Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Why should I take a PSAT® and SAT® preparation course?
A: Most students take a PSAT® and SAT® preparation course in order to be familiar with the type of material that they will face on the actual test. The SAT® is marked on a curve, so your score is based on how well you do in comparison to everyone else taking the test on the same day. Therefore, being familiar with the test is a huge advantage. For example, if you prepare with College Board material, as we do in all of our preparation courses, you will know the directions and sample questions in advance, as they are identical to the directions and practice questions in our course. You will also learn how the test is scored, whether to guess or to leave questions blank, how to manage your time, how to best navigate your way through the reading passages and learn about all of the topics covered on the math sections.
Q: How do courses offered by Collegebound Review differ from those offered by other test prep companies?
A: Collegebound Review uses only official College Board materials, so the materials with which you practice reflect the questions you will find on your actual test. For example, the box of Math formulas on the top of each Math module on the SAT® is exactly the same as that on the practice material. The directions and practice questions are identical, as are the type of questions and level of difficulty.
In a 12 hour Collegebound Review course, students are guided through a full-length SAT® exam, section by section, as they are taught the best strategies to optimize their score on each module. The answer to each test question is explained, and students get a score for each module and, ultimately, a score for the full-length practice exam. By identifying the type of errors students are making on the practice exam, they are able to avoid the same mistakes on the actual tests.
Also, Collegebound Review courses are only taught by Ivy League educated and extremely competent teachers who are experienced in training students to reach their maximum potential on these vital exams.
Q: When is the best time to take an SAT® prep course?
A: The best time, to get the most advantage of a PSAT® and SAT® prep course, is prior to the October PSAT® exam which most students take in their junior year. The junior year PSAT® exam is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Exam (NMSQE)® where the highest scoring students are named as National Merit Scholars and are often awarded substantial scholarship money by colleges. Since the PSAT® and SAT® covers the same topics, students are simultaneously preparing for both exams.
Q: What is the difference between the PSAT® and the SAT® exam?
A: The PSAT® is simply a less difficult version of the SAT® exam. Most students take the PSAT® as juniors, when the test also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Exam®. Some students start taking the PSAT® as sophomores, or even freshman, however these exams serve strictly as a practice run to show students how they would score if it were the real test.
Q: When is the SAT® offered and when do most students start taking the exam?
A: The SAT® is offered each year in September, October, November, December, March, May and June. Most students start taking the SAT® in the winter or spring of their junior year, and usually take it again in the fall of their senior year.
Q: How many times should I take the SAT®?
A: Students can take the SAT® as many times as they want, and have the option of sending only their highest scores on to colleges. Colleges have no way of knowing how many times a student takes the SAT®, so most students take the test twice in the winter/spring of their junior year. If they are thrilled with their scores, they can stop at that point, but most take the SAT® again in the fall of their senior year. If their scores improve, then they send the newest, greatest scores. Otherwise, they can always use a set of previous scores. Some, but not all, colleges accept a “Super Score,” where they review students' highest Math score from one exam and highest Reading and Writing score from a separate exam.
Q: How is the SAT® scored?
The PSAT® is scored on a range of 160 to 760 points in each of two areas, with a total combined score in a range of 320 to 1520 total points. A PSAT® selection index score (48-228) for possible National Merit® Scholarship Program entry is also provided. The score portal allows students to compare their total score to the average scores of all test takers from their school, state, and country on that particular exam date.
The SAT® is scored on a range of 200 to 800 points in each of two areas, with a total combined score in a range of 400 to 1600 points.
A student receives one point for every correct answer on the SAT®. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so students should always guess rather than leave a question blank. Easy questions count just as much as hard questions, so students should not spend too much time on any one question. Rather, it is best to skip any questions that are particularly difficult and return to them later, if time allows. When the allotted time for a module is nearing, students should guess on any question that remains unanswered. Since there are four choices (A to D) for each multiple-choice question, random guessing provides a 25% chance of choosing the correct answer!
Q: What is Collegebound Review's Satisfaction Guarantee?
Collegebound Review is dedicated to helping students maximize their potential on standardized exams. We have 30 years of experience teaching students the most effective strategies to significantly increase their scores while utilizing official College Board and ACT® materials that mirror exactly what students face on the actual test.
Satisfaction Guarantee
Any student who enrolls in a Collegebound Review 24 hour preparation course (total cost of $878) is guaranteed to be satisfied with his/her PSAT®/SAT® scores (no questions asked) or is welcome to attend any additional Collegebound Review preparation course at no cost.
Q: What is Collegebound Review's refund policy?
PSAT® and SAT® Prep Courses: We offer students the opportunity to change their course session with a minimum of one week notice prior to the start of the first class.
Private tutoring hours do not expire, but are non-refundable.
College Counseling program is limited to a small number of students and Susan begins research upon initial registration so services are nonrefundable.
College essay program is limited to a small number of students with personalized guidance beginning upon initial registration so services are nonrefundable.
Q: Where are Collegebound Review courses offered?
A: Collegebound Review courses are offered at the Hillsborough Municipal Building and Immaculata High School in Somerville.
Q: How long has Collegebound Review been in business?
A: Collegebound Review has been in business since 1995 and has prepared thousands of students for their PSAT®, SAT® and ACT® exams. Please refer to published articles on this website.
Q: Who teaches the Collegebound Review courses?
A: Collegebound Review courses are taught by highly qualified teachers with years of experience and degrees from America's most elite colleges and universities. Please see the instructors’ page for teacher accolades.
Q: How do I register for a Collegebound Review course?
A: Click the “register” prompt on the top of the page and then click the session that you would like to attend. A selection of courses are offered each summer to prepare students for the October PSAT® and SAT® exams. Courses are likewise offered each fall to prepare students for the September, October, November and December tests. Classes are offered again in the winter and spring to prepare students for the March, May and June SAT® exams.
Q: What happens if I miss a class? Are make-up classes available?
A: Make-up classes are available. If you need to miss a class, you can make up the class at one of the other Collegebound Review locations during the same session, or you can attend that same class during a subsequent session at no charge.
Q: What materials are used in the course and what do I need to bring with me?
A: Each student taking a preparation course is given The Official Digital SAT® Study Guide by College Board and PSAT® and SAT® Exam Strategy Guide by Collegebound Review which are both used throughout the course. Students are guided through official practice tests which mirror exactly what they will face on the actual exam. All students need to bring with them is a pencil and calculator, and are welcome to bring a snack for their ten minute break mid-way through each class.
Q: Other questions?
A: Please feel free to call or email Collegebound Review with any questions you may have. Call us at: 908-369-5362 or email: info@CollegeboundReview.com
