PROGRAMS
TUTORING
HOMEWORK HELP
TEST PREPARATION
SAT Preparation
Assessment Test Preparation
SAT PREPARATION
Preparing for and taking college entrance examinations can be a very stressful time for high school students. But with proper guidance and preparation, much of the anxiety these tests arouse can be eliminated. At the Somerset Learning Center, we provide the test-taking strategies and skills-reinforcement that helps students prepare for the SAT with confidence and optimism.
As part of the preparation, students are taught strategies for both approaching the SAT as a whole, and for tackling specific types of questions. Appropriate skills are reinforced and some deficiencies that students may have are corrected. Students also practice taking actual SAT sections, under timed conditions, to improve their time management and to build stamina and concentration. Homework is assigned throughout the SAT preparation program.
Since our programs are individually designed for each student, SAT preparation can be equally divided between the reading, math, and writing portions of the test, or preparation can be concentrated on a specific section. This flexibility helps students with specific needs to achieve their goals. It is preferable that students have several months to prepare for the SAT; however, we also offer more intensive and rapid instruction if the test date is imminent.
Critical Reading
Emphasis is placed on understanding and using logical relationships for sentence completions, and multiple reading comprehension strategies for critical reading.
Math
Content is broken up into three general areas that make up the math portion of the SAT – arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Relevant concepts in each area are briefly reviewed and students are taught how to recognize and apply what they have already learned to SAT-type problems. Shortcuts are emphasized in dealing with many types of questions, but if students have difficulty with particular types of problems, further review in such areas is accomplished.
Writing
Grammar and usage skills are reviewed to improve students' performance on the multiple choice portion of the writing section. Improving sentences and paragraphs and identifying errors (such as diction, grammar, sentence construction, usage, wordiness, etc.) determines approximately two-thirds of the writing score. Students are also prepared to write an effective timed essay in response to a persuasive writing prompt. Students are taught to develop a point of view and use reasoning and evidence to support their ideas.
ASSESSMENT TEST PREPARATION
Annual standardized testing is the reality faced by practically every student, from the elementary through the high school years. Schools utilize the results of assessment tests to make important educational decisions, including ability-based grouping and eligibility for gifted or remedial programs. Such testing can often be stressful for students who are unfamiliar with the ever-changing test format. At the Somerset Learning Center, individual instruction is offered to prepare students for the following standardized tests:
NJ ASK TEST
GEPA TEST (grade 8)
HSPA TEST (grades 10, 11)
TERRA NOVA TEST
Students are introduced to the format of the test they will taking, and are instructed how to approach objective questions and how to maximize their performance on open-ended questions that require written responses. Because these tests are cumulative, appropriate test content is reviewed, and any areas of weakness are identified and reinforced. Students are given the opportunity to practice taking sample tests, under timed conditions if appropriate. Such preparation results in reduced anxiety and increased success on these important tests.
The Somerset Learning Center also offers individual instruction for these examinations:
SAT II Subject Tests - Math Level IC, Level IIC
GED
SSAT / ISEE / COOP - (Private school entrance exams)
