SAT Test Prep

One-On-One SAT Test Preparation

One-To-One SAT Test Preparation allows for a personalized, data-driven process to cater to the student's strengths and weaknesses.

Group SAT Test Preparation

Group SAT preparation offer two formats to best meet the student's need, both provide comprehensive coverage of test content, mocks tests, and homework.

Individual One-on-One SAT Test Preparation

Our tutoring process is personalized and data-driven. We begin with a free consultation and a diagnostic SAT test to understand the student's current level and set realistic goals. Each student is then matched with an excellent tutor, handpicked to best serve the needs of that student.

Whether you need an intensive week-long preparation or a longer-term study plan, our experienced tutors use a proven methodology to help you understand the structure, content, and strategies required to perform well on the SAT test.

Group Classes for SAT Test Preparation

We offer two formats for our group classes. The first is an intensive one-week prep class, which takes place the week leading up to the SAT or ACT. The second is a longer-term class that meets once a week for 8-10 weeks. Both structures offer comprehensive coverage of test content, mock tests, and homework assignments to ensure students are thoroughly prepared.

SAT Group Class Schedule

January 10, 20247-8pm	Free Info Session -- Standardized Tests & the Digital SAT: What You Need to Know NPHS Media Center Are you behind on standardized testing? Are standardized tests really optional? Join Pollak Tutors for an informational session that will answer these and every other question you might have about standardized testing.	Sign Up
January 18th, 20247-9 pm	March SAT 8 Week Group Session New Providence Office 8-week SAT Prep Group Sessions leading up to the 3/9 Digital SAT. Classes will run every Thursday (1/18-3/7) from 7-9 pm.	Sign Up

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Frequently Asked Questions about SAT Test

How is the SAT scored?

The SAT has two scores, Evidence Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800. The two scores are added together to make the total SAT score. For example, a student with a 700 EBRW and a 600 Math score has a total SAT score of 1300.

Half of the EBRW score comes from the reading section, and the other half comes from the writing section. On each of these sections, students receive scores ranging from 10-40. Think of these numbers multiplied by 10 to give you a range of 100-400. When you add the two scores together, you have your total EBRW score. For example, a student with a score of 32 on the reading section and 34 on the writing section has a EBRW score of 660. (32+34=66).

What does it mean to “superscore” SAT scores?

Many colleges and universities “superscore” the SAT or ACT. For the SAT, a superscore consists of the best score in the Evidence Based Reading & Writing section combined with the best score in the Math section. Here’s an example:

March Test:

EBRW:700
Math:500
Score:1200

May Test:

EBRW:500
Math:700
Score:1200

Superscore:

EBRW: (March)700
Math: (May)700
Superscore:1400

As you can see, taking the test more than once can have a significant impact on your total score. With the SAT example above, the SAT student scored 1200 on each individual test date, but ended with a superscore of 1400.

Each college has its own individual policy regarding superscoring. Be sure to check with the admissions office to find out whether superscoring is possible.

Is there a guessing penalty on the SAT?

Students taking the SAT used to be penalized -.25 points for a wrong answer. The SAT disbanded the practice with its redesign in 2016. Answer every question when taking the test. There is no penalty for guessing.

Do colleges accept both the SAT and ACT?

Yes. Every college accepts both tests. Students should take whichever test suits them best.

Do I need to take the SAT Essay?

Almost definitely not. The College Board eliminated the essay section from national administrations of the SAT in June 2021. The only students who might have to take the SAT are those students who take the SAT as their state standardized test junior year. Even if a student takes the essay as part of their state testing, those scores will not be relevant to the college admissions process

Do colleges see my PSAT scores?

No.

Which test should I take - the ACT or SAT?

The best way to figure out the right test for you is to take a full diagnostic test of each test. We offer proctored exams in Harrington Park, NJ and New Providence, NJ. Click here to see when the next test will be administered near you. (Link to mock testing calendar).

How do I register for the SAT?

Visit www.collegeboard.org, set up an account, and navigate to the SAT page. Press the button that says “Register Now.” Allow about 30-40 minutes to register for the test. You’ll need a credit card to pay for the registration..

What is the structure of the SAT?

With instructions and delays, a student should be prepared to spend about 3:30-3:45 in the testing center. There is a ten-minute break after the reading section and a five-minute break after the no calculator math section. In all, a student will test for 3 hours and 15 minutes (including breaks).

Reading (52 questions)65 minutes
Writing & Language (44 questions)35 minutes
Math - no calculator (20 questions)25 minutes
Math - calc permitted (38 questions)55 minutes

Wait, there’s a fifth section on the SAT?

