Afterwards, the parents and student will want to set up a free 30-minute consultation to analyze the score report in detail and receive any further recommendations. The student’s diagnostic score with their college ambitions will be the two most influential factors in determining how much time will need to go into the prep.
Typically, a student will want to begin the 1-on-1 tutoring process around two months before the actual real test date. This crucial aspect in the test prep process confirms the student is continually hitting their benchmarks.
To ensure the student is tracking properly, it is important for parents to get feedback every two weeks of prep and after each diagnostic exam. If a student is not hitting their benchmarks then it is essential to schedule another free 30-minute consultation with the parent, student, and manager in order for everyone to get back on track.
The last step in preparing for the SAT II Subject Exams is every student should register for two consecutive official exam dates, such as May and then also June.
Most students will see a natural score increase on their second try.
By planning on taking two exams (back-to-back) it allows the student the opportunity to work on his or her weaknesses in the month in-between the exams dates.
Every student should prepare to take two test dates for the Subject Exams.
To monitor if a student is retaining the material from the 1-on-1 lessons it is highly recommended that he or she takes at least one diagnostic exam per month during their training.
Now that the hard part is over, what can a student expect when it comes to the scoring process?
After you sign-up for a free diagnostic exam, you will realize all Subject Exams have a scaled score between 200-800 points. A student will usually have access to their score report around four weeks after taking an exam. If a student needs the results sooner, the College Board offers a “rush reporting service” for a fee.
Students have three primary methods for releasing their scores: during registration, after registration, and “score choice.” “Score Choice” lets the students elect which scores (by test date and by specific test) to send to colleges.
If “score choice” is not selected, colleges will receive all of the student’s scores. The deadline to cancel any scores is the ensuing Wednesday after the specific test date. The last recommendation is to schedule a consultation with a manager to discuss the student’s score report in detail and any final guidance.
SAT II Subject tests are scored using a “guessing penalty.” For each answer that is bubbled in incorrectly, a quarter point will be deducted from the total raw point score. The raw score is calculated by tallying up the number of questions the student answered correctly and subtracting the number of wrong answers, multiplied by 1/4. If a student answers 40 correctly, and 12 incorrectly, the raw score calculation would be: 40 -[12(.25)]= 37.
This raw score of a 37 would then be turned into a scaled score out of 800. Each test has a slightly different “raw score to scaled score” conversion. Moreover, each time the College Board proctors an official SAT II Subject test, those scores are evaluated separately from tests proctored on different dates.
Long story short, the best way to get started is to sign up for a free, full-length practice SAT II Subject test. From there, we set up a free consultation to review the results and explain the process in detail with respect to your goals and your individual score.
The SAT II: Subject Tests are the only college admissions tests that allow for the student to decide which test(s) to take in order to show off strengths and passions.
The first step to preparing for a college admission exam is to get all the basic information.
It is essential to learn about why a student needs to take the exams, when in the school year it is best to take them, and how to successfully prepare for the tests.
After learning about the basic information, it is highly recommended to sign-up for a diagnostic exam and to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
Tests student’s knowledge of subjects on a high school level
Each Subject Exam is an hour long
Students can take max. 3 Subject Exams on same day
Offered on the same day as SAT
Scores Range from 200-800
What to Bring on Test Day
Admission Ticket
Acceptable Photo ID
Two #2 pencils w/ erasers
For Math Exams, an approved calculator
Not Allowed on Test Day
Cellphones
Computers
Separate timers
Electronic devices
It is important to note that not every student will need to take the SAT II Subject Tests. These tests are recommended for students applying and looking to earn acceptance to top-tier universities.
For those students who are planning on signing up for the test, it is highly recommended, unless the student already has a mastery in two of the subjects in which the SAT II is offered, that students take the Math II test and another subject test in an area of strength.
Because competitive schools will utilize this information when comparing and contrasting applicants, the Math II has become a more specific indicator of strengths in math and science.
Getting started with AP exams requires a free practice test>. Diagnostic testing is an essential first step to any training program. After the student takes a diagnostic AP exam to get a baseline score, we will meet with you and your son or daughter to go over the results. This meeting will lift the veil on where you stand now, what needs to be done to get where you want to be, and set a road map for how we can get you there. We will break down the entire test with an accurate score report, complete with statistical analysis of your best and worst sections.
Before we can attack this monster of a test, we will want to make sure everyone is on the same page. At this free consultation we will address your fears and expectations leading up to the real test. Once you understand what the test entails we can develop a study plan designed just for you, focusing on boosting your strengths and reinforcing your weaknesses.
