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Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Online Prep vs Tutoring: Which is More Effective for the SAT?

Guys, I’m torn between choosing an online SAT prep course and personal tutoring. I learn pretty well on my own but also know that a tutor could offer more personalized help. Has anyone tried both, and what worked better for you?

10 months ago

Hey there! The decision really hinges on your learning style and where you stand with your SAT prep. Online courses offer a structured, self-paced approach which could be ideal if you're a disciplined self-learner. They often include lots of practice material and video explanations, which are great for drilling content at your own pace.

On the flip side, a personal tutor can provide targeted feedback, adapt to your learning pace, and tackle specific challenges you might have. For instance, if you struggle with SAT math more than verbal, a tutor can allocate more time to improve that area.

I've seen students succeed with both methods, but those who benefit most from a tutor are usually seeking a tailored approach and have very specific score improvement goals. If you're disciplined and motivated, an online course might be just as effective at a lower cost.

An example I often refer to is a student who used an online course to master test strategies at her pace and only later engaged a tutor to polish up her weaker areas, combining the best of both worlds. Hope this helps you in making an informed decision!

10 months ago

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