FREQUENTLY  ASKED  QUESTIONS

• Why should I take the Ames Seminars SAT course?
• Does Ames Seminars offer individual tutoring?
• What makes Ames Seminars unique?
• What should I do if I am a sophomore or freshman?
• When is the best time to prepare for SAT I?
• How will the changes in the SAT affect me?
• How many times should I take the SAT?
• What if I am really weak in one aspect of the SAT test?
• Do colleges care if I take the test several times?
• How do colleges use scores from several tests?
• Does the PSAT really matter? Should I prepare?
• Which schools require the Subject Tests and which tests are required?
• Which Subject Tests should I take?
• When should I take the SAT test?
• Why are my percentiles lower on the Subject Tests?
• How do students with disabilities take the SAT?

 

Why should I take the Ames SAT course?

We are really good at what we do! We don't try to do everything; we do a few things extremely well! Our curriculum is outstanding and current. Our classes are small and personal. We make the classes fun! And most importantly: our teachers are teachers. No graduate students or college students here. Because Ames Seminars pays more than other companies, our teachers tend to stay around a long time and become experts on the SAT!

And for the SAT we provide a lot of follow-up as part of the course:

• Reading reviews
• Writing reviews
• Math reviews
• Advanced Math reviews
• Practice tests
• Two individual sessions

Our biggest recommendations come from families who send two, three, even four children.

"Our youngest is our third child to take your program. Her brother and sister strongly urged her to take your program, not because you are nice, which you are, not because you seem to make it fun, which you do, but because their scores went up… went up a lot!"

 

Does Ames Seminars offer individual tutoring?

We do! Ames offers private tutoring for the SAT and Subject Tests. While most students prefer the structure, thoroughness and peer companionship of our seminar courses sometimes the schedule or the group setting is not quite the right fit.  See SAT Tutoring.

 

What makes Ames Seminars unique?

After completing the course, students are supported with the following free programs, materials and advice:

READING, WRITING and MATH REVIEWS

Before the spring and fall tests we notify former students of the many free review sessions.

PRACTICE TESTS

Students have the option of taking practice tests at scheduled times or they may take them at home. All tests are computer graded, of course.

INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS

In the individual sessions, students review test results, plan how to improve, and work on test problems.

All these support items are logistical and financial commitments by Ames Seminars. Why do we do it? It is educationally correct. Who gets better at something by not practicing? We want to help students practice, stay motivated and focused in their busy and distracting lives.

 

What should I do if I am a sophomore or freshman?

We dissuade students from starting too early on SAT prep. Don't be fooled or persuaded into taking SAT prep too soon. The best thing to do is get good grades and take as challenging a curriculum as you can handle.

In regard to the SAT read, read, and read. If you have a glaring weakness in grammar and essay writing, we recommend starting to learn this soon. Not sure of what to do? See the courses in our Ames Writing Program.

 

When is the best time to prepare for SAT I?

Traditionally, the spring of junior year is the most popular time to prepare. However, more students now prepare during the summer before their junior year. Since Ames Seminars provides many reviews and practice tests before the spring and fall tests, there is no danger of preparing too early and then forgetting everything. Remember: the reviews are part of the course, no extra fee.

Note: If you want a big score increase on any section of the SAT, give yourself plenty of time to prepare.

 

How will the changes in the SAT affect me?

Bowing to pressure from the University of California, the College Board radically changed the SAT. Students are now tested in an entirely different format with a dramatically different testing philosophy as the basis for the SATI. These changes include the addition of a handwritten essay and multiple choice grammar in context questions. They also eliminated analogies from the reading section, and quantitative comparisons from math. Students are affected differently depending on their personal areas of strength and weakness.
Check out what is on the SAT I

 

How many times should I take the SAT?

Many people do not know that SAT tests are extremely imprecise! As a result a student's scores can vary widely from test to test. Plan to take the test several times so you can be sure to get your highest score.

 

What if I am really weak in one aspect of the SAT test?

If you are struggling with a specific area of the test you should consider our individual SAT tutoring. Most likely you will need some instruction and practice in that particular academic area and an evaluation of how you test. We can meet with you to work on your specific concerns and give you the tools to improve. Check out our individual SAT tutoring or contact us for other academic tutoring options.

Our SAT course and our individual SAT tutoring sessions are very thorough. Students are often surprised how much they learn and later use in their high school classes. These positive results are especially true in our grammar and essay writing sections. Beware! Major gaps and deficiencies often cannot be quickly remedied and should be addressed, not only for the test(s) but for success in college.

We can work with you to define your specific concerns and recommend the right path to improvement.

 

Do colleges care if I take the test several times?

This question comes up at EVERY college conference. Here is the best answer we have ever heard:

"If we see a student has taken the SAT once and the scores do not match the high standards of our university and other applicants, we wonder if the student is really serious about applying here. On the other hand, if we see a student has taken the SAT six or seven times, we wonder if he has a life? Don't they have other things to do on a Saturday?"
    UCLA Admission Director

 

How do colleges use scores from several tests?

Every college will use some version of picking the highest scores. The University of California uses the highest total scores from any one sitting (the same test date). If you have taken the test several times, they will pick your highest total score.

California State Universities and most private colleges use the highest scores for each section. That is, if several scores are submitted,they will pick the best READING score, the best MATH score, and the best WRITINGscore.

 

Does the PSAT really matter? Should I prepare?

The PSAT is basically a practice test. It is a chance to experience the test without risk as it does not go on your record. For the top 1% of students, the test is also the qualifying test for National Merit (junior year only). If you are a top student and test-taker, be sure to prepare and be familiar with the test.

 

Which schools require the Subject Tests
and which tests are required?

Generally, the more selective schools want more academic information including essays and tests. The University of California wants Subject Tests, for example, and the Cal State schools do not.

Check our College Connection section for details on the schools to which you would like to apply.

 

Which Subject Tests should I take?

Not sure which test(s) to take? A good place to start is the booklet Taking the Subject Tests which is available in your college and career center. This booklet describes the tests, offers a few sample questions and, most importantly, lists the content of each test.

Take the test immediately (usually June) after you've completed a class on the subject. Take the test in in your best subject, i.e. the material you know the best and in which you are most prepared. Definitely consider subject tests if you are in an AP class.

 

When should I take the SAT Tests?

Be sure to take all of your tests at least once while you're a Junior. That means take the SAT and the Subject Tests (if you are applying to a UC or selective colleges) before the summer between junior and senior year. If you find a big gap in skills or knowledge, this will give you time to fix the problem.

Remember: the SAT is a skill oriented test. One does not learn to write an essay, patch up algebra skills, or become a better reader over a weekend. Plan ahead!

Generally, the best time to take SAT II Subject Tests is immediately after you have completed a course relating to the Subject Test you want to take. The June SAT testing date is a good time to take the Subject Tests especially if you have just finished a course in one or more of the subjects! That's when the information is fresh!

If you are taking an AP course in a Subject Test area, DEFINITELY take the June Subject Test in that area!

 

Why are my percentiles lower on the Subject Tests?

Because students choose to take the Subject Tests in their strongest academic area, you are competing with the best students in that subject. On the other hand, the SAT is a broad test and is taken by ALL students who are applying to colleges that require an entrance exam. So, make sure you are taking the Subject Tests that best suits you!

 

How do students with disabilities take the SAT?

Accommodations are offered for students with disabilities. If you have a disability that requires testing accommodations and your school has documentation on file from a qualified professional then you may be eligible for accommodations.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be eligible for accommodations.

For more specific information regarding special accommodations, we advise you to contact the person at your school who is in charge of testing and the College Board for up-to-date information and resources for registering for accommodations .