We will then set up a recurring time with one of our expert tutors. Being with the same tutor every time maximizes efficiency and ensures your best results. Our tutors are not only masters of that subject, but also know the test backwards and forwards, so you are sure to get the very best instruction.
We also recognize that the life of a high school student is already packed with activities. Study Hut does all one-on-one training for AP tests, and is open seven days a week until 10pm. We are flexible, and will match you with a schedule that works for you!
To begin the process of getting started with AP exams, just fill out the contact form below. Your information will be sent to the branch nearest you, then the manager will call to set up a time that works best for you!
Diagnostic testing is an essential first step to any training program. However, there is a difference between doing old practice problems at home in your free time and taking an up-to-date, full-length test in an environment similar to the real AP exam. Diagnostic testing and subsequent personalized tutoring at Study Hut will make sure that you go into your AP test with the confidence, knowledge, and experience to achieve the high score you deserve.
Here at Study Hut Tutoring, we host diagnostic tests in our office every other Saturday starting at 8 am. We host an accurate AP testing environment that is free of noisy or entertaining distractions, filled with other like-minded students, and timed by an experienced proctor to simulate the real exam as closely as possible. When taking a diagnostic test at Study Hut, you no longer have to worry about keeping track of sections or breaks, or about being interrupted or getting too comfortable at home. Furthermore, some tests change year to year, so we are constantly updating our materials to ensure that you are taking the most recent version of the AP exam. After you take your initial diagnostic test to get your baseline score, you will receive prompt, detailed feedback on your strengths and weaknesses. No more guessing; you will see a score report explaining your score and all of your problem areas. Even better, this follow-up consultation to receive your results is free! You will leave your free consultation having discussed your performance on the practice exam and your fears and expectations leading up to the real test. Our primary goal is to make sure that you go into your AP test with the confidence, knowledge, and experience to achieve the highest score you can, and secure your place at the university of your dreams!
The first step in your AP test prep process is to take a Free Diagnostic Test>. Practice AP tests are offered every week at Study Hut for your convenience. After taking the test, we encourage all of our students to come in for a Free Consultation in order to discuss current strengths and weaknesses. Once properly assessed, we pair each student with a specialized tutor in the given content area as well as create a personalized curriculum tailored to each students’ needs.
Once the curriculum is designed, you will work with you tutor on AP Test Prep. We start by first brushing up on key concepts before diving into one-on-one focused sessions of areas of that need improvement. Because all of our tutors have great experience and familiarity with the structure and commonly tested content, we devote crucial time to teaching test taking strategies.
For best results, we recap lessons and we move through practice questions. If needed, we support the lessons with take-home work. Throughout the tutoring process, we frequently administer practice DBQs, FRQs, and Multiple Choice sections. All homework is reviewed during the next lesson to make sure the lesson sinks in. Once you can demonstrate mastery, we move onto the next concept.
Next we track your progress through regular full-length practice tests. These also ensure that you will have experience in executing the strategies and content proficiency that you will develop during your tutoring sessions. We hold them here in our office twice a month on Saturday mornings. Taking them in a simulated testing environment like that ensures an accurate timing schedule, and the added stressor or not taking it in the comfort of your own home. Our primary goal is to make sure that you go into your AP test with the confidence, knowledge, and experience to achieve the high score you deserve.
After a fantastic 2014-2015 school year in Manhattan Beach, Mira Costa students are about to enjoy some fun in the sun. While many have finished their SAT and ACT exams, others are starting summer school. So for those of you who have to spend some morning time in the classroom, Study Hut Tutoring is here for you after class, at our new summer location: 1208 Artesia Blvd. in Hermosa Beach, across the street from Mira Costa High School.
Our geometry tutors are standing by– we are available for hourly sessions Monday through Friday from 9am to 7pm. Whether you are getting ahead and taking Modern World History or US history, we have the local experts and books you need in order to earn A’s over summer. It is important to get off on the right foot because the summer classes are especially condensed, often only 4-6 weeks long. If it’s algebra tutoring you need, our top people are locked and loaded, ready to go.
Mira Costa High School isn’t the only school letting loose. Students from Manhattan Beach Middle School are “free at last” from the rigors of Mr. Rucker’s Boulder, Mrs. Luke’s math homework and early morning tutoring sessions on Late Start Wednesdays. Now that school is out, a lot of students are coming to Study Hut Tutoring for summer tutoring in Manhattan Beach to brush up on their pre-algebra skills, five paragraph essay writing, and Spanish verbs. These basics are quintessential to earning top marks in the fall. While buoy swims are equally as important for the body, the mind requires specific tuning in order to test well in early September.
