Frequently Asked Questions
Benchmark Tutoring Questions
Why is individual tutoring a better approach for my child?
- Individual tutoring allows the focus to be on the issues a student is having while taking the test. This allows for a students strengths and weaknesses to be pinpointed so that focus can be given to the concepts a student needs to work on.
Which test is best for my child to take?
- This depends on where your child is in their math and English courses. Some students who are in advanced math and English courses may be ready early in their junior year to take the SAT. Other students will do better to wait until the spring of their junior year when they have additional math and English skills.
How can Benchmark Tutoring improve my skills and my score?
- Sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual student. Consistant evaluation and feedback is provided based on work the students complete each week. The consistant reinforcement of the skills improve a student's score.
Testing Questions
When are the SAT tests offered?
- The SAT is offered in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December.
When are the ACT tests offered?
- The ACT is offered in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December.
Which SAT test date is best for your child to take?
- This depends on where your child is with their math and English courses. This may be best addressed through a phone conversation.
What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?
- The most recent changes to the SAT have made the two tests very similar. Both tests include sections for critical reading, math, and an optional essay. The ACT also offers a section on science.
How many times should my child take the test?
- This again depends on each individual student and their score objectives. Most students take the SAT two or three times.
What does the term 'Super Scoring' mean?
- During the admissions process, schools will review all the times a student has taken the test and take the highest score for each section regardless of whether or not they come from the same test date. This allows for the highest score in each section to be submitted. This benefits the schools as well. They are interested in advertising how well their student body has done during the admissions process.
When is the best time to start preparing?
- There are multiple ways and whatever fits into a students academic and extracurricular schedules is the approach. In general, most students work ten weeks back from an intended test day.
How do I know if the SAT or ACT is better for my child?
- The best way is to practice taking both and make a comparison.