The diagnostic process is the first step for everyone in what is a very long road. Why do we do this? It is extremely important for the student, the family and our staff to understand where we are starting from on both the SAT and ACT; knowing what you're up against is half the battle. Sometimes knowing what you don't want to do in your test prep is just as important as figuring out what to do, and we want all of our families to understand all of their options in totality before making a decision together. After we complete the diagnostic process, we can prepare a game plan for each student that addresses their specific needs.
A question I get asked all the time now is why take both tests during the diagnostic process, as many students come in with a preconcieved idea about which test might be best for them after conversations with friends and siblings. The truth of the matter is that experiencing a diagnostic SAT and ACT brings clarity for the entire process. Creating a unified goal for us to work towards is crucial - and if they don't expereince both tests, many students will may ask themseves "what if?" once they hit the first plateau in their preparation.
Another key component in the diagnostic process that sets us apart, is the ability to meet with different instructors and pick whom you would like to work with. While all of our instructors are incredibly talented and bright, they all bring different personalities and teaching styles. Finding the right fit for each student is paramount to success.
At the end of the process, we want to empower our students to be in control of their test prep. This is an important process that allows for a lot of growth and we want to foster that growth.
In the words of our late founder, Jesse Kolber, "don't be the sage on the stage, be the guide on the side."