback in a more timely fashion. A tutor can also take the time to go over every question with your student to help them do better next time, a luxury that the average classroom teacher cannot afford.

Private instruction also allows students to learn at their own pace. If they understand the Civil War era already, their study sessions can concentrate on something else to remain as productive as possible. If your student is having a hard time understanding the motivations of the title characters in Romeo and Juliet, their instructor can provide additional explanation until your student is ready to move onto something else.

2. Personalized Study Sessions

While classrooms generally need to follow set curricula, a private tutor can design study sessions around your student’s preferred learning style. If they are a visual learner, their instructor can incorporate visual aids into study sessions. Counting cubes might help a young student grasp the basics of arithmetic, while info-graphics can be a great way to illustrate time lines of events for social studies or the principle players in a novel.

If they are more of a kinesthetic individual who learns best by doing, their instructor can engage them with interactive activities to help them get a feel for the material. They might play a game based on solving math problems, or conduct an experiment at home to illustrate scientific principles.

If your student is an auditory learner, their instructor might use a discussion format to help important information stick. Verbal emphasis and oral repetition are an auditory learner’s best friends, especially for any subject requiring rote memorization.

3. A True Connection

Seeing a teacher for an hour each weekday for 10 months or so is not the best way to forge a meaningful relationship, especially since most students are only one of many in any particular classroom. Most students also change teachers at the beginning of each school year, so time is not on their side.

On the other hand, private instruction provides a more intimate setting where teacher and pupil can take the time to really get to know each other. If your student comes to trust their tutor, they may feel more comfortable asking for assistance before a misunderstanding escalates into a significant learning obstacle. Some shyer students also don’t want to admit that they need help in front of their peers, a problem that ceases to exist in a one-on-one study environment.

A private tutor can also use your student’s interests to make sessions more engaging. If your student has a hard time relating to word problems, their instructor might add the names of friends and family members to make them more interesting. A sports fan might use their favorite team’s statistics to make math more approachable, and reading is always more fun if you get some say in the material you work with.

4. Building Study Skills

While most classroom instructors are bound to a set curriculum within a limited time frame, a tutor offers the flexibility to teach valuable study skills that your student can use at all levels of education. For instance, taking notes as you read forces a more active engagement with the material, potentially improving a student’s retention. A private instructor can help your student quickly identify what’s worthy of jotting down to help them make the most of “active reading.”

Similarly, learning how to outline written assignments can make essays and research papers feel a little less intimidating. Not only does working from an outline make it easier for your student to include all of the supporting details they originally planned to, it also prevents them from staring at the page wondering what to say next. It may seem counter-intuitive to spend valuable time outlining, but it often helps students finish an assignment more quickly.

If your student is preparing for a specific standardized test, they can also review test-specific strategies with their private instructor. For example, there is no penalty for guessing on the ACT or SAT, so test-takers should do everything in their power to at least answer every question. Other exams may penalize students for answering incorrectly, so leaving it blank could be the right strategic decision in certain circumstances. If your student deals with text anxiety, their instructor may also demonstrate meditative techniques to help them calm their nerves and concentrate on the exam in front of them.

Conclusion

The classroom experience is important, but a private tutor can act as a valuable educational supplement to the instruction your student receives in school. Look into a private instructor today to help your student pursue their full academic potential!

About The Main Line Tutor

With over 30 years of experience tutoring high school and college students our tutors specialize in mathematics and general chemistry. Our founder, Dr. Chesloff, holds a Doctorate in Higher Science Education and has developed an education curriculum that engages the student and enhances their learning and thought process to help raise their scores and improve performance.

We offer nationwide tutoring via video teleconference in PSAT/SAT preparation (math, critical reading, writing), ACT test preparation (Get step by step instructions, mock tests and more so you know exactly what to expect with the real thing), chemistry (General Chemistry (including AP), Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry), algebra I/II, geometry, and trigonometry.

Our Mission is to target the specific needs of our students, college and high school, particularly in the area of standardized test preparation.

Our Tutoring allows for flexible hours 7 days a week nationwide via videoconference.

The Main Line Tutor
We Raise Score & Improve Performance
www.themainlinetutor.com
Tel: (610) 324-8359
e-mail: drchesloff@themainlinetutor.com

4 Reasons You Should Have A Tutor While in College

Home > Blog > 4 Reasons You Should Have A Tutor While in College

Tutor with student via teleconference The Main Line Tutor nationwide tutoring
Tutor with student via teleconference

 

4 Reasons You Should Have A Tutor While in College

Having a tutor can help you get good grades in college, which will boost your chances of landing a job after graduation. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 66% of employers screen applicants by GPA. Furthermore, 58% of employers surveyed said they would be much less likely to hire candidates with less than a 3.0 average. Considering how important maintaining a good GPA is, hiring a tutor can be a helpful financial investment that allows you to gain many benefits along the way.

