Question 1

I registered but I haven't received any confirmation or information about the course. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Your registration is only confirmed once you've completed the registration form and paid the course fee. Immediately after paying you'll receive an automated email from us confirming your student's registration. We'll follow up again about 10 days before the course starts with more information — the classroom location or meeting link, and (for classes that include them) access to the diagnostic tests. If you paid and can't find the confirmation email, check your spam folder — and if it's truly missing, get in touch and we'll sort it out.

Question 2

Must I attend all the sessions, or do I choose just one session that I want to attend?

Accepted Answer

All of the class sessions cover different material, and students are expected to attend every session that is listed on the course calendar.

Question 3

What time are classes scheduled?

Accepted Answer

Most classes are held on weekends or after school for around 2 hours, 2-3 days a week, for 2-3 weeks. However, every school has a unique schedule, so be sure to check the schedule above for details. Also note that there are full-length practice exams included and optional (but highly recommended!) 1-on-1 tutoring opportunities that students can sign up for.

Question 4

How much will I improve?

Accepted Answer

Students in our international classes average about a 100 point increase on the SAT or 3 points on the ACT. Many improve significantly more. More often than not, it comes down to the level of dedication applied both in and out of class. We don't view these courses as a program to "download" information into a student's brain. Instead, real improvement comes with repeated implementation of both concepts and strategy, which means resilient self-awareness and active reshaping of habits; students need to not only re-learn subjects they struggle with, they need to modify how they approach the test. The best results come when a student engages with the instructor to identify productive strategies and to learn from mistakes, building familiarity and confidence with each diagnostic.

Question 5

I'm only in grade 9. Should I still take the course?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is "probably not." Since the first test that even theoretically affects university applications is the PSAT NMSQT in 11th grade, it generally makes a lot more sense to wait a year or two before diving into an intensive prep course. Furthermore, Grade 9 students are often missing foundational coursework (especially in math) that is a pre-requisite to understanding content on the SAT & ACT. There are exceptions, though, so don't hesitate to contact us if you have further questions.

Question 6

Do you offer prep for the PSAT as well?

Accepted Answer

We do, indeed! The PSAT is essentially just a shorter version of the SAT, so both paths work: join a dedicated PSAT class when one is offered, or join an SAT course – the content and strategy covered there apply equally to the shorter test.

Question 7

Does enrolling in this course also register me for the SAT?

Accepted Answer

NO. You must register for official exams through the official SAT registration site — international students in particular should use the international-testing pages there.

Question 8

I'm going to miss a couple days of class. Can I still attend?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can still attend. If your class is offered online, you can request that the session(s) that you're going to miss be recorded and shared with you. The instructor can follow-up with you afterward to see if you have any questions about the material. Unfortunately, we don't have an easy way to replace a missed in-person session. Check with your instructor to get the lesson plan, materials, and homework. If you've signed up for 1-on-1 tutoring, you can also use this time to go over any lessons that you missed.

Question 9

I'm going to miss MORE THAN a couple days of class. Can I still attend?

Accepted Answer

You can still attend, but it may not be a great idea for you. Each class session contains a lot of content and strategy, and it's tough to get a meaningful score improvement when you've missed a big portion of the class. It may be a better option to sign up for 1-on-1 tutoring.

Question 10

I didn't receive the diagnostic test link or information. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive an email about 10 days before the start of the class with access to our online testing platform. If you don't see it, please check both your and your student's inbox and spam folders. If you still cannot find it, please get in touch with us.

Question 11

Do the diagnostic tests have to be taken in one sitting or can I split it up and take it over several time periods?

Accepted Answer

To get the most out of the testing experience, it is necessary that students identify a single 2.5 hour window of time to complete the test in one sitting. We require this style of testing because it most closely mimics the experience of taking the real SAT.

Question 12

Is there a specific time or place that I need to take the diagnostic tests?

