Summer SAT Bootcamp Launch!

Summer SAT Bootcamp Launch: Day One Success!

We kicked off our intensive four-week Summer SAT Bootcamp today, and I couldn't be more excited about what we accomplished. Students dove straight into a comprehensive one-hour SAT verbal session, followed by an equally thorough hour with Dr. Ela covering SAT math strategies.

Today's verbal session covered the foundation of the SAT Reading and Writing section - its structure, timing, and most importantly, the PROVE-IT elimination patterns that every answer choice follows. We worked through several interactive questions based on the first of four domains we'll cover throughout the program. Students were engaged and asking the right questions, which tells me they're ready to tackle this test strategically.

Dr. Ela's math session was equally impressive. She spent significant time on the fastest and most reliable strategies for the math section, including elimination methods, substitution techniques, and how to maximize the Desmos calculator. These aren't just tricks - they're systematic approaches that will save precious time on test day.

Over the next three weeks, we'll continue covering each domain systematically. This comprehensive approach ensures students understand not just what to do, but why these strategies work.

The "Multiple SAT" Question: How Many Tests Should You Take?

This week I received a thoughtful question from parents about strategizing how many SAT tests their student should take. The concern was legitimate: does taking too many tests look bad to colleges?

Here's what the current data tells us. According to the most up-to-date information from Compass Prep, most colleges, with the exception of Georgetown, do not require all scores to be submitted. MIT, UPenn, Vanderbilt, and a few others may "recommend" that you send all scores, but it isn't required.

My colleagues at the National Test Prep Association are seeing the same trend. As Alexandra Wax of Pathway Admissions explains it to parents:

"Colleges and kids are on the same side here for once…everyone wants to see those higher scores, whether for ranking purposes or admissions purposes! There's no incentive to essentially cancel those out with lower ones."

For this reason, I encourage my students not to be afraid of taking multiple exams. With the cost of taking an official exam being relatively low, it can normalize the testing process. While we don't want to treat multiple exams as trivial trial runs, with enough training, students should feel confident that their early attempts won't hurt them. The majority of universities now accept Score Choice or Superscoring.

My recommendation? Check with your college admissions advisor and put your best foot forward this fall. The testing landscape has shifted in students' favor.

Upcoming SAT Test Dates and Registration

Planning ahead is crucial for SAT success. Here are the remaining test dates for this year and early next year:

Remember to register early - testing sites can fill up, especially in high-demand areas. If you're looking for a great resource to find a local testing center, check this site:

Find My SAT

Find My SAT is a free tool that instantly notifies you the second a new SAT seat opens up in your area.

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Help Us Grow

Know families looking to excel on the SAT this school year? Please, share this newsletter with them. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied families like yours are the best way we can continue helping students achieve their college dreams.

Forward this email or send them to mrjohnstestprep.com to learn more about our proven approach to test prep success.

Do you have questions about our Summer Bootcamp or fall preparation? Reply to this email - I read every message and respond personally.

Best of luck with your preparation,

Mr. John
SAT Reading and Writing Specialist
Helping students achieve their college dreams, one test at a time