Frequently Asked Questions

For most students, 8 to 12 sessions are sufficient to prepare for the test. Some students may need fewer prep sessions, and some students may need a couple more. The precise length of the program varies based on the student’s needs and goals.

It is recommended to start prepping 2-3 months before the exam to learn the material thoroughly and see the best results

Yes, any pre-paid sessions which go unused will be refunded – no questions asked.

Sessions can take place in your home, online, or at a meeting place such as a local library.

This is probably the single most common question we get. The fact is that both tests have converged a lot in recent years, especially with the 2016 revision to the SAT. The most precise, but time-consuming way to decide whether to take the ACT or SAT is to take practice tests. Once you have your ACT and SAT practice scores, we will compare the scores to help you decide. You may find your baseline score for one test is much higher than the other. You may also find that the two scores are very similar, but you have a preference for one of the tests. Mann Prep is happy to offer free practice exams and a diagnostic report with no obligation to prep with us.

Here are some other considerations to help you decide whether to take the ACT or SAT exam:

  • Arithmetic without a Calculator – The SAT has a non-calculator section. If you are good with doing arithmetic calculations by hand, the SAT may be a better fit for you. Conversely, if you tend to make arithmetic errors and like to use your calculator, the ACT is probably a better test for you.
  • Memorizing Formulas – The ACT does not provide you many of the common math formulas which the SAT will provide.
  • Problem-Solving skills – The SAT tends to present problems in a trickier way and generally requires more advanced problem-solving skills than the ACT. The SAT has a way of taking simple math concepts and presenting them in complex ways.
  • Applying Trigonometry and Geometry skills – While the ACT Math is more “knowledge-based” than the SAT Math, the ACT will expect you to apply your skills in trigonometry and geometry more than on the SAT.
  • Knowledge of Scientific Terms and Concepts – The ACT has a stand-alone Science section which will test your knowledge of scientific terms and concepts. While the SAT does not have a Science section, usually a couple of the Reading passages will have a scientific focus.
  • Knowledge of Grammar – The ACT English section will have you apply grammar and punctuation skills more rigorously than the SAT Writing section. The SAT tends to have more questions on writing style than the ACT.

ACT/SAT Boot Camps aren’t as effective as more individualized prep programs, whether these programs are online or one-on-one with a tutor. One-on-one tutoring is typically the best option, because it’s specifically tailored to the needs of each student. At a camp, everyone is pretty much assigned the same work, so more advanced students may stagnate, and those who still struggle with basic concepts may be left behind. ACT/SAT Boot Camps can be great for students who have trouble enacting their own study schedules and need an enforced structure to keep them focused. However, they can also be a waste of money if a student is perfectly capable of studying responsibly on their own time. Furthermore, boot camps and group classes force you to take the class on a set schedule and typically involve many more hours in a classroom than is required with one-on-one tutoring which is customized to your exact needs.

Students who complete 8 to 12 sessions with us and do the assigned homework (about 2 to 2.5 hours between sessions) can expect the following results which vary a bit depending on where you’re starting

ACT Exam Average Points Gained:

Starting Score Final Score Average Points Gained
<21 25+ 6-7 points
22-25 28-30+ 5-6 points
26-29 30-33+ 4-5 points
30-32 32-36 3-4 points

SAT Exam Average Points Gained:

Starting Score Final Score Average Points Gained
<1000 1200+ 200-300 points
1000-1100 1250-1350 150-250 points
1100-1200 1300-1400 100-200 points
1200+ 1350+ 100+ points

We recommend about 3 months to prep, but it all depends on where you’re starting and where you want to go. When you start the program, we’ll set goals for you and monitor how quickly you’re progressing toward them. We can always shift the date backwards or forwards as needed. Typically students improve about 2-3 points on the ACT and about 80 points on the SAT for every month they work with us.

On average, a student will be expected to do 2 to 2.5 hours of homework between sessions. The homework is usually a combination of worksheets targeting specific skills and timed practice sections.

Does you program cover the Reading, English/Writing, Math, and Science sections?

Depending on the college, SAT Subject tests can be required, recommended, or just considered. The knowledge required for the SAT Subject tests often parallels what you’re learning in class. The tests are a great opportunity to highlight your strengths and unique passions and interests.
If you’re unsure whether you should take an SAT Subject exam, schedule a consultation with us today. We will help you decide which if any subject tests are needed based on your student’s goals and colleges of interest.

We do not charge a cancellation fee EXCEPT FOR same-day cancellations. Cancellations made on the same day of the scheduled sessions incur a fee of 50% of the session cost.

Most students find that one or two hours a week working with a MannPrep tutor can replace several hours a week of self-study, group tutoring, or learning center attendance.

This surprising result is made possible by MannPrep’s one-on-one interaction, expert tutors, and flexible curriculum-focused program.

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