Both the SAT and ACT sometimes include a fifth section. The proctor reads instructions that explain that scored questions can come from any portion of the test. Historically, the fifth section has not counted as part of a student’s score. These sections are used for the testing companies to experiment with different types of questions or assess difficulty levels. It is unlikely that these sections will count towards a student’s score. However, blowing them off is a bad idea. That could delay the scoring process or even launch an investigation about cheating on the other sections.

Most colleges are test optional, should I even take the SAT or ACT?

Every college has its own policy regarding test scores. The first thing to do when assessing whether a student should take the SAT or ACT is to check the schools the student is applying to and figure out their testing policies. If any of those schools require the SAT or ACT, then the student should definitely test.

Even if the student doesn’t plan to submit scores as part of the admissions process, test scores can be necessary or helpful for class placement or scholarships. For example, even though the University of California no longer allows students to submit scores as part of the admissions process, a student who doesn’t submit scores may need to take a remedial English course prior to beginning school. An ACT English + Reading score of 63 or better or an SAT score of 680 or better on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section will satisfy the English Language Writing Requirement.

Do I need to take SAT Subject Tests?

Not anymore! The College Board stopped administering these tests in the US in early 2021.

When will the Digital SAT be offered?

The digital SAT is already being offered internationally. In the United States, the digital SAT will be offered to students starting in the spring of 2024 (March test administration), and all high school juniors will take the digital PSAT in October 2023.

How much should I prepare before my first test?

We recommend between 15 and 20 hours of focused prep time before the first test. Our tutoring sessions are typically 1.5 hours each, which allows enough time to review homework in depth and also push forward on targeted drills to address any deficiencies a student might have.

Should I sign up to take real SAT or ACT to see where I’m at?

No! We offer proctored mock exams, and most test prep companies do as well. You can get the same information and the same experience by taking a mock exam, and the results won’t ever show up on an official report.

Which test should I take, the ACT or SAT?

Every student should take a full SAT and full ACT as a diagnostic tool. The majority of students will perform similarly on both tests and can use their experience during the mock exams to help guide their decision. Some students will perform significantly better on the SAT or ACT and should let those results to make the final decision.

Should I take the test more than once?

Almost definitely. With so many schools superscoring, most students will benefit from taking the test more than once. The majority of our students take the test two or three times.

When is the best time to take the test? Is one test date easier than the others?

The best time to take the test is whenever it fits best with the student’s schedules. The most common timelines are:

Preparing in the summer and taking your first test early in the fall (September ACT, August or October SAT) - this is a good timeline for recruited athletes and students who had high scores on their sophomore PSAT
Beginning prep around the holidays in December and taking the first test in the spring (March/May SAT, April/June ACT) – this is our most common timeline
Waiting til late in the year junior year and taking the first test after the school year is over (June/August SAT or June/July ACT) – this is best for students who take Algebra 2 as a junior.

How Long are tutoring sessions?

For standardized tests, we recommend 90-minute sessions. This allows the tutor enough time to review homework in great depth and then teach narrowly tailored lessons to address any academic deficiencies that show up during testing.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Yes – Our teachers have busy schedules, so we request that you notify us of a cancellation at least 24 hours prior to the start time of a schedule tutoring session. If we are notified with less than 24 hours notice, we will charge you for the session.

What should I expect when I go take the test?

Read Our Article Here

What should I wear when I test?

Studies show that students who dress in clothing they deem more professional perform better on tests. Does this mean you should wear a suit to the SAT? Probably not. But you’ll probably perform better if you ditch the PJs or joggers and replace them with something a little nicer.

What should I bring to the SAT?

By far the two most important items to bring are

Your admission ticket
A picture ID

If you don’t have those, you’re not getting in to the test.

Beyond that, you should bring the following items:

Number 2 pencils — You cannot use mechanical pencils on the SAT or ACT.
A good eraser
An approved calculator — see: SAT Policy
A watch — we like the testing timer, which is designed specifically for the SAT and ACT.
A healthy snack
Water

Kristie W.
Demarest, NJ

Rob Pollak was the perfect tutor for my daughter. After she scores a 31 on her initial practice test, Rob set a challenging but realistic schedule for her the summer after her sophomore year. He was very professional, patient and supportive. Rob was able to assist her in all the sections of the ACT, not only with content and strategy but most importantly confidence. He was always available to both of us and was especially motivating the week leading up to the ACT. She scored a 35 and was beyond thrilled. He was the first person she wanted to tell the morning the results came out! Thanks again!

SAT Preparation

We offer both one-on-one and group classes for SAT test preparation.

ACT Test Prep

One-On-One SAT Test Preparation

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Group Classes for SAT Test Preparation

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