For high school juniors and seniors (sometimes sophomores and younger) they will most likely be taking one or both of the standardized tests, the SAT or the ACT. But how is a confused high school student supposed to decide which one of these tests will work bests for him or her. Each test offers different benefits and pitfalls for each to decide which is better.
Normally the ACT questions tend to be more straightforward than those on the SAT. The ACT has a science connection and often tests more advanced math topics going up to trigonometry whereas the SAT only goes up to 2nd year of algebra. The SAT focuses much more on vocabulary and requires a written essay, whereas the ACT’s essay portion of the exam is optional and the score is not included in your composite score. The ACT also includes a science portion of the exam and the SAT does not have any science, only math, reading and writing. One final difference between the ACT and SAT is how the exams are broken up. The SAT is broken up to many more small sections, 10 to be exact and the ACT is only split into the four main sections math, science, english and reading.
Each test has it’s own distinct advantages and disadvantages for each individual student and the students must figure out which tests will be best for them. Sometimes it’s easy to decide which test to take, if the student completely hates science and wants nothing to do with it then the SAT is the choice and if the student is adverse to doing anything more than bubbling in scantrons then the ACT is the better choice. However if the student does not fall into one of these categories, the best way to determine which test is right for the individual is to actually take each one of the tests. Be it taking each individual test for real and getting your scores for both, or coming into the Study Hut and using any one of number of practice ACT and SAT test resources, as well as our fantastic tutors. The only way to truly find out what works for the student is to try out each test and see how you do.
For more information about our private ACT and SAT tutoring, contact us today!
Here at Study Hut Tutoring in Manhattan Beach, we’re more than just good tutors: we pride ourselves on being good human beings! After all, the same qualities that make a good teacher–passion, care, dedication, responsibility–also make a good person. That’s why I thought it was perfectly fitting that Study Hut participated in and had a team at last Saturday’s Relay for Life event in Manhattan Beach.
It was truly impressive to see my coworkers stay late and long after work in order to plan out team activities, and even more admirable to see them put in all the extra hours needed to fundraise for the American Cancer Society. After a long day of leading SAT prep, correcting Chemistry and Trig problems, and editing students’ essays, a box of whole grain crackers and a jar of natural peanut butter practically beg you to their side; however, my fellow tutors met up at 10 PM to figure out how we could raise money for such a worthy cause, and then took their usual day off to put on a car wash at Mira Costa High School. I was so proud of them for working to make a difference!
Because here at Study Hut, we are well-versed in the science of cancer: we pride ourselves on knowing and teaching biology, AP Chemistry, psychology, and anatomy. But we cannot know or explain the actual experience of having cancer. Instead, we can come together to support our community, whether in Manhattan Beach, the greater Southbay, or the nation as a whole, of cancer survivors and help fund research that will ease or prevent future suffering. I’m glad Study Hut got the chance to prove that it doesn’t just have the best tutors–it has the best people!
At The Hut, we know that all students learn differently and come to tutoring with unique expectations. For those high achieving high school students who are immersed in Advanced Placement courses, SAT practice, and extracurricular activities, time management is key.
Junior and senior year of high school are the most academically demanding years of the four. This is the time when students are mastering those tough classes (AP Euro, Bio, US, Chem, Spanish…) and special skills (soccer, music, community service…) that will make them competitive at the university of their choice. With little sleep and less free time during the day, what these teens need is a schedule.
Mira Costa junior Danny came to The Study Hut in need of a little planning. With a full schedule of electives and extracurriculars, Danny had no trouble learning the material; he just needed to find the time to do it. During tutoring sessions, Danny and I spent time organizing his schedule for the week – ensuring that he would have time to do the activities he loves as well as the focused studying that he needs to ace information-dense AP Biology. With a realistic amount of time blocked out every day for biology review, and the creation of specific goals for the completion of assignments, Danny’s test scores immediately improved. With the continued use of these organization techniques, as well as weekly concept review at The Study Hut, Danny’s grades are steadily improving. By the time of the AP Biology exam, he had drastically improved his grade in the class and his ability to retain large amounts of information.
One hour of one-on-one tutoring for high school students is not only an excellent way to clarify difficult concepts, it is also a way to keep busy students on track all week long. Short-term study techniques will prepare a student for an upcoming test, but organization and planning skills with a long-term focus are the key to improving a student’s ability to learn information, retain information, and succeed in the analytic-based learning that is in their future. The commitment to a regular schedule allows students to anticipate assignments and plan their schedules accordingly. This reduces stress, which in turn makes test-taking less of an ordeal. Less panic means better decisions and higher scores. Period.
If a student can stick to a study plan and stop relying on last-minute cramming, they are guaranteed to see positive results. And a little more sleep never hurts either…
310 540 5888
210 Avenue I Ste. D
Redondo Beach, CA
Preparing for the SAT doesn’t have to be like boot camp–at the Study Hut in South Redondo Beach trained tutors use effective methods to get students focused and prepared for the SAT. Students in PV, Redondo, and Torrance have so much pressure and stress in their lives that studying for the SAT seems impossible, but the structured, focused SAT curriculum at the Study Hut helps them improve their scores without the pressure of a boot camp setting. Students can work individually or in groups to really learn and understand the material that the College Board requires so they can reach their full potential score on the College Board Exams. Some students struggle with standardized tests, and their SAT, SAT II, or ACT scores do not accurately reflect their intelligence. Read the rest of this entry »
Palos Verdes students flock in droves to the Redondo Riviera for coffee, food, and knowledge. Local tutors who have been in students shoes call Study Hut Tutoring, “…a refreshing breath of fresh knowledge, tailored one-on-one instruction, and chill environment.” Located in the heart of the Redondo Beach Riviera, Study Hut Tutoring provides service to students who attend Palos Verdes High School, Peninsula High School, Rolling Hills Prep, Chadwick and Redondo Union High School.
The local and experienced tutors work with middle school and high school students on math, science, reading comprehension, test preparation and study skills. Study Hut tutors are Palos Verdes Estate tutors. Study Hut tutors are local Peninsula tutors who have been there and done; they know how to help in the most effective, directed way.
All of the local Palos Verdes tutors at Study Hut tutoring tailor to each individual student. If help is needed with the SAT or ACT test, the best knowledge is dished out at the Hut.
Give Study Hut Tutoring a call. Study Hut focuses on the needs of each student. Results are achieved through interacting on a one-on-one level.
The kids that come to Study Hut Tutoring in Manhattan Beach, CA agree that local, recent college grads at Study Hut are the best El Segundo tutor they’ve come to know, learn from and love. El Segundo Tutoring makes sense in Manhattan Beach because Study Hut offers a great location near the northern edge of Manhattan Beach, and the southern end of El Segundo.
Despite the smaller school district, El Segundo education is on the rise. Students who attend El Segundo Middle School and El Segundo High School are smashing test scores and earning top grades- according to the results of Study Hut goers from El Segundo.
If your not an El Segundo Eagle quite yet, come to the Hut to work on learning how to write a structured essay. The experienced tutors at Study Hut know the El Segundo curriculum, so they know how to gear you up, and get you going in the right direction. The Study Hut Team is dynamic; all of the experts are in one location to help.
It’s hard to stay motivated at the end of the year. This, we know. It’s unfortunate that crunch time arrives just as we can see summer time around the corner. This is especially true for those seniors out there! Ok, it doesn’t matter if you’re a senior; senioritis may be effecting you as well. It seems as if there is so much to remember and very little time to remember it. For some of you, it may feel as if your classes are caving in on you; subjects that were always difficult are now busting your butt! It can be really overwhelming. Read the rest of this entry »