For those students who have just wrapped up their last days at Grandview Elementary, Pacific Elementary, Robinson Elementary, and Pennykamp Elementary, there is a real transition that lies ahead as they enter into Manhattan Beach Middle School. Now more than ever, incoming 6th graders will be put to the test. But not to worry, Study Hut Tutoring is in your corner, having just helped a plethora of students with wide ranging needs, we are ready to help you tackle these challenges: we have the books, we know the curriculum, and you’re going to have a ton of fun knockin’ it out with us. Come in for engaging summer tutoring in Manhattan Beach to keep your mind fresh!
As the summer turns in to fall and the school year takes hold, high school students all over the world become immersed in the complex ritual that is the college application. This task may seem like an unbearably daunting one and the defining moment for the rest of your life (it certainly did for me). However, like the beginning of any grand odyssey it begins with just a few, simple steps. The first of these is learning what your options are. In other words, what colleges are out there and what do they have to offer?
The best place to find this out is from someone who knows about the college or university firsthand. Luckily for those in the Newport-Mesa area, over 200 colleges are sending representatives to the College Fair at the OC Fairgrounds Building 10 tonight, Wednesday, October 8th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. More College Fair info
Meeting with a representative to find out more about a college is a great way to narrow down your options and figure out which campuses are worth visiting in person. This college fair is also the perfect opportunity to find out about all of the different programs that a school offers. While you might have your heart set on a particular major or career now, it never hurts to make sure that a potential alma mater also has other programs that you are interested in. After all, if you are anything like me you want to not only get a good academic education but also meet interesting people along the way.
If you are still feeling overwhelmed about the application process, there is no need to fear. Here at Study Hut we have years of experience with college applications and can help you break down your odyssey in to a few, simple steps. Follow this link to find out more about how Study Hut can help you get in to college: https://studyhut.wpengine.com/packages/college-apps/
It’s no question that education is a two way street. Teachers, parents and tutors are united in their efforts to bestow kernels of wisdom on the younger generation. Likewise, students soak up information like a sponge. But when one is out of sync with the other, it’s a situation where full learning can be lost in the wind. However, being a tutor of many years now, I can honestly say there are a few key qualities I’ve seen in students that make the flow of learning right as rain. Not to let educators off the hook (two way street, right?), but students can certainly learn from the following ideas on how to be a student tutors will love.
ORGANIZATION
It seems like a cliche, but Office Depot and The Container Store are the keys to 50% of learning. As human beings, we naturally codify, order and pattern information into compartments in our brain for easy retrieval. That’s why highlighters and binders and all the other trinkets sold at these stores will help students learn and retain information. Tutors love it when their students show up organized and ready to learn and review. When students are organized, they’ve done half the work!
PARTICIPATION
As mentioned above, learning is a two way street, which means interaction, asking questions and providing feedback are key to a good study session. Studies show that repeating ideas out loud will help students understand and retain new information better than simply listening. That’s why questions are great! Activities such as games and exercises will also maintain participation.
GOOD ATTITUDE
Who doesn’t want to be in good company? This goes for both the teacher and student. A good attitude can go a long way in building trust, keeping focus, and developing a strong report. Furthermore, having a good attitude might even surprise the most unsuspecting student because a positive mood opens our minds to learning something new. What tutor doesn’t love for their student to learn something new?
Study Hut tutors have the opportunity to work with the Academics Via Individual Determination (AVID) program at different high schools. One of these schools is Peninsula High School in Palos Verdes. During her freshman year, a student named Cindy was among one of the students I got to regularly help last school year. Now as a sophomore, Cindy comes in to Study Hut for tutoring and it seems fair to say that she is both enjoying it and benefitting from it. While waiting for her ride after one of her sessions, Cindy decided to hang around. Since I did not have a student at the time, I invited Cindy to sit at my table until her ride came (more like she invited herself to come sit). We chatted about her AVID class, school functions, friends, and life in general. Although the conversation only lasted about five minutes, it was one of those small events that happened to make my day that much better. It was a great feeling knowing that she was comfortable enough to talk to me like a friend and I was able to provide her with advice as a mentor. On behalf of the Study Hut tutors, we strive to provide an environment that balances serious styles and laid-back styles in order to allow students to succeed inside the classroom and beyond. This is just one example of the bonds that the tutors and students experience at Study Hut – I am sure there have been and will be plenty more.
