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Ever wonder if an ACT or SAT test preparation class makes a good investment ?  It is certainly a good question and exactly the one I had when I first started investigating them. Here’s what my due diligence showed  to me.

 Virtually Every School has a Lower Limit for Acceptance 

There is a lot more than bragging rights riding on your ACT and SAT scores! First, virtually every college and university requires that you meet or exceed a minimum score in order for you to be granted acceptance.  At any given college  the more highly rated programs require higher scores still. 

Paying Suggested Retail or Getting a Big Discount

So, it’s pretty common knowledge that there is a minimum score for acceptance you say? Well did you know that those sticker shock tuition prices you see on most school websites, especially private institutions  are really just suggested retail prices?

Depending upon the college or university just a small improvement can reduce your tuition bill by $2,000 – $5,000 annually. Sounds incredible, I know but you can watch a 2 minute video here: ACT Test Practice Pays Off and see more than a dozen real world examples.

ACT Practice Makes Perfect

Knowing that just a 1 point increase can be worth$10,000 to $20,000 in tuition reduction over four years I  don’t believe I’ll have to twist your arm to see that a huge pay-off awaits you if you invest the time and money it takes to fully prepare for the test.  So the next question is how to best prepare?  For me, reading a book or even taking some online tests doesn’t make a lot of sense when the stakes are so high and hinging upon just 3 and a 1/2 hours .  Think about it, we’re talking about $3,000 – $6,000 an hour! Let those numbers sink in and you’ll appreciate why I wanted to get the most from my investment of time and money. For me it was simple. I wanted to get the hands on help that only a local test preparation company can provide 

ACT and SAT Test Preparation Centers: What to Look For

The only remaining question for me was what to look for in a test prep course ?  Again, after plenty of  research I found these “must have”criteria:

1. In depth knowledge of your school’s classes . This is essential because it allows you to focus on the holes and gaps that will be presentbetween your current education and what the ACT and SAT look for .

2.   Small number of students. The optimum seems to be between 6 and 10students in the class in order to provide the right balance between peer to peer learning and individualized attention.

3. Fluid course style with attention to individual needs .  Avoid centers that teach a canned course because it will likely not meet your particular needs.

4. Find an ACT Test Company locally  that focuses on both content and strategies. Doing well on the ACT and SAT is as much about how you take the test as it is what answers you supply.

After you conduct your own research I believe that you too will find that a local  professional test preparation center  that offers a guarantee of improvement and small classes focused on individual attention will make the most sense for you. Remember, you are making an investment and the potential returns are huge!