  1. Access individualized help and cut back on the costs of remedial classes, study guides, and test prep courses.

    Professors can help you during office hours, and classmates can help you during group study sessions, but you might not get the attention you need from them. Professors sometimes work with hundreds of students each semester. They often juggle visitors, phone calls, e-mails, and their own work during office hours. Likewise, study sessions are set up to help the whole group learn. The group can’t always cover what each member needs help with.
    If you need a session focused on helping you understand the course material, a tutor is the way to go. Once you become close to a tutor over several weeks or even semesters, they will better understand how you learn. Then, they will be able to tailor lessons to fit your learning style. Hiring one tutor long-term can save you money when you compare this expense to the high costs of remedial classes, supplemental study guides, and test prep courses.

  2. Boost your grades and improve your odds of winning scholarships.

    Studying hard with your tutor will improve your grades, which is not only great for your future career but can also help you earn scholarships. Remember, many scholarships and grants are available to upperclassmen. Be sure to ask your financial aid office about merit-based scholarships for which you may qualify.

  3. Raise your self-esteem and lift your spirits.

    When you spend hours studying by yourself, it’s easy to get discouraged. If you’re studying a subject that just doesn’t come naturally to you, you may feel like other students have a big advantage. Having a tutor on your side can help you start feeling optimistic again. A good tutor should give you positive, encouraging feedback to keep your spirits up.

  4. Learn at an efficient pace and free up time for a part-time job or internship.

    Again, the problem with seeking help from a professor during office hours or a going to a peer study group is that they may not be able to teach you at your own speed. You might understand some material slowly, while quickly grasping other topics. A tutor can work with you at your pace so that you never feel rushed or bored. These more focused study periods can help you budget your time better, leaving more room for a part-time job or internship to help keep your college debt down.

    You may be wondering if the cost of a tutor might cancel out the long-term financial benefits. Chances are, it won’t. Many schools offer free tutoring at an on-campus tutoring center. Hiring a private tutor can also be inexpensive. Check your school’s bulletin boards and campus newspaper classifieds for ads. You will probably find students at your university who tutor part-time at low rates. If you don’t find what you need, post your own ads seeking a tutor, and don’t be afraid to mention your price limit. Ask around at your academic department, too.

    If you excel at certain subjects, you might even be able to get free tutoring, a big financial plus. At many colleges, students swap tutoring services with each other. For example, say you need help with calculus, but already aced French grammar. You may be able to find a math major struggling through their foreign language requirement and trade favors. If you like this idea, post an ad and see what responses you receive. 

    In short, if you think you could use extra academic help, there are plenty of reasons to seek a tutor today. The time and money you spend now will benefit you later. Remember, working with a tutor can be cheap or even free, and will help you get the most out of your college experience.

    About The Main Line Tutor

    With over 30 years of experience tutoring high school and college students our tutors specialize in mathematics and general chemistry. Our founder, Dr. Chesloff, holds a Doctorate in Higher Science Education and has developed an education curriculum that engages the student and enhances their learning and thought process to help raise their scores and improve performance.

    We offer nationwide tutoring via video teleconference in PSAT/SAT preparation (math, critical reading, writing), ACT test preparation (Get step by step instructions, mock tests and more so you know exactly what to expect with the real thing), as well as in chemistry (General Chemistry (including AP), Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry), algebra I/II, geometry, and trigonometry.

    Our Mission is to target the specific needs of our students, college and high school, particularly in the area of standardized test preparation.

    Our Tutoring allows for flexible hours 7 days a week nationwide via videoconference.

    The Main Line Tutor
    We Raise Score & Improve Performance
    www.themainlinetutor.com
    Tel: (610) 324-8359
    e-mail: drchesloff@themainlinetutor.com

    Should I Take the SAT or the ACT?

    Home > Blog > Should I take the SAT or ACT?

    Should I take the SAT or ACT?

