Parents of college-bound students have many questions about the SAT. Inspirica can help.

Is the current SAT harder than the old version?
No, it's just different. There were many changes made in March 2005, mostly designed to make the test more achievement oriented, to better measure what students actually know. The math content was expanded slightly to cover several advanced algebra topics as well as a few extra topics in geometry. In addition, an essay was added, part of a larger writing section that includes grammar, diction, idiom, and usage.

How do colleges use the score from the essay portion of the SAT?
Colleges are able to see the actual essay. Different colleges use the score in different ways: to evaluate a student's writing ability, to aid in making freshman writing class placements, and to compare with application essays—and some do not use them at all! In any case, it is important for students to master the skills necessary to do their best on the essay portion of the test since you don't know how your college may be using them.

When should my child start SAT tutoring, and how much does she need?
Since some SAT Subject Tests are given in ninth grade, that's the best time to contact us. Generally, SAT tutoring begins the next year, the summer after tenth grade. With all the many tests your child may be taking during high school—the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP's, and so on—it is critical to have a game plan, and the earlier it is established, the better. The first time you call us, you'll speak with your own educational consultant, your personal guide to the college preparation process at Inspirica, who will design a program specifically for your child.

How will you work with my child to get a "good" score?
We start fresh with each student. After measuring your child's baseline test scores, we carefully select just the right tutor for your child. We then custom design a curriculum based on our two-pronged approach: we teach both test content and strategies. Your child will study core math, reading and writing skills, learn how to eliminate careless errors, master timing and testing strategies, and develop enhanced self-confidence. Along the way, you and your child both will have regular opportunities to monitor progress. Our unique, collaborative approach means that you'll have the benefit of our whole staff to guide you through the process.

With more than 20 years of experience, we can tell you that test preparation can be tremendously worthwhile. At Inspirica, we deliver your child to the door of the exam room ready to do his or her personal best, feeling as good as possible about facing this rite of passage. To us, and to the thousands of parents who have sought us out for the past two decades, this is success.

What does Inspirica offer for students with learning differences?
Many students with learning disabilities have tutors to help them master various subjects and skills,
but these tutors may not be knowledgeable about or trained in test preparation. At Inspirica, we have worked with hundreds of children with a wide variety of learning issues, successfully helping them to achieve their best scores. Our testing strategies are very effective for students with learning disabilities. Working one-on-one with each student allows our tutors to adapt a lesson to a student's learning style.

Starting early is the key. The sooner you call our educational consultants, the better. They can plot out a timeline for your child, custom-designed to achieve your goals. We will be delighted to advise you.