In the News: Does SAT Coaching Work?

I'll be the first to admit that I'm no expert on SAT test prep. With most things in life, the more you do something the better you get at it--it makes sense that, within reason, the same should hold for the SAT (you're not as nervous the 2nd or 3rd....or 103rd time around, you're accustomed to the format, etc).

But, when it comes to spending thousands of dollars to take a test-prep class, is it really worth it? Maybe not.

According to a report just released by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, average gains are in the 30-point range for the SAT--hardly the dramatic increases the test-prep companies claim.

BUT... (and it's a big "but") the report also points out that a very marginal difference--say, I dunno, a 30-point SAT-score difference--may be enough to change whether a student is admitted or not.

As always, every detail matters.

See the press release here.
The report here. (pdf)

And news coverage:
Inside Higher Ed
NY Times