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Help your child prepare for college entrance exams in the wake of admissions scandals

SAT, ACT tutoring, classes or do it yourself?
Posted at 12:28 PM, Apr 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-04 15:29:26-04

The college admissions scandal is still at the forefront of parents' minds.

A big component of getting into elite colleges and universities involves standardized tests. So, now parents are wondering what is it that you can do to give your child an advantage.

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SAT, ACT, whatever the acronym, it comes with stress for both kids and parents.

"Let your child drive the bus," said Judi Robinovitz, founder of Score at the Top Learning Center and School.

Robinovitz is a certified educational planner and said parents might need someone like her or a high-school counselor to answer questions.

"But, your child has to be the one doing all the work," said Robinovitz.

There are ethical test prep options to increase your child's score for all budgets.

"You can spend as little as zero," she said.

But you can also spend a lot more with private tutoring.

With a seasoned test tutor, it can cost anywhere from $90 to $100 an hour all the way up to $300 to $400 per hour. A student tutor will be closer to $20 to $30 an hour.

Group classes costs somewhere between $500 to $1,000 for 20 plus hours of prep work and simulated testing.

Robinovitz said you can also practice at home at no cost. There are eight full length, real tests available on the College Board website.

"You can take a test at home. Mom or Dad can proctor you," she said.

Robinovitz warned that whatever you do, the key is to make sure the person giving you advice is a member of a reputable organization.

April 5 is the SAT registration deadline for the May 4 testing date. Click here to register to take the test.