What is the SAT?
Students need strong critical thinking and logical reasoning skills to perform well on the SAT, so our SAT Prep curriculum incorporates clear, step-by-step processes to boost students’ reasoning and fine-tune their approach and pacing. We integrate skill building and review, so SAT prep content is interwoven with test-taking techniques. To find more information, learn about SAT dates, or sign up for the SAT, go to the College Board’s website at http://www.collegeboard.org
SAT or ACT?
Students should weigh the pros and cons of the SAT and ACT to determine which test could better showcase their strengths. We can help you decide the best course of action by including your child’s PSAT, SAT, ACT, and Pre-ACT scores in the registration. We can provide an analysis of your child’s tests scores and administer diagnostic tests, the results of which can guide you on the right steps forward.
SAT Reading & Writing
The digital SAT’s new format for the Reading and Writing sections (updated in 2024) has students analyzing approximately 30 short paragraphs with only one question each as opposed to several longer texts that each have multiple questions. All reading and Writing questions are multiple choice, are contained in the same section, and are always in the same order within the two modules: reading questions first and writing questions second. SAT reading passages draw from a variety of sources and test a student’s reading comprehension skills. There is an emphasis on analyzing natural science, social science, and complex fictional texts, along with poems, as well as graphs and charts.
SAT writing (grammar) questions test students on their knowledge of punctuation; conventional form, structure, and sense; and transition words, in addition to their ability to construct a thesis statement based on a prompt. The grammar concepts we teach for the preparation for the SAT Writing questions and the ACT English section are mostly transferable; studying for one will prepare a student for the other, though there are now certain question types unique to each test.
SAT Math
Compared to the paper-based ACT, the SAT provides more tools for students to use in the math section. Students are provided a formula sheet, and they have access to a built-in Desmos calculator. Students also have more time per question, so students can go at a slower pace. There are more word problems in the SAT math section and not all questions are multiple-choice. The SAT places a much heavier emphasis on algebra than the ACT, including linear, quadratic, and exponential equations, functions, and systems of equations. Even questions that are ostensibly about statistics or geometry are often actually about algebra.
The built-in Desmos graphing calculator has greatly changed how students can approach these questions. While all questions can be answered without its use, Desmos allows students to bypass many of the traditional algebraic methods that were necessary on previous versions of the SAT. Though the SAT math section has changed in format (from having a calculator inactive section to a built-in, always available graphing calculator), the complexity of the word problems that necessitate strong problem solving and analysis skills still remains. This new math section relies on figuring out “what” to do and “why” even more than its predecessors as the question difficulty continues to increase along with the resources built into the testing platform. This is where a large portion of our coaching focuses.
Optional SAT Essay
SAT’s optional essay was discontinued in 2021.