SAT Preparation Class: Friday 6-9 PM
Saturday 2-5PM
About the new Digital SAT
In early 2024, the SAT switched to an all-new digital version taken on a computer. There’s still the usual separate Math section (800 max Math score), but the Reading (reading comprehension) and Writing (grammar) components are now combined into a single section (800 max Reading & Writing score). The Reading and Writing components, respectively, now consist of 1 question per passage, and passages are single, short paragraphs (in contrast to the long passages of the previous SAT). Two new types of questions have been added to the Reading component: sentence completions (which depend in part on vocabulary) and data analysis. A perfect score remains 1600.
The Reading & Writing section consists of 2 modules, as does the Math section. Because the Digital SAT is computer adaptive, the difficulty of the 2nd modules depends on your performance on the respective 1st modules. In the extreme case, if you score too low on module 1, you’ll receive an easier module 2 such that you might not get past the 700 mark even with a perfect score on module 2! The adaptive nature is also present within each module in that if you get a question correct, the next question will be harder. Thus, on a single test date, every student essentially takes a “different” test with a unique set of questions.
The ThinkSAT program and the new Digital SAT
It’s been over 25 years since the creator of the ThinkSAT program, Ulysses Hwang, began teaching SAT and GRE in 1998. In 2001, the GRE actually switched to all digital computer adaptive. So, for Ulysses, the SAT’s “radical” changeover is really nothing new.
Yes, it’s true that, during training, students will have to get used to the College Board’s Bluebook digital interface. But aside from that, changes in the ThinkSAT program are relatively minor. The well-known Active Reading system stays virtually intact: the Physical Road Mapping system is still important but is shifted over to the Mental Road Mapping side, which is not a problem considering reading passages are now much, much shorter. The Math section is more difficult than ever and simply cannot be underestimated, so the Cognitive SAT Math program remains vital.
More on the ThinkSAT program and its instructor-creator
Ulysses Hwang, who created the ThinkSAT program, has over 25 years of experience and has served as a master instructor and teacher trainer at Kaplan. His background in biology (B.A. from Pomona College), psychology (a 2nd B.A. from UC Irvine), and cognitive neuroscience (Ph.D. program at Emory University) holds the key to conquering the SAT. He incorporates cognitive principles into a scientifically based program that teaches students how to analyze and beat the test-maker’s tricks. It's not just that many of his students have tested into the 1500's "one and done"; extremely notable is that a very high percentage of his students have scored well into the 1500’s despite being stuck in the 1400's after another school’s SAT program. One of Ulysses’ recent classes scored an average of 1534 (7 students), including a perfect score.
PSAT Preparation: Sunday 3:30-5PM
So you’re a 9th or 10th grader who’s not quite ready for full-blown SAT training? The ThinkPSAT program will focus primarily on teaching to the skills while also secondarily on teaching to the test (the reverse of the ThinkSAT program). This program will give the high school underclassman a head start toward preparing for the SAT while attaining a foundational skills advantage toward securing top scores in school classes filled with high-performing students. What separates this program from earlier-age programs is an unrelenting focus on absorbing the strategies and methods so that the student can apply them with automaticity and flexibility, the latter concept of which will be key to mastering AP tests as well as SAT.
The Reading program will push our famous Active Reading system to the highest level against real PSAT/SAT reading comprehension passages across a variety of lengths and subjects (narratives, social sciences, history, and biological-physical sciences) to maximize flexibility.
The Writing (grammar) program will reinforce 20 grammar categories individually and as they appear simultaneously in complex sentences. Real PSAT/SAT grammar sections will include (1) a single grammar question per a single sentence and (2) multiple grammar questions per a long reading passage (i.e., reading comprehension grammar). Again, inundating students with a variety of structures is key to attaining flexibility.
The Math program will be the first time the student will encounter a truly cognitive PSAT/SAT Math program, the importance of which should not be undervalued. The PSAT/SAT Math is not a formulas and calculations test (a gravely incorrect assumption by most SAT schools, parents, and students). It is a Math thinking test, which is unlike typical high school math class exams, the ACT Math, or the SAT Subject Test Math Level 2. In the ThinkPSAT program, we take famous math formulas and deconstruct them so that students will understand how each part of the formula moves when components are changed. We also start with the premise that every single math question is designed to be solved in 2-4 different ways. Don’t worry, the instructor will model different solution pathways, even if you don't want to! Attaining this kind of flexibility nirvana will be the key to systematically manufacturing perfect scores.
Writing Class Structure
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We help students develop their writing skills to succeed in school and exams. Through encouraging and motivating methods, we make writing feel enjoyable and accessible, helping them strengthen their abilities through regular practice!
a structured plan for a creative writing class that includes activities. This plan ensures engagement, practice, and teacher guidance to help students improve their writing skills. The teacher will make slight adjustments depending on the topic and activities.
1. Speed Writing Warm-Up
2. Reading and Analyzing an Article/or Grammar Rules
3. Descriptive Narrative Outline
4. Writing an Essay
5. Teacher Feedback and Revision ​
6. Homework and Sample Essay.
