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✓ Local certified teachers
✓ 30 hours of instruction ✓ Pre- and post-testing for ACT and SAT ✓ Personal analysis and targeted homework ✓ Comprehensive prep ✓ Strategies for the IL state test |
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"The teachers reminded me of stuff I forgot. Lots of practice, too." MOLLY, 2020 |
"Thanks for helping me bring my score up! My SAT rose 120 points!" KYLE, 2019 |
"I raised my score enough to earn a $2000 annual scholarship!" BEN, 2021 |
Why is The Write Path the right choice?
It's simple. For us, it's personal.
Developed with local students in mindOur ACT/SAT Tutorial was specifically created to supplement classroom instruction to prepare local students for these tests.
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Curriculum written by teachers--not test prep companiesAll course work has been developed by local, certified teachers who have a vested interest in the curriculum, and the success of each child.
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Instructors are certified teachersFor the 2023-24 sessions, classes will be taught by Michelle Neibch, Angela Gilmore-both veteran math teachers at WN-- and Marcia Grisanzio, a 35 year veteran English teacher, who is a WN coach and parent.
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Individualized homework for each studentStudents receive an individualized computer analysis of their pre-test scores, and we develop targeted homework for each student based on pre-test performance. We cater each student’s weekly homework to his or her particular needs.
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A proven record of performanceWe have provided local students with our ACT Tutorial for the last fifteen years, during which 74% of the students enrolled (2003 – 2023) increased their raw score, with a 2.2 point average improvement in their ACT scale score (1-36). For the last five years (2017-23) of SAT testing, 72% of students who pre- and post-tested saw an average 43 point improvement (400-1600).
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Comprehensive preparationAll subject areas of the ACT and SAT tests are covered. We provide strategies to prepare students for the unique qualities of each test and the Illinois state testing expectation. This year, we are including prep for the NEW digital version of the SAT.
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30 hours of instructionWork is divided up between direct instruction, skill building, test-taking strategies, and practice testing.
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Convenient place and timeClasses are offered on a safe, convenient place: Tuesday after school or Saturday mornings.
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FAQs
what is the difference between the ACT and the SAT?
Both tests can be used for college admittance, but they are developed by two separate companies. The ACT covers four subject areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section. The scores range from 1-36. The SAT is divided into Reading, Writing & Language, and Math. The range in scores is 400-1600. Both tests are widely accepted in the U.S.
Can I take the ACT instead of the SAT?
In Illinois, the state-mandated test is the SAT, so all juniors in public schools will take it, but we recommend that current juniors take the ACT as well. Over 99% of colleges today accept either test, and some students test better on one test over the other. Therefore, if students take both tests, they maximize their options, and can send in their best score.
What are the differences between The Write Path's course and others?
Primarily, personalization. Our course was developed with the needs of local students in mind, not for a national data base. It is taught by certified, veteran teachers, who are local teachers and parents as well. We offer personalized, individualized weekly homework for each student based on his or her pretests. Furthermore, our course covers BOTH the ACT and the SAT, focusing on the content as well as the strategies. And we offer the course in a safe, familiar setting: Wheaton North H.S.
Do test prep seminars really help?
YES! Research indicates a direct correlation between preparation and improved test scores. In the competitive world of college admissions, a couple of points on the ACT or the SAT can make all the difference. Would you take your driver’s exam without preparing for it? College entrance exams are no different. Even in the current "test optional" climate, the tests can help students: a good score can still enhance the odds of acceptance, and it could mean scholarship money.
are the SAT II's still needed?
The SAT II’s, or SAT Subject Tests, are exams that some—usually selective/highly selective—colleges once required as part of a student’s college application package. The tests are no longer part of the SAT suite of tests, and are no longer part of an application expectation.
Are the tests really necessary with so many colleges going "test optional?"
Yes. Test optional policies vary widely among colleges and universities, and the "optional" qualification simply means students can choose to include their scores if they feel the tests would enhance their application. Thus, a good score can only help; there is nothing about testing that can harm a student's application. Furthermore, some colleges still use the test scores for scholarship consideration. But most importantly, the situation is fluid; we don't know what the college application process will look like next fall when this year's juniors will be applying to college. It's better to be safe, and to take control of the variables where you can.
WHAT ABOUT THE OPTIONAL ESSAY TESTS on the act and sat?
The essay portion of the SAT has currently been dropped from their suite of tests, and is therefore no longer available. Thus, colleges and universities will no longer require or expect an essay score from students who send in an SAT score as part of their admissions package. It is important to note, however, that the Illinois state SAT exam *WILL INCLUDE* an essay as part of the state assessment-- though it has no impact on their composite score. We at The Write Path will prepare students for this written test as part of our test prep program.
The ACT, however, still includes an essay portion as an option, though its value as a determination of a student's ultimate acceptance at a school is marginal. Some colleges and universities still recommend that students take it. (This information can be found on individual college and university admissions requirement websites.) If a students opts to take the essay portion, it's important to note that while the essay score is reported on the ACT score sheet, it has no impact on the student's composite score, which is an average of the four core scores from the English, math, reading, and science portions. Adding to the reality that the essay portion holds minimal significance, many schools that do recommend or even require the essay do so for data collection more than for any qualification for admittance.
Should students take the ACT writing portion? Our current recommendation is still yes. Since testing often occurs before students know for certain the schools to which they will be applying-- or those schools' essay requirements for the ACT-- it is in their best interest to take the optional essay portion. Students are thus prepared for any eventuality regarding the essay. Furthermore, we recommend that they take it each time they sit for an exam. They don't want their best score to be the one time they didn't take the essay!
Finally, please note that the essay portion of the ACT is separate from the obligation that students write an essay for their college applications. The college essay is an entirely different expectation and is required for many colleges and universities.
The ACT, however, still includes an essay portion as an option, though its value as a determination of a student's ultimate acceptance at a school is marginal. Some colleges and universities still recommend that students take it. (This information can be found on individual college and university admissions requirement websites.) If a students opts to take the essay portion, it's important to note that while the essay score is reported on the ACT score sheet, it has no impact on the student's composite score, which is an average of the four core scores from the English, math, reading, and science portions. Adding to the reality that the essay portion holds minimal significance, many schools that do recommend or even require the essay do so for data collection more than for any qualification for admittance.
Should students take the ACT writing portion? Our current recommendation is still yes. Since testing often occurs before students know for certain the schools to which they will be applying-- or those schools' essay requirements for the ACT-- it is in their best interest to take the optional essay portion. Students are thus prepared for any eventuality regarding the essay. Furthermore, we recommend that they take it each time they sit for an exam. They don't want their best score to be the one time they didn't take the essay!
Finally, please note that the essay portion of the ACT is separate from the obligation that students write an essay for their college applications. The college essay is an entirely different expectation and is required for many colleges and universities.
What's up with the Digital SAT exam? Do I have to take it digitally?
The SAT will go *entirely* digital as of Spring 2024. Thus, the Illinois state mandated exam will be digital for the April 2024 sittting of the exam (for Class of '25 students). Our program will not only prepare students for the content of the exams; we will also provide instruction and practice to prepare students for this upcoming online expectation.
