Test Prep Services
With more than two million students taking the SAT and ACT tests each year, competition to get into the best colleges and universities is on the rise. At Sylvan, our college prep experts will tailor a personalized plan that builds the skills, habits and attitudes your teenager needs to score higher on test day and to apply to college with confidence.
- Personalized instruction available for a single student or in a small group setting (3 to 1)
- Convenient, flexible schedules - instruction provided when you want it
- Instruction focused on the exact skills your student needs
- Timed practice tests prepares for the real test
- Expert instructors who understand the test and challenges of preparing for college
Sylvan's SAT Prep Program options can reduce your stress and increase your score.
- SAT Prep - Pricing starts at $1350
- 30 instruction hours
- 3 practice tests
- 30 instruction hours
- SAT Plus - Pricing starts at $1799
- 30 instruction hours
- 3 practice tests
- 12 hours of Advanced Reading Skills
- 30 instruction hours
- SAT Premium - Pricing starts at $2050
- 30 instruction hours
- 3 practice tests
- 12 hours of Advanced Reading Skills
- 6 hours of College Application Essay Preparation
- 30 instruction hours
Raise your score and your confidence with Sylvan's ACT ® Prep Program options.
- ACT Prep - Pricing starts at $1150
- 24 instruction hours
- 2 practice tests
- 24 instruction hours
- ACT Plus - Pricing starts at $1599
- 24 instruction hours
- 2 practice tests
- 12 hours of Advanced Reading Skills
- 24 instruction hours
- ACT Premium - Pricing starts at $1850
- 24 instruction hours
- 2 practice tests
- 12 hours of Advanced Reading Skills
- 6 hours of College Application Essay Preparation
- 24 instruction hours
College Preparation Writing
Take your collegiate writing skills to another level.
- College Preparation Writing - Pricing starts at $1350
- 24 hours of College Writing Skills
- 6 hours of College Application Essay Preparation
NOTE: All Test Prep program options include a comprehensive curriculum guide.
College Test Prep FAQ
With college right around the corner, we know you have a lot on your mind. Turn to Sylvan's college test prep experts for the answers, advice, techniques, and strategies you need to improve your SAT and ACT scores.
What is the SAT Reasoning Test?
The SAT Reasoning Test is a three hour and 45 minute (not including breaks) standardized test that is broken into 10 sections: seven 25-minute sections, two 20-minute sections and one 10-minute section.
What is the ACT®?
The ACT is a national college admission examination that consists of subject area tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional essay. The ACT is an alternative to the SAT, and results accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities. Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes.
What is the difference between the SAT and ACT®?
The ACT tests a broader range of material than the SAT Reasoning Test (in some ways it is similar to the SAT Subject Tests) and some students perform better on it than they do on the SAT. Almost all colleges will accept either SAT or ACT scores (although some states prefer one over the other), so taking the ACT in addition to the SAT can give you another shot at improving your odds. If you do poorly on the ACT you can simply choose not to report your score. (Make sure that you don't sign up to send your score to any college automatically).
Should I take the SAT or the ACT®?
Colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, so you'll need to determine which test will result in the best score for you. Contact your local Sylvan to schedule a free practice test. After the practice test, we'll review your results and help you determine the right test for you.
What are the SAT Subject Tests? Do I need to take them?
The SAT Subject Tests are an additional group of standardized tests that some of the most competitive colleges require of their students for admission. Unlike the more general SAT Reasoning Test, the SAT Subject Tests evaluate your knowledge in a variety of subject areas.
How does the PSAT differ from the SAT Reasoning Test?
The PSAT was designed to be a warm-up for the SAT, but it has taken on an importance of its own because of its use by the National Merit program. Both the PSAT and SAT have a writing section; however, despite the name of the section, there is no writing involved on the PSAT — it is actually a multiple-choice grammar test, including word choice and usage, sentence errors and paragraph improvements. Eligibility for the National Merit program is determined by the Selection Index, which is the sum of a student's score on the math, critical reading and writing skills sections.
Sylvan Learning offers classes for students in grades 1-8 preparing to take the CRCT ® . Pricing starts at $499 per subject.
- Instructors work individually with each student on a personalized test prep program.
- In-center lessons focus on specific areas of skill development in Reading and Math.
- Sylvan teachers employ proven learning mastery techniques for optimal retention of skills.
- Practice test helps prepare students.
- Classes are conducted in an interactive, small-group environment -- limited to 8 students.
