Elite, Kaplan, Princeton Review, ACI. Some of these names you've heard of or even dreaded. Chances are, your parents have groaned at mention of these institutions as well. After all, the price of just one summer session can cost thousands of dollars. With that sort of price, one begs the question: Are these testing assistance programs credible?
For those who aren't familiar with test prep centers, companies (one of the most popular being Elite) have branches throughout cities offering classes on raising test scores. Some may offer courses assisting with AP classes or college essay writing, but by far the most popular class focuses on the SAT reasoning exam. As competition for colleges becomes more and more cutthroat, the norm for many incoming juniors,seniors, and even some middle schoolers spend their summer and winter breaks at SAT "bootcamp".
For the very ambitious, it seems agreeable. Why not invest time on preparing for a test integral to the college application? However, time's not the only thing you're investing. Once again, a summer session typically costs an intimidating 2000 dollars. Such a financial sacrifice questions whether these programs can prove their worth.
When asked what they think of the SAT classes, most students reply with loathing and contempt. However this is typical of most high school students, who anticipate liberation by summertime only to be sentenced to more classes. Many complaints tend to revolve around ineffective teachers or lack of improvement in scores. The former tends to be subjective. If issues with instructors is prevalent in high school,then why not in any other class setting? Furthermore, the latter grievance is likely due to having expectations disappoionted. Lower SAT scores after formal preparation is virtually unheard of.
However, the biggest argument against SAT courses is that one can self-study sufficiently as well. Many of these companies that offer test prep centers also produce SAT prep books. Nevertheless, most people who choose to attend regular class because of the accountability and pressure it provides. How many teenagers are willing to spend their vacation studying four to six hours a day, four to five times a week with limited breaks, simply on the SAT exam?
Nevertheless, students have professed success stories. They argue that the constant drilling, practice exams, and instruction could really only help someone's score. An anonymous student even claims external benefits. More specifically, "the critical reading articles are so hard that AP reading is really easy now".
Unfortunately, there will be no clear answer. Like any diet or fitness program, results will vary. However, although not always the extent one desires committing to a program will at least produce some kind of result.
