Conquering the SAT is about knowing your stuff, and knowing how to do it quickly and accurately (knowing "tricks" and "short cuts," as some might say). So we'll go over the math, reading, and writing concepts that are tested, as well as learning some test techniques and strategies. 

Students will do a lot of work in class. I'll provide minimal -- but sufficient! -- instruction, just what students need to get the idea and run with it. So they should be prepared to use their pencil, paper, calculator, brain, and mind! This will be very much a practical class: some instruction, some discussion,  some Q&A, lots of work. 

If needed and desired, I will give students some supplemental work, on a class or an individual basis. 

Be prepared to learn!  And remember that studying for the SAT is not like studying for a typical test, or even for a final exam. The SAT covers your entire academic career, and is supposed to test "college readiness." So studying well for the test takes more time and effort. 


Tentative schedule:
Week 1: SAT structure and format;  basic test strategies;  what kind of improvement is possible; planning for what your colleges want; algebra review; basic grammar; SAT reading basics

Week 2:  geometry review; math techniques/tricks/tips; basic grammar; SAT reading basics, marking a reading, staying focused

Week 3: algebra review; math techniques/tricks/tips; grammar and writing; reading, questioning, and using the answers
 
Week 4:  data analysis review; math techniques/tricks/tips; grammar and writing; reading and thinking

Week 5:  algebra review; math techniques/tricks/tips; working the SAT writing section; reading practice; fundamental factors of success, fundamental factors that affect your test performance and score: logic, sleep, exercise, breathing, diet/nutrition, etc.

Week 6:  harder math problems; math techniques/tricks/tips; working the SAT writing section; SAT reading practice

2024 official SAT test dates are: 
9 March 2024
4 May 2024
1 June 2024
See:  https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines

“My son says: ‘Great experience. It really helped me improve my average score (statistics from practice tests) from about a 29 to a 32.’ “
–An Outschool parent, “ACT Test Prep!,” 20 Jun 2020

"I wanted to let you know that Emily got a 33 on her most recent ACT. She was beyond happy. Her college list just expanded. She is being recruited by some schools, so she has a number of options, which makes this fun but challenging. She had a 29, so she’s gone to a 30 and then a 33. On her recent ACT, she was up 2 points in English and Science, 1 point in Reading, and 5 points in Mathematics: from a 30 to a 35. We appreciate all of your help."   –John M, father of a high school student

“My son is a 9th grader so this class was a little early for him and might have been better in a year (but that was my fault). Still, my son was engaged throughout the whole class. I felt the class gave an excellent overview to SATs and taught some tips and tricks of how to go quickly and do better overall. I’m glad he took it and think it helped.” –Jennifer W., parent, “SAT Test Prep!,” 25 May 2020

“When I met Michael Gold at a high school open house in 2008, I was impressed by qualifications and expertise in tutoring. Our daughter Maggie had a full schedule and opted for semi-private and private tutorials. Maggie got the remediation and test tactics she needed from Mr. Gold in half the traditional time it takes through testing companies. Our fees were also considerably less. He hones in on student needs and builds from there. We were very pleased with our SAT and ACT test results. She is getting letters from many upper-tier private colleges. I would recommend Mr. Gold to any ambitious high school junior.” –Carol V, parent of an ex-high school student

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