You have questions, and we have long, silly, and highly informative answers.
If there’s something else on your mind that we haven’t addressed here, contact us.
The SAT is the granddaddy of all admissions tests. It’s gone through a number of iterations over the
years. Much has been written about the SAT over the years, and there are so many opinions about it on
one side or the other it’s hard to say anything new. It suffices to say that it’s one of the two tests
you’ll want to take if you’re applying to selective colleges that require it, or even test-optional
schools.
So we’ll stick to the facts: it is now a digital-only test, which means you take it at school or a test
center on a computer or tablet. It’s composed of four sections, two each in “Reading and Writing” and
“Math”. It is also now a modular adaptive test. This means that after the first section of each topic,
the computer delivers a different second section depending on the performance in the first. This enables
the test to more quickly discern score ranges, and makes the test two hours (without any time
accommodations).
The ACT® (originally an abbreviation of American College Testing) is a standardized test for college and
university admissions. It consists of four tests: English, mathematics, reading, science reasoning, and
an optional writing test. The main four tests are scored individually on a scale of 1-36, and a
composite score, the average of the four individual test scores, is provided.
This is often the $64,000 question. The answer is don’t decide based on anything you read or hear. Even from us. What you should do is take a DIAGNOSTIC TEST (we have one you can sign up to take) so you can make this decision with data.
That said, here’s the two-second version:
The SAT will likely be the test that you’ll want to take if time is an issue for you (and you don’t have any extra time accommodation), or if you’re more of a “math person” (Math represents ½ of your score, instead of ¼).
The ACT will likely be the test you’ll want to take if you move quickly, or if you’re more of a “reader” than a math person. Also, if you have a time accommodation, the ACT often becomes a more attractive test.
That said, here’s the two-second version:
The SAT will likely be the test that you’ll want to take if time is an issue for you (and you don’t have any extra time accommodation), or if you’re more of a “math person” (Math represents ½ of your score, instead of ¼).
The ACT will likely be the test you’ll want to take if you move quickly, or if you’re more of a “reader” than a math person. Also, if you have a time accommodation, the ACT often becomes a more attractive test.
There are a lot of standardized test prep options available today — which is exactly why we got into this business in the first place. Our SAT teachers combine cutting edge test taking strategies with the absolute most personalized, quality coaching available on the market today. We’ve built our reputation by looking at everything we do through exactly one lens: How exactly would I do my job if this were my child in front of me?
As for “guaranteed point increases” — we don’t believe in ‘em. The goal here is simple — to help you get the best score possible. We don’t buy that arbitrary numbers can speak for the individuality of students. But our promise does. Take our full SAT course and score anything less than the full 2400, you can take the class again for free, and as many times as you’d like.
As for “guaranteed point increases” — we don’t believe in ‘em. The goal here is simple — to help you get the best score possible. We don’t buy that arbitrary numbers can speak for the individuality of students. But our promise does. Take our full SAT course and score anything less than the full 2400, you can take the class again for free, and as many times as you’d like.
We recommend taking the course as close as possible to your test date. Our course calendars are designed around ACT® and SAT® test dates. If that is not possible due to time constraints, we highly recommend you take it in the summer of your sophomore year (before your junior year), so you will be ready to take the test in your junior year. The summer of your junior year is also a great time to take the course. Although we offer the course all year round, the summer is ideal because you can be free of many other time-consuming commitments and focus primarily on your ACT ® or SAT® prep studies.
Complete this form, then we’ll contact you and help with the details.
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Call us if you have financial constraints. We have a limited number of scholarships available for exceptional students with proven financial need. No one should be held back by money.
The Independent School Entrance Examination, or ISEE, is an entrance exam used by many independent
schools and magnet schools in the United States.
It has three levels:
Lower- for entrance in grades 5-6
Middle- for entrance in grades 7-8
Upper- for entrance in grades 9-12
There’s so much more to say about this test, but essentially it’s multiple choice meets essay for a
classic battle of the brains. Lots of math and vocab, while also calling for critical reading and
writing skills.
The Secondary School Admission Test, or SSAT, is an admissions test for students in grades 5-11 to help
determine placement into private junior high and high schools. There are two levels of the test: the
lower for students in grades 5-7 and the upper for students in grades 8-11. The exam consists of two
parts: a brief essay and multiple-choice sections that include mathematics, reading comprehension, and
verbal skills.
Complete this form, then we’ll contact you and help with the details.
Enroll Now
Call us if you have financial constraints. We have a limited number of scholarships available for
exceptional students with proven financial need. No one should be held back by money.
The PSAT is taken by seventh graders to sophomores to determine eligibility and qualification for the
National Merit Scholarship Program. It also helps high school guidance counselors decide which students
to approve for advanced placement courses, which are considered essential for applicants to top
colleges.
That’s like asking “why would I want a Rolls-Royce?”! Tutors allow for one-on-one attention, create time and space for questions and explanations that satisfy an individual student’s learning style, give students confidence, and allow students to get a leg up over their peers.
It depends. In general, yes. But that assumes the tutor is a great instructor him/herself, and that he/she is trained to work in a one-on-one situation. But, the short answer is — yes.
First we look at each student’s individual needs, and, moving from there, we try to assign specialists in that subject area. We look for tutors who have worked with that school or curriculum before, and of course, we listen to any requests you have.
This rarely happens. When it does, of course, we work with you to find the right tutor for you!
This is one of the biggest questions parents have. The idea is that a lot of tutoring begets more tutoring. We aren’t in that game. We recognize that there are times when students need a little more attention than the school can provide, and there are times when that attention needs to be ongoing. Still, we endeavor to try to help students become independent in their studies. We aren’t “homework helpers”. One of our primary goals is always to help create better students, not just ones who have a greater mastery over specific material.
We don’t know. Do you? While some schools have dedicated college counselors, often times schools pile “college counseling” on top of normal school counselors. This is a mistake. College counseling is its own field. In addition, your school counselors are very likely overwhelmed with a huge number of students and lots of forms, recommendations, etc to fill out. We can give you the attention that you need, one-on-one, through this arduous process.
Of course. In fact, not only will we advise you, but, should you choose to use a Mulholland Prep tutor or class, we’ll give you 10% off.
A college counselor’s job is two-fold, really. First, he/she needs to guide you through the college search process. There are literally thousands of schools around the world. And you won’t have time to look at all of them. We’ll help you narrow down your choices, make suggestions based on interviews with you and questionnaires, and help you find a college that’s just the right fit. Second, a college counselor helps you to put the application itself together to present you in the best light. This comes in the form of essay guidance and revisions, resumé building, interview coaching, and making sure you get everything in well ahead of deadlines. Everything you need to look your best when you hit that “submit” button.
Sure. Go for it. We do. Of course, we look at dozens and dozens of other publications, visit colleges, have hundreds of former students at different schools; walk through the application process dozens of times each year…you get the idea.
Contact us. Nothing pleases us more than being able to help out students who have financial need to find a school that will help them through the process.