FAQ

PrepNorthwest offers its SAT, ACT and SAT Subject Test practice tests on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. To see a list of dates, go to the practice test page

You will take, score, analyze, and pour over the answers of real SATs or ACTs that have been given in previous years. We will not only work on building your base in algebra, geometry, arithmetic, grammar, vocabulary, essay writing and reading comprehension, but you will learn proven test-taking strategies to maximize your SAT and ACT scores.

The best way to utilize your time is to take practice tests made by the test makers themselves. You want to practice the strategies you are learning in a timed setting to better grasp your ultimate game plan and gain more confidence in the testing setting. PrepNorthwest will proctor your test on a Saturday morning, return your test booklet & score report to you – this way you can learn from your experience.

Practice tests are absolutely the backbone of your test prep. We will encourage you to take a minimum 4 practice tests during your prep; however, you can take more if you would like. The first thing we encourage a student to do as a part of his or her course is to take a test. Practice tests benefit students because the tests give you and your coach a good understanding of where your strengths and gaps are. During the course the tests allow students to practice the strategies they are learning in their lessons in a timed setting.

The basis of PrepNorthwest is customization and individual attention. This not only goes for your instruction but also for your scheduling needs. Our one-to-one coaching offers the most convenient and flexible scheduling.

If you need to make any changes to your schedule, please contact the office with as much notice as possible and we will do your best to reschedule your lessons. If there is a no-show to a lesson, or if there is less than 24 hours notice of a cancellation, the remake cost will be $25/hr.

Please review the small group course dates carefully to ensure that your schedule allows you to attend every lesson. If you need to miss a class and if our schedules permit, you can schedule a private lesson with a PrepNorthwest Coach at an hourly rate.

Like anything you want be better at – it will take time and practice. You will be encouraged to do approximately 30+ minutes/day or 3-5 hrs/week of homework. The more practice you do, the more your score will improve.

All of our instructors score in the 95th percenter or higher in the areas they teach. This equates to 700 or more on the SATs and 30 or more on the ACT. In addition, they each receive an extensive training in SAT & ACT preparation (40+ hours) and have had teaching experience in classroom presentation. Our Coaches are also unique in that they were hand selected for their caring and empowering personalities.

For a complete list of the real SAT and ACT dates, click here

Schools will take an SAT or an ACT equally. So, if you only want to focus on one test the choice is up to you! The best way to find out which test you're better suited towards is to take a practice test in each test and then compare the scores. We offer practice tests on select Saturdays. Click here for a list of dates. If you'd still like to prepare for both tests, we recommend taking a full SAT course and then taking a shorter custom ACT course immediately following your SAT. This is because the tactics from an SAT course will help you on the ACT as well, but you'll want to learn the differences between the two tests.

The best time to take a college-entrance exam is when YOU are ready to do so. You are the one who will sit and take the test, and your mental attitude matters. Thus, you will get the most out of your time and resources if you wait until you are mentally ready and want to take on a course.

That said, also ask yourself the following questions:

• Will I apply early decision?
• Will I apply to competitive colleges?
• Do I need a large score increase?
• Am I going to take both the SAT and the ACT (and perhaps even Subject Tests)?

If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, we recommend you begin your prep in the fall or winter of your junior year. If you answered "no" to most of these questions, then you can start your preparation in the spring of your junior year or even the summer before your senior year for a fall test. Our courses are 10-12 weeks long, so also consider when you will have 10-12 weeks to devote to your preparation. If you have no preference, we recommend that you take the SAT in the winter of your junior Year. This will give you a bigger safety net if you want to re-take the test. Plus, the spring of junior year is filled with AP Tests, SAT IIs, finals, prom, spring fever and more.

In ninth and tenth grades, you should concentrate on doing well in your academic subjects, become a strong reader, and develop good, solid, critical thinking skills. Think about taking our preparation course in the summer after your sophomore year for the PSAT or 10-15 weeks before the SAT exam date that you select.

No. The actual SAT is administered by the College Board on established dates. We cannot register you for the test; you must do that on your own. You can do this online at www.collegeboard.com. Information and forms are also available at your school.

The actual ACT is administered by the ACT Corporation on established dates. We do not register you for that test; you must do that on your own. You can do this online at www.actstudent.org. Information and forms are also available at your school.

No.

We do, however, promise to deliver the best materials, best coaches and best service. If we do not do so, please let us know right away and we'll make good on this promise.

As for your score, unfortunately, we cannot take the test for you. Thus, we cannot guarantee you a certain score. Our experience shows that the students who earn significant scores increases are the students who take the course seriously:

• Take 4 practice tests as if they were the real thing.
• Learn from the missed or skipped questions on your test by reviewing your test.
• Arrive on time and prepared to each lesson and fully engage yourself.
• Practice the tactics you learned with your coach at home. Then correct all of your work by reading the explanations to each problem.

If you feel you have a weakness in an area, talk to your coach and/or the office and we will, spend extra time and effort to fill those gaps! For better or for worse, you hold the keys: You will get out of your prep-course what you put into it!

Below is a recap of the upcoming changes to the SAT Test that were recently announced. Please keep in mind that these changes will not take place until the Spring of 2016.

• The scoring will revert to the old 1600 scale (800 points per section on two sections)
• No more penalty for incorrect answers
• A 50-min optional essay will have a separate score
• The test will be 3 hours without the essay (3hr and 50 minutes with the optional essay)
• Less focus on arcane vocab words
• The new exam will be available on paper and computer.
• More about the new Math Section:
• A calculator will be permitted on certain math sections, and there will now also be a no-calculator section.
• The math questions, will now be scattered widely across many topics, will focus more narrowly on linear equations, functions and proportional thinking.
• More about the Reading/Writing Section:
• Instead of arcane SAT words, the vocabulary words on the new exam will be ones commonly used in college courses.
• The redesigned reading test will include a science passage.
• Sometimes, students will be asked not just to select the right answer, but to justify it by choosing the quote from a text that provides the best supporting evidence for their answer.
• Each test will include a passage from a founding document such as the Federalist Papers, Declaration of Independence, and Gettysburg Address.

At PrepNorthwest, each administered practice test is a true practice test that was created by the official source: the College Board (SAT) or the ACT company. This ensures that your student's scores are accurate and standardized.

As you search for the right company for you, make sure the company you choose uses real College Board practice tests rather than ones they create themselves.

You will receive friendly communication from our PrepNorthwest staff and up-to-date practice test results via email. To help keep students accountable, instructors will spot-check the homework at each meeting. Spot-checks are rated on a scale from 0-3 for completeness. If a student receives a 0 or 1 on his or her homework, parents will be notified via email. If at anytime you have a question, please feel free to call or email. We will also work with your college consultant (if applicable).