    Test Background

    The ACT is operated by, and takes its name from, American College Testing, and first came to the fore in 1959, predominantly in Southern and Midwestern schools. Administered by the College Board, the SAT, on the other hand, was introduced in 1926 and was traditionally the favored test in East and West Coast schools. While many of its takers assume that SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test, the acronym no longer has an assigned meaning. Despite the original geographical distinctions, students across the States are free to take either test. In fact, in 2011 the ACT overtook the SAT as the most popular choice for high school students.

    ACT Basics

    The ACT includes four components, English, Mathematics, Reading and Science, with an optional fifth Writing section. In total, the five-section test lasts 3 ½ hours. Although the Writing section is optional, many colleges require candidates to take it. Students can receive a maximum score of 36 in each section, with an overall average taken to obtain the final test score. If a student takes the Writing section, the essay score is incorporated into the average of the English section. Students taking the Writing section complete the essay at the end of the test.

    SAT Basics

    The SAT is divided into Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing sections, with the entire test taking 3 hours and 45 minutes. Each section is scored out of 800, for an overall score of 2400. The first item in the test is a 25-minute essay, which is incorporated into the Writing section score, and represents the only part of the test graded holistically. All the other answers are entered on a bubble sheet and graded electronically.

    Significant Differences

    In the English section, the ACT tests knowledge of punctuation, including commas, apostrophes, and colons, while the SAT places a heavier emphasis on usage. The ACT Mathematics section tests knowledge of concepts in trigonometry, Algebra I, II, geometry and standard arithmetic. The SAT, on the other hand, does not include trigonometry. Notoriously, the SAT Critical Reading section includes a significant number of questions that test vocabulary, meaning that students typically prepare by memorizing extended lists of sometimes obscure words, often without grasping their essential meaning. The ACT, by contrast, tests knowledge of vocabulary in context only.

    One of the most common criticisms of the SAT across all sections is that its 140 questions tend to be abstruse and unnecessarily complex. Although the ACT extends to 215 questions, the wording is significantly more straightforward. The greatest difference, however, is that the SAT penalizes wrong answers in an attempt to curb guessing, whereas the ACT awards points only for correct answers.

    Key Changes

    In order to address criticism, the SAT test has changed significantly during recent decades. From spring 2016, the test will undergo a further metamorphosis. No longer will students be required to learn lists of suggested vocabulary; instead, vocabulary questions will focus on context, in the same vein as the ACT. Likewise, the Critical Reading and Writing sections will include data analysis, and students will have to cite evidence from reading passages rather than simply selecting a multiple choice option.

    The Mathematics section will focus on a narrower set of topics and the use of calculators will be prohibited for some sections, unlike the existing SAT where calculators are allowed throughout. Crucially, points will no longer be deducted for incorrect answers. The much-maligned essay will remain, but will be optional, and 50 minutes will be allowed instead of 25.  

    Which Test is for Me?

    Since the ACT is more closely aligned with material on the high school curriculum, it panders to the strength of students who already have a firm grasp of their existing subjects. Because it also tests knowledge of Science, but offers Writing as an option, the ACT also appeals to students whose writing is comparatively weak. This advantage will no longer apply once the 2016 SAT is introduced, however.

    Students who are good at simple test taking, who have a longer attention span, and who have a lower-than-expected GPA will find the SAT comes to the rescue. In theory, a student with a low GPA could ace the SAT on strong reasoning skills alone and somehow compensate for poor performance in subjects tied to Common Core Standards.

    To give themselves the best possible college application, students to take practice tests in both the SAT and ACT, either by taking PSATs or simply by accessing free online practice tests. In the junior year, there is no impediment to taking both tests, and students can then choose which scores to send to colleges. In some cases, the disparity in scores could be significant. 

    About The Main Line Tutor

    With over 30 years of experience tutoring high school and college students our tutors specialize in mathematics and general chemistry. Our founder, Dr. Chesloff, holds a Doctorate in Higher Science Education and has developed an education curriculum that engages the student and enhances their learning and thought process to help raise their scores and improve performance.

    We offer nationwide tutoring via video teleconference in PSAT/SAT preparation (math, critical reading, writing), ACT test preparation (Get step by step instructions, mock tests and more so you know exactly what to expect with the real thing), as well as in chemistry (General Chemistry (including AP), Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry), algebra I/II, geometry, and trigonometry.

    Our Mission is to target the specific needs of our students, college and high school, particularly in the area of standardized test preparation.

    Our Tutoring allows for flexible hours 7 days a week nationwide via videoconference.

    The Main Line Tutor
    We Raise Score & Improve Performance
    www.themainlinetutor.com
    Tel: (610) 324-8359
    e-mail: drchesloff@themainlinetutor.com