Santa Rosa, California (PRWEB) September 04, 2014
Students normally start preparing for the SAT* during the summer between their sophomore and junior year. In addition, they often take the SAT several times to maximize their superscores. But members of the class of 2017, this year's sophomores, may not have time for that kind of strategy since the new SAT will appear in the middle of their junior year (spring of 2016). In fact, many students who feel that the Current SAT is a better fit may start taking their SAT tests during their sophomore year!
David Gruenbaum, President of Ahead of the Class and one of the nation's leading SAT and test prep experts, has developed the world’s first book and live online course—SAT Choice**—which explore the differences between the current and new SAT tests and help students of the class of 2017 decide which will suit them best.
Gruenbaum suggests that students who are stronger at English should definitely consider focusing on the current SAT. On the other hand, students whose main strength is in math should probably be looking at the new SAT, since math counts for half of the score as compared to only one third on the current SAT. Also, the new SAT will test lower-grade vocabulary, which will eliminate an advantage for students with strong vocabulary skills.
Gruenbaum has identified several other characteristics to help students choose between the old SAT and the new SAT. “It really revolves around 21 crucial questions,” he says, referring to his latest book, Ahead of the Class, New SAT 2016: SAT Choice, which is available at Amazon.com.
Many sophomores took the inaugural SAT Choice course in August. Students in the first SAT Choice course were mesmerized by their newly gained advantage. As one parent of a student in the class put it, “Our daughter is now one step ahead of her sophomore peers!”
The next SAT Choice course starts in October. The cost of the course is $475. Gruenbaum says that students can split the cost by sharing a computer with a friend. “We don’t want cost to preclude anyone from taking our course. We feel the cost of the course, at just under $250, if split, is affordable for everyone.”
In 2005—the last time a new SAT was introduced—colleges accepted both the new SAT as well as the old SAT for admissions purposes. Several major universities have indicated they will follow the same policy this time around, but it's still important for students to check individually with each university regarding SAT preference.
It's finally a matter of knowing which test—old or new—students intend to take so they can start prepping before the end of this year. This is an academic deadline of the highest priority.
About David Benjamin Gruenbaum
David Benjamin Gruenbaum has over 20 years of experience and has personally instructed over six thousand students for the SAT and ACT. Gruenbaum has been featured as an expert on the CBS Early Show, Fox National News and is widely quoted in news publications such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, and San Francisco Chronicle. More information on SAT Choice and Ahead of the Class can be found at: http://www.college2400.com.
*SAT is a registered trademark of the College Board which does not endorse the Ahead of the Class course or book.
** All material for the New SAT in the SAT choice course will be based on draft samples released by the College Board. It is possible that the College Board may alter the New SAT in either a minor or major fashion.