Dr. Ivan Khan and his wife, Tasneem Imam Khan own and operate Khan’s Tutorial, an education center for academic enrichment based in New York state. In the following article, Khan’s Tutorial owners discuss how students can improve SAT scores with test prep, just one of the many services offered.
The SAT is arguably the most important test an American high school student can take, as it gauges their ability to perform at a post-secondary academic level. Dr. Ivan Khan says that SAT testing material can be particularly challenging – and with its format and time restrictions, this can add unwanted pressure to any student.
Luckily, test prep courses can help students learn better test-taking strategies, such as how to manage their time, eliminate incorrect answers, and find clues within the questions themselves. Khan’s Tutorial remarks that various research supports these claims, with some findings suggesting that effective test prep can help students raise their scores by up to 115 points. Dr. Ivan Khan further explains these findings and discusses the power of SAT test prep courses.
Understanding What Makes the SAT So Challenging
Tasneem Imam Khan says that many high school students who fail to properly prepare for the SAT assume that the test measures their prior knowledge learned throughout high school. This isn't the case, though. The SAT is designed to measure a student's reasoning and problem-solving abilities, which can be applied in higher level education, not their current knowledge. Of course, the test builds on high school education but the structure alone makes it challenging.
One of the main challenges of the SAT is the time limit reports Dr. Ivan Khan. Students are given just over an hour to complete each section, which can be especially challenging for those who struggle with timed tests. The added pressure can lead to mistakes and lower scores.
Additionally, the SAT format can be difficult to navigate explains Khan’s Tutorial. The test is comprised of multiple-choice and essay questions, which can be perplexing for many students. The essay section, in particular, can be daunting, as it requires a written, coherent, and well-argued essay in a limited amount of time.
Tasneem Imam Khan reports that the mathematics segment covers a wide range of material, from fundamental arithmetic to more advanced concepts like algebra and geometry. The reading portion includes long, dense passages that can be difficult to understand. And in writing, the grammar and punctuation questions can be difficult for even the most diligent of students.
All of these factors combine to make the SAT one of the most challenging tests a high school student can take says Khan’s Tutorial. However, by enrolling in an SAT test prep course, students can learn the strategies and skills they need to overcome these challenges and improve their overall scores.
The Power of SAT Test Prep Courses
Despite the many challenges that high schooler students face - teachers, tutors, and educational coordinators have spent the last few decades developing comprehensive preparatory programs that have been shown to be incredibly effective. For example, research from the
College Board—the makers of the SAT—found that students who took a 20-hour test prep course improved their scores by an average of 115 points.
Dr. Ivan Khan reports that students who dedicated even half of that time to their studies still saw a significant increase in their scores with just a handful of preparatory classes. Some research claims that students who dedicated just 6 to 9 hours of time to preparatory courses saw their scores rise by an average of 90 points.
Tasneem Imam Khan says that other studies have found that test prep courses can be especially helpful for
low-income and minority students. These students are often at a disadvantage when it comes to the SAT, as they are less likely to have access to expensive tutors or prep courses. However, by enrolling in a prep course, these students can level the playing field and improve their chances of getting into a superior college.
Why Prep Courses Work
There are a number of reasons why SAT test prep courses are so effective. First, Dr. Ivan Khan states they provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice important test-taking strategies. Students will learn how to budget their time, identify blatantly incorrect answers, and find clues within the material.
Most importantly, test prep courses help to familiarize students with the SAT format and content. By taking practice tests and performing study drills, students can become more comfortable with the test itself, which can help build confidence. Then, when ready to take the real SAT, students should feel better prepared on the actual test day.
The Takeaway
As challenging as the SAT can be, researchers have shown that by taking time to properly study and enrolling in preparatory courses, students can raise their scores by around 115 points on average. Through these courses, they learn to approach the test with confidence, manage their time, and work through questions with ease.
