Most students start their test prep by taking a diagnostic exam, which gives us a sense of students’ strengths and areas for growth. We then use the score on the diagnostic test to identify the best test prep package for each student, match students with the right tutor, and build a personalized curriculum. Some students just take one diagnostic exam (ACT or SAT), while others choose to take both a diagnostic ACT and a diagnostic SAT so they can choose which test they would prefer to prep for. It is important to note that the ACT and SAT are different tests from the PreACT and PSAT that students may take in school; while those tests can situate students in a range of scores, we find their value in predicting students’ ACT/SAT scores is rather limited, especially in the case of the PreACT.

Students can expect to work with us for at least 6-9 months, and many continue beyond their initial lesson package. The length of a lesson package is determined by a student’s score on their diagnostic exam.

At Galin Education we believe in the power of practice tests. Students take multiple timed practice tests (typically at least four) throughout their program to gain familiarity with the test, build up endurance, and practice the skills and strategies they’ve been working on with their tutors. Our tutors review tests with the students to celebrate progress, highlight areas for improvement, and game plan for upcoming sessions.

We have curated several resources that cover both content and strategy for both the ACT and SAT. We don’t have a required “curriculum,” but rather a menu of resources tutors can use with their students as they see fit.