Hiring A Private SAT Tutor vs Taking SAT Course

Having a great SAT Tutor can make a huge difference in whether or not your SAT scores are high enough to get you into your top school choice, but there are as many ways to prep for the SAT as there are students. Choosing the right SAT Prep format is as much a matter of learning style as it is a personal preference.  Think of the following pros and cons before making the best choice for you.

When to Hire a Private SAT Tutor
Time Crunch
While there is a lot to be said for taking a group SAT course, sometimes one on one help is best, especially if there are unique time constraints.  For example, you've waited until four weeks before the test to start prepping.  Never an ideal scenario in any situation, but in this case, a private SAT tutor might be best.  SAT courses and classes are not designed to provide individual assistance in the case of rapidly approaching testing deadlines.  If you have a time crunch and need intensive help right away, hiring a private tutor is the best way to go.  Unencumbered by multiple students, this type of situation ensures that your tutor will provide you with the most help, in the least amount of time.

Learning Style
If you are a solitary learner, or someone who is easily distracted, then you may opt for private tutoring sessions instead of the traditional classroom setting. This makes sure that you remain focused and retain the information that you are getting.  Without the distraction of the student tapping a pencil next to you or chewing gum loud enough for the dead to hear, you can be assured that you will be able to practice and apply the SAT test taking strategies that are vital to passing the test.

Taking a Group SAT Prep Course
Social Learner
If you learn best when surrounded by a group of other students you can bounce ideas and questions off of, or talking through difficult concepts with, then taking a SAT prep course or class may work to your advantage.  You're not studying in isolation and you have your classmates to fall back on if you forget something or have a question.

Cost
This type of option might also be more cost effective as a large part of the cost of SAT prep will be dispersed across many students.  Although there are pricey SAT classes, you can find a prep course that will fit into your budget.  Take into consideration travel costs associated with this option as you have to pay transportation costs to and from the SAT prep course location, while private SAT tutors may often come to you or meet you half way.

Time
Group SAT Prep Courses often lend them selves better to students who aren't under a time crunch and who have at least eight weeks or more to prepare.  Since the course times are set in advance, you can schedule your time accordingly and time the course with when you are planning on taking the SAT.

Hiring an Online SAT Tutor

A newer, but effective option is hiring an online SAT tutor.  This combines many of the Group SAT benefits and Private SAT tutoring options.  If you are easily distracted by a group setting, you can log into a online session in the privacy of your own room or wherever else you are.  If you need the benefit of collaboration, you can join an online forum and get answers to your most troubling SAT questions.  It is also extremely cost effective for both the student and the tutor and cuts down of the cost and hassles of transportation.

So, in a nutshell, when it comes to getting the best SAT prep help, the options are varied and can be tailored to fit your unique needs, and economic and time constraints.  Just make sure that you take the time to take a true self assessment of your study habits to reap the benefits of whatever option you decide upon. For more information on choosing the best SAT tutor for your or to schedule a free consultation, visit Simply Tutoring.