PSAT/SAT Academy

SAT Academy Fast Facts 2026-27

SAT Registration SAT Responses

PSAT Registration PSAT Responses

PSAT 10 Student Guide

Academy Materials Folder                                             

SAT Educator Downloads

SAT Blurbs

SAT Reading, Writing, & The Essay

Over the course of the 4 day prep course for the SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing test we review the format of the test, the different types passages and questions, test taking tips and time saving strategies.  We also have the students complete practice sections under time constraints in order to get them used to taking the test under timed conditions.  We then go over the answers to the practice sections discussing the rationale for the answers and answering any questions the students might have.  

We also weave in some content to make sure they understood what would be expected of them.  (reminders and review of certain standards that relate to the test questions)

SAT Math

We review basic math background skills in each of the topics (Geometry, Algebra, Trig, etc) and then practice problems using the same timing constraints that they will be given during the actual test. We also talk about strategies, such as answering questions that they know first, test structure and scoring, like answering all questions because there is no penalty for incorrect answers, and managing time.

Last session was the first time teaching the SAT for me.  I did a combination of reviewing test taking skills and content.  We worked through practice tests to get students used to the format and scoring.  As we went over the practice tests, I pointed out strategies to work more effectively and efficiently.  We also reviewed content as it came up through those questions on the practice tests.

Over the course of the 4 day prep course for the SAT Math I review the format of the test, different  types of questions, test taking tips, time saving strategies, and calculator strategies. I review content as it relates to specific questions. When students have more in-depth content questions I refer them to Khan Academy.  I also show the students the SAT prep materials on Khan Academy. I also have the students complete practice sections under time constraints in order to get them used to taking the test under timed conditions.  We then go over the answers to the practice sections discussing the rationale for the answers and answering any questions the students might have.

ACT Blurbs

Science

The ACT Science course does not go over any specific content except 1.) parts of an experiment and 2.) graphing. We break the test into types of passages. We learn how to manage your time and how to work parts of questions. I try to show them examples of how the questions are worded to be confusing.

ACT English prep teaches both test-taking skills and content.  Students complete a timed practice test on the first day, and then review the test-taking strategies suggested in the ACT book.  We go over missed questions from the practice test, and then spend days 2 and 3 reviewing the grammar rules (agreement, sentence structure, punctuation, rhetorical skills) most frequently tested.  We complete the short practice sections in the ACT book, using strategies learned on day 1, and then check and discuss answers for each.  On day 4 we finish the last skills review and take another timed practice test.  Students usually see improvement when they have reviewed the skills and applied test-taking strategies.

Over the course of the 4 day prep sessions for the ACT Reading and Writing test,  students move through the chapters in the book with key points/corresponding book pages  noted on a customized presentation. (At the end of the course, the presentation is provided to students for additional review).  Students are urged to highlight tips for efficient reading and pacing  in order to answer all questions for all passages on the strictly timed test in order to maximize scores.  A practice test on day 1 alerts students to the time requirements of the test and the type of passages they will encounter.  On day 3, a second test is given after all time saving strategies and potential answer choice pitfalls  are discussed. After each practice test students are able to see how they performed and discuss options for improvement.  On day 4, concentration concerns the writing portion of the test with an emphasis on breaking down the prompt in order to efficiently develop a written response within the time allowed. A sample prompt and ideal responses are reviewed in the book and in the session.   

ACT Math

The best way to describe what I do in ACT Math is:

• Test taking strategies

• Reviewing content 

• Scoring of the ACT

• Exposure to the types of questions on the ACT

• Working on math problems in a timed environment

• Where to go to get more practice

• Approximate scores colleges are looking for