Important Signs That Your Student Needs Test Prep Tutoring

West Hills + Los Angeles Standardized Test Tutoring

Starting sophomore or junior year in high school, many students start to think about and plan ahead for higher education in the hopes of securing admission to the college or university of their choice. Part of the application process for many four-year colleges and universities involves submitting standardized test scores (i.e. SAT, ACT, or both).

At Synergy Academics, our tutoring staff is committed to preparing your student for academic success throughout K-12 grade levels, college, and beyond! We know that undergoing the college application process can be a source of stress for both students and parents. That’s why we offer College Counseling and Financial Aid services along with test prep tutoring for the following standardized exams:

• SAT English
• SAT Math
• ACT English
• ACT Math
• ACT Science
• SSAT/ISEE*
• CHSPE*
• AP Exams*
• GRE*

*In addition to offering test prep tutoring for standardized college entrance exams, Synergy Academics also has professional tutors that can help prepare for private middle and high school admissions exams (SSAT/ISEE), the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) equivalent to a high school diploma, AP exams, and the GRE for graduate school admission.

Can Your Student Benefit From Test Prep Tutoring? Look For These Signs!

Are you the parent of a high school student who plans to attend a four-year college or university after graduation? If so, then your student has likely begun the process of signing up and preparing for the standardized tests required by their college(s) of choice.

Not only does our qualified tutoring staff offer assessments to determine which standardized test(s) are most suitable for your student, but the Synergy Academics team is also trained and experienced to prepare students for the exams they are scheduled to take or retake.

Read on to find out if your student could benefit from test prep tutoring services!

No. 1: Low Scores

This one is a no-brainer. If your student receives low scores that won’t reflect well on his or her college application(s), then test prep tutoring is one of the most viable methods for bringing those scores up to par as well as increasing your student’s confidence in the exam room. Test prep tutors will be helpful in keeping students on track with a clear study schedule, addressing subject areas your student struggles with the most, and zeroing in on topics and sections that will boost scores the most.

No. 2: Practice Test Scores Don’t Increase Over Time

If your student has taken two or more practice exams on their own, but scores have not improved, then he or she may benefit from test prep tutoring to break through this mental block. In this case, a test prep tutor will focus on the more difficult and complex questions so your student can approach them with a new and improved understanding.

No. 3: Your Student Wants Higher Scores For A Competitive Edge In College Admissions

Perhaps your student already has good test scores, but wants them to be even better in order to remain competitive throughout the college admissions process. With this in mind, test prep tutors will help your student navigate and become comfortable with the most difficult subject matter included on the test, in order to earn the highest possible score(s).

No. 4: Lower Scores In A Particular Subject Area

If your student is scoring well in certain sections but struggling with one or more other test subjects, then test prep tutoring can target your student’s area of weakness to boost the overall scores. For example, a student that excels in the English and Writing sections but stumbles when it comes to Math can gain more understanding and confidence from a specialized test prep math tutor.

No. 5: Gaps In Understanding Of Earlier Subject Matter

Sometimes students struggle with a particular standardized test subject because they are missing a building block of knowledge that leads to understanding more complex concepts. A student that struggles with solving for ‘x’ in algebra, for example, will have trouble when encountering word problems that require identifying and solving algebraic equations. A test prep tutor will be able to assess what foundations require attention and help strengthen them for overall standardized test success.

No. 6: Stressful Study Sessions

If you notice your student procrastinating when it comes to studying for standardized exams or becoming visibly upset or stressed while studying, then you will want to consider test prep tutoring services to help ease your student’s anxiety and improve his or her overall mindset. Some simple learning assistance and encouragement can go a long way with improving a student’s attitude, confidence, and overall scores.

No. 7: Low Self Confidence

If your student believes no amount of studying can prepare him or her for the test, or if your student suffers from severe test anxiety, a test prep tutor will be able to provide the tools and positive reinforcement necessary to focus on the subject matter rather than on fear of inadequacy.

No. 8: Running Out Of Time On Practice Tests

Standardized tests are timed—raising the stakes and stress levels for students. If your student has trouble completely finishing practice tests before time runs out, test prep tutoring will be able to address the questions and subject matter that your student wrestles with the most as well as provide time management skills that can be used in the exam room.

No. 9: Not Understanding How/Why Answers Are Incorrect

If a student doesn’t understand why he or she is missing certain questions on practice exams, a test prep tutor will be able to assess if there’s a pattern with a student’s incorrect answers and target those areas for better understanding. Understanding why an answer is wrong will lead to a stronger foundation of understanding what makes the answer correct.

No. 10: Tendency To Skip The Same Types Of Problems

Similarly, if your student is skipping problems that cover similar concepts, a test prep tutor will be able to pick up on these and give your student the conceptual knowledge and encouragement needed to address these questions with confidence when taking or retaking the exam(s).

Top-Notch Test Prep Tutors | Synergy Academics

Seeking out test prep tutoring services is not just investing in your student’s future—it’s providing the tools and self-assurance needed to be competitive today. Are you still unsure whether or not your student could benefit from test prep tutoring? Learn more about our test prep tutoring services and process for West Hills and Los Angeles area high school students here.