The College Entrance Exams:
SAT & ACT test prep
Merv Academic provides experienced, flexible, and friendly test preparation services for both the SAT and ACT exams. With nearly 20 years experience tutoring hundreds of students in the US and abroad, I know these tests inside and out, and I’ll work with you on every aspect from concept review to strategy to time management. If you’re new to the SAT and/or ACT, I’m happy to help you navigate the process—I know it can be confusing! I always provide a free initial consultation for both in-person and online students, so that you can be confident that I’m the right person to work with you (or your high schooler!)
In-person tutoring available in Boston, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding areas;
Online tutoring available everywhere!
One-on-one, package, and group rates available. Find out more here:
Click the button just below to inquire about SAT/ACT tutoring, or scroll down if you would like to read a little more about each of these exams.
SAT Prep
This one’s the classic. Nearly every aspiring college student in the US is aware of the SAT. Although the test has undergone several significant changes since it was first administered in 1926, the content and approach have been remarkably consistent.
The SAT is about both concept and strategy, and recognizing this fact is a big part of doing well. Yes, of course you’ll need to review the fundamentals, but strategies and test familiarity are just as important. The SAT is also famous for what I like to call “lateral thinking” — while the concepts are straightforward, you’ll sometimes need a bit of planning to figure out what the test-writers are asking. A bit of creative thinking goes a long way on this test!
If you’re new to the SAT, I highly recommend taking a diagnostic test. College Board offers several of them online for free (or you can pick up the full Official Guide).
Downloadable practice tests are available here
ACT Prep
The ACT is a newer exam than the SAT (although it’s been around since 1959) and used to be thought of as more of a “West Coast” exam. Now, though, it’s administered everywhere, and is accepted by all 4-year colleges in the US (and many abroad).
While there is significant overlap between the ACT and the SAT — there are some differences. The most obvious one is the “science” section, which only appears on the ACT (and really tests you on data interpretation, not science per se). The ACT is also a bit more straightforward in terms of the way in which questions are asked, but the trade-off is that the ACT gives you less time to answer each question. You’ll also find that there are a few concepts tested on the ACT math section that don’t show up on the SAT: these include logarithms and a couple of trigonometry/precalculus fundamentals (but not many!)
I recommend taking a diagnostic ACT to establish a baseline score, and to help you set up a study program.
Official ACT practice test available here.