SAT and ACT Prep | Westminster School

SAT and ACT Preparation

In an effort to better serve the needs of Westminster students, highly individualized one-on-one test prep tutorials and small group SAT and ACT prep courses will be offered throughout the 2018-2019 academic year. Both private tutorials and small group classes are offered as a la carte alternatives to the prepackaged instruction offered by large test prep companies. Instruction is provided by Vicki Saucier, a well-respected local educator who has many years of experience preparing students for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP assessments. Vicki has a BS in education and a MA in English and has been providing individualized instruction to Westminster students for over 17 years. Vicki is familiar with the aptitudes of Westminster students and with the rigors of our academic and extracurricular schedule. Course times have been carefully selected to help students prepare for the demands of standardized testing while working around school commitments.

Option 1: SAT and ACT Prep Tutorials

One on one instruction is tailored to suit the needs of individual students. Highly individualized tutorials target strategy and skill development while taking into account the strengths, weaknesses and learning preferences of individuals. Tutorials are scheduled during free blocks, after school, during study hall and on weekends at the convenience of each student.

Option 2: Small group SAT and ACT Prep Classes

A. The SAT: Reading, Language and Writing Prep

This six session course is designed to empower students with key strategies for attacking the five types of core questions posed on the 65 minute reading section of the SAT and to familiarize them with the key concepts of grammar, usage and mechanics evaluated by the 35 minute language/writing section. The SAT prep classes are scheduled as follows:

Fall meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30-8

11/6, 11/8, 11/13, 11/15, 11/27, 11/29

Spring meets Tuesdays 6:30-8

3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30

B. The ACT: An Introduction to the Four Core Subtests

This condensed course is designed to introduce students to the ACT. The class meets four times and provides an overview of the ACT and tips for attacking the science, reading, mathematics, and English subtests. Emphasis is placed on the format of each subtest and on the skills assessed. After each subtest is introduced, students will complete several sample questions, and a full timed practice test section will be assigned. This process will help students identify strengths and weaknesses and take a more calculated approach to the exam. The ACT prep classes are scheduled as follows:

Fall ACT meets Mondays 6-8

9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15

Winter ACT meets Tuesdays 6-8

1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5

Spring ACT meets Wednesdays 6-8

3/6, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10

For information regarding fees, registration for tutorials or small group preparation classes, please contact vsaucier@westminster-school.org.

Westminster School SAT/ACT Mathematics Section Preparatory Course

In order to prepare Westminster students for the college entrance exams, small group SAT and ACT Mathematics preparatory courses will be offered during both semesters of the 2018-2019 academic year, consisting of five session programs. The programs will be taught by Stu Radin, a well-respected local educator, who has many years of experience preparing students for the SAT, ACT, SSAT and PSAT assessments. Optimizing a student’s ability on the SAT and ACT requires a combination of content knowledge and test taking strategies. Stu is uniquely qualified to provide instruction in both areas. One-on-one PSAT/SAT/ACT prep tutoring is also available to those students who prefer individualized instruction.

Course times have been carefully selected to help students prepare for the demands of academic testing, while working around the Westminster school calendar. Classes shall meet evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Spring SAT prep classes: Thursdays; 1/17, 1/24, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21

Spring ACT prep classes: Thursdays; 2/28, 3/7, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11

As an alternative to the group courses, one on one instruction is available to better focus on the needs of individual students. Individual tutoring offers more of a “surgical” approach, which can better identify a student’s individual areas of need and zero in on those topics of which the student needs to improve. Sessions, which are normally one hour in length, are scheduled during free blocks, after school, during study hall and on weekends at the convenience of each student.

Stu has earned the level of Professional Educator for Mathematics, Grades 7-12, in the State of Connecticut. He is also "BEST" (Beginning Educator Support and Training) Certified and have been determined to be "Highly Qualified" by the state of Connecticut. Stu’s formal educational background consists of a BS in Civil Engineering, a Masters of Business Administration and a Connecticut Teacher’s Certificate for grades 7 through 12. Stu is also a Professional Engineer. He has been teaching and tutoring in the Farmington Valley area since 2005, making a career change after a 20 year career in engineering and the construction industry. Stu has resided in this area for the past 28 years. He has served as the Middle School math teacher at the Farmington Valley Academy Montessori School and is an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at the University of Hartford. He is well familiar with a wide variety of learning styles and ages and has a knack for making math instruction an entertaining, as well as educational experience.

For fee and register information, please contact Stu at sradin@westminster-school.org, stuartradin@sbcglobal.net, or via telephone/text at (860) 670-4848. More information on Stu’s background, teaching/tutoring approach and teaching philosophies may be found on his website, www.stuartradinmathtutor.com.