Accepted Answer

The remote diagnostic tests are designed to be done asynchronously, so students can take the test anywhere or anytime that is quiet and convenient. If possible, it's an advantage to have the experience of taking the test on a Saturday morning as that is when the actual test is scheduled; however, we'll usually provide test links ten days before the due date in order to allow students to take it at a time that is convenient for them.

Question 13

Will the diagnostic tests be on BlueBook?

Accepted Answer

No. Unless otherwise specified, you'll be taking Higher Ground's tests that are separate and different from the BlueBook tests.

Question 14

I have a conflict during the scheduled testing window. Can I receive the diagnostic test early?

Accepted Answer

Sure, this is usually fine. Just send us a message and we'll try to work something out. It's important, however, that you let us know before the test's due date and not after the test's due date.

Question 15

I'm not able to take one or both diagnostic tests. Should I still register for the course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the tests are an important part of the class and having more simulated testing experiences is definitely preferable to having fewer. It's often possible to take the diagnostic test earlier or later than scheduled, so let us know your situation and we'll work something out.

Question 16

I recently took the real SAT. Can I use my test results to substitute for one of the diagnostic tests?

Accepted Answer

While completing a real version of the test is very valuable, it's preferable to have more simulated testing experiences than to have fewer, and our diagnostic test should give you much more detailed and actionable information than what you received from your real SAT administration. For that reason, we recommend that you try to find a time to take our test in addition to the real test that you recently took.

Question 17

What is the 30-minute strategy session? And when can I schedule it?

Accepted Answer

Each student receives one strategy session with enrollment, during which the instructor will help you craft an individualized study and review plan, build a perfect SAT mindset, understand your diagnostic score report, or go over day-of test strategies. The strategy sessions usually work best when they're done after the first weekend of classes. During that first weekend of class, you can approach the instructor directly to find and schedule a time during the following week that's mutually agreeable. If you'd like to or need to do the strategy session earlier, however, just let us know and we can try to arrange it.

Question 18

Am I required to take 1-on-1 tutoring with the group class?

Accepted Answer

No. The 1-on-1 tutoring is recommended, but definitely not required.

Question 19

Are 1-on-1 tutoring sessions held in-person or online?

Accepted Answer

In some cases it may be possible to schedule some or all of your 1-on-1 tutoring sessions in person, but usually 1-on-1 tutoring sessions are done online. Just in case you're having any worries about online learning, the experience of a virtual meeting with just one student and one instructor is much better than what you might have experienced during Covid-19 virtual learning. We've actually found that our students who do online 1-on-1 sessions have equal or better outcomes than do our in-person students, and have reported enjoying the sessions just as much or more.

Question 20

I signed up for or want to sign up for 1-on-1 tutoring. When are these sessions going to be held?

Accepted Answer

The 1-on-1 tutoring sessions are best used after the group class is completed, so that you have a good basis from which to start. This way there's no redundancy in the material and you can really focus on the areas where you can gain the most points and on the concepts that were trickier for you. We'll get in touch with you after the course is completed in order to schedule the 1-on-1 sessions. If you'd like to schedule your hours sooner, if you are taking the real test within 2 weeks after the course finishes, or if you have another special case, that's okay too — let us know your situation as soon as possible and we'll help you figure it out.

Question 21

What if I can't make it to a tutoring session?

Accepted Answer

Let us know 24 hours in advance and we'll reschedule it for you for free. Easy peasy.

Question 22

Will I meet with the same tutor for each lesson?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Getting the results you want is both personal and cumulative, which means it's essential to build a working relationship with your tutor. Except for very rare cases of exceptional or emergency circumstances, you'll see the same face during every session.

Question 23

What if it's not going well with my tutor?

Accepted Answer

This doesn't happen too often, but it is possible. Every student's success is what matters the most, and a good match between student and tutor is crucial to each student's success. Let us know your concerns and we'll make it right, whether that means making adjustments to session flow or pedagogy, full or partial refunds, or placing you with a new tutor.

St. Louis School SAT Prep Class

Class schedule

What's included in a class?

Live online class instruction

30-minute strategy sessions

Full-length practice exams

1-on-1 tutoring

Our instructors

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