​Lesson 1:  Diagnostic & Strategy Foundation

We start with a short diagnostic to get a snapshot of strengths, gaps, and test-taking habits.  From there, we introduce the core idea that the SAT is predictable and can be approached strategically.  Students learn how to eliminate wrong answers, manage their time, and stop getting stuck on one question.

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Outcome: Clear starting point with a diagnostic and strategy framework for using an Error Log to track the types of mistakes students are making.

 

Lesson 2:  Math

Focus on the most tested algebra concepts and most efficient problem-solving methods.  Students learn strategies like backsolving, eliminating obvious wrong answers and using the Desmos calculator effectively.  Special attention is given to algebra, data analysis, and problem solving.

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Outcome: Faster, more accurate math performance.  One to two hours of individual practice to address specific weaknesses with feedback about patterns in their incorrect answers.  Learn to recognize the common traps used and the reasons that certain distractors are so effective.  Begin using the Error Log to identify patterns in their mistakes.

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Lesson 3:  Reading

This session helps students stop overthinking every line.  We focus on reading for structure, predicting answers before looking at choices, and using evidence to avoid tempting wrong answers.  Special attention is given to inference, vocabulary in context, and evidence-based questions.

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Outcome:  Improved accuracy and reduced overthinking.  Identifying the distracting incorrect answers.  One to two hours of individual practice to address specific weaknesses with feedback about patterns in their incorrect answers.  Learn to recognize the common traps used and the reasons that certain distractors are so effective.  Continue using the Error Log to identify patterns in their mistakes.

 

Lesson 4:  Writing & Grammar

This session targets key grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure rules.  Students practice applying rules quickly and confidently.  The good news: this section is very learnable.  Students practice applying these quickly and confidently. 

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Outcome:  Increased confidence with grammar and vocabulary, especially for ESOL students.  One to two hours of individual practice to address specific weaknesses with feedback about patterns in their incorrect answers.  Learn to recognize the common traps used and the reasons that certain distractors are so effective.  Continue using the Error Log to identify patterns in their mistakes.

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Lesson 5:  Personalized Strategy & Skill Development

This session is tailored to those areas where each student can improve the most, whether that’s math word problems, reading inference, or more advanced grammar.  Using error patterns from previous sessions, instruction is highly personalized.

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Outcome:  Individualized, focused improvement where it matters most for each student.  One to two hours of individual practice to address specific weaknesses with feedback about patterns in their incorrect answers.  Continue using the Error Log to identify patterns in their mistakes.

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Lesson 6:  Focused Practice & Test-Day Strategy

Students apply all strategies in a timed setting and develop a personalized plan for pacing, guessing, and test-day performance.  We bring everything together with a clear plan for test day.  Students learn when to skip, how to pace themselves, and how to make smart guesses when needed (because yes, that’s part of the strategy too).

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Outcome:  Confidence, consistency, and a clear plan moving forward.  Understanding how the game is played and how to leverage their skills to get the best score possible knowing they have done everything they could to make their best effort.  Reflect on what they learned about their own thinking and how their approach to the SAT (and all standardized testing) has changed.