Tutor Ted’s SAT Solutions Manual – Math solutions only; paperback, just under $20. The Ultimate SAT Supplement from Klass Tutoring -- Solutions for every problem in Blue Book (i.e. all 3 sections). Reading and Writing solutions are better than the Math. Paperback, $ Khan Academy – Video math solutions. Free. PWNtheSAT Q & A – All three sections. Students can ask questions and receive back clear and prompt solutions (free) from a 2400 scoring tutor. Solutions for the Blue Book

Based on official material. Official diagnostic SAT and full official practice tests as part of preparation. Goal setting strategy. Mastery of questions inside goal zone before attempting harder questions. Addresses issue of fundamental skills and test strategy. Exception: test prep aimed solely at high achievers. Signs of Good Test Prep (tutors, classes, books, online)

Signs To Proceed With Caution: Says SAT is “easy.” Mock SAT used for “diagnostic test.” Branded advice Upselling e.g. “More Titles from…” Author/Teacher not “SAT Expert” Money Back Guarantees

Choosing A Tutor Quality does not necessarily equal cost. Quality is more important than quantity. Fluent in the background related to academic subject. Customized approach and strategy. Content and strategy based. Experience in recognizing the hidden signs of test anxiety. Assess student’s skill level, motivation and goals. Works primarily with College Board materials. References (essential).

5 Essential Questions 1) Do you customize your approach and if so, how. 2) What’s your average score gain per student? Many will not answer this question because there are so many variables that it’s almost not a fair question. That said, an excessive “average score gain” should be a sign to look deeper. 3) How long do you advise students prepare for the SAT and how much will it cost? The right answer will be individual and will depend on where the student begins and what the goal is. 4) What test prep materials do you use? Must be centered on official College Board material. 5) How much homework will there be in between sessions? (A great tutor should have students do as much work as possible between sessions – i.e. off the clock.)

Vocabulary Tools Direct Hits: Excellent series of books that group SAT words by category and use them in pop culture context. (e.g. “One of the most presumptuous moments in recent memory occurred during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards…”). Start with the Core Vocabulary edition. The Critical Reader: No one knows the Critical Reading section of the SAT like Erica Meltzer. Look up Top SAT Words on her website, Wordnik.com: Free online dictionary and thesaurus that compiles definitions from different sources and shows the word in context with examples from across the web. Allows user to maintain personal word lists, a feature I loved. The Word Nerd.com: Based on the psychology of memory, Word Nerd organizes the 1,500 most commonly tested SAT words into groups (“SmartSets™”) organized by theme. Extensive quizzes and tests for practice. Subscription levels range from $25-$69 per year.

Essay Recipe Paragraph 1: -Line 1: Answer the question directly, yes or no. -Line 2: Why do you believe line 1. -Line 3: Why do you believe line 1. -Line 4: End paragraph with “Examples of (xxx) can be found in Category X Paragraph 2: -Line 1: (Specific example) exemplifies (Line 1). -Lines 2-5: Describe example in detail. Be specific. Paragraph 3: -Line 1: Similarly, (2 nd example) illustrates (Line 1). -Lines 2-5: Same formula as paragraph 2. Paragraph 4: -Conclusion: “While some might argue (counter argument), this argument loses force…” -Recap Line 1 -Expand Line 1 (if possible)

Essay Tips Answer the question directly. Yes or no -- pick a side. Pretend you’re on the debate team. Don’t waffle. Stick to your side of the argument. Passion is good. Short intros are good. No grammar errors (especially in opening paragraph). Don’t go outside the lines. Build a repertoire of examples. SHOW it – (don’t SAY it). Use SAT Vocabulary