We have the best curriculum, diagnostic tests, and the best teachers.  Our curriculum is adaptive and will benefit every student and that knowledge will translate into better grades in the classroom. Our class sizes are small, so students receive the attention they need. Our staff constantly monitors each student’s progress and challenges them to reach their potential. We also go beyond “test tricks” that are supposed to help you “beat” the test without really understanding what you’re doing. We’re focused on building the fundamental academic skills that the SAT tries to measure. These are the same skills that are essential for college.

Our program is one of the few in the industry that actually teach students how to solve the most difficult SAT problems that other programs might tell you to simply skip.

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“Why do I have to take a diagnostic test?”

Our proprietary 100 point diagnostic test identifies educational gaps in a student’s math, reading, and grammar foundation, and is not a multiple choice test. Any holes discovered during this prerequisite testing are areas of concern, and must be addressed immediately. Just a single hole in the prerequisites can lead to a loss of 100 or more points on the SAT. Therefore, any problem the student misses in the diagnostic test is a major red flag.

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“How do I enroll?”

Enrollment is on a first-come, first served basis. Some programs fill up early, especially during the summer, so you should plan on enrolling early. To enroll, call CTS today. You will be asked to make an appointment for a diagnostic test and initial conference. The diagnostic test will give both you and CTS a good idea of your current ability level.

The test takes about an hour for students to complete. After the test, the student and at least one parent (or guardian) will meet with our branch director of education or educational consultant to discuss your academic needs. Based on the results of your diagnostic test and the conference, we will recommend a program that suits your particular needs.

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“How much does it cost?”

Our initial 100 point diagnostic test and counseling session only costs $99 and identifies educational gaps in a student’s math, reading, and grammar foundation. It is not a multiple-choice test.

We will then schedule an appointment to review an analysis of the results which will identify each student’s strengths and needs, and determine which program (or tutoring options) meet your student’s needs in order to achieve the highest possible test score.

The regular SAT course includes three parts (critical reading, math and writing) and a full-length practice test every other week and our proprietary 100 point diagnostic test each week to further identify students’ weaknesses. The cost is $495 for each 4-week period and $125 each additional week. Other programs have varying rates and services based on your educational goals.

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“Who teaches the classes?”

Our program teaches both fundamental and advanced skills. Therefore, our curriculum can’t be taught by just anyone. We have strict standards for our teachers. Many are high school teachers or college professors with advanced degrees. All have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and teaching experience. CTS teachers are never undergraduate students.

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“How often would I have to attend?”

Attendance depends on what program you select. For the after-school programs, the student will come in two or three days a week. The student who takes Saturday classes only comes in on Saturdays, but must schedule one test date every other week as well. Some intensive programs meet more frequently.

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“How are your SAT programs different?”

At CTS, you will get unrivaled personal attention. Our classes are small, and every student receives regular one-on-one attention. Our staff constantly monitors your progress and helps you push yourself to maximize your potential. We also go beyond “test tricks” that are supposed to help you “beat” the test without really understanding what you’re doing. We’re focused on building the fundamental academic skills that the SAT tries to measure. These are the same skills that are essential for college.

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“Do you offer individual tutoring?”

Absolutely! CTS offers private tutoring for both SAT, Subject Tests and various other subjects. For the SAT, most students prefer our classroom environment because of the social interaction. However there are times, due to a student’s schedule or other needs, that private tutoring becomes a better option.

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“What should my plan of action be if I’ m a freshman or sophomore?”

Other companies will tell you that starting too early on the SAT is not beneficial. That is because their programs are limited and do not adapt to the student. Because our program is adaptive and teaches core fundamentals, what a student learns at CTS will carry over into the classroom.

Test preparation is only one aspect of admissions equation. Earning high grades and proactively building a college resume are critical to meeting your educational goals. Starting early and taking a proactive approach to pursuing your college goals will set you apart from the vast majority of other students and pay huge dividends.

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“How many times should I take the SAT?”

Though we attempt to mimic a test environment, stress, anxiety and various other things can affect your SAT score. Therefore, SAT scores can vary from test to test due to these factors. Taking the SAT several times minimizes these external factors and will assure you that you have achieved your best score.

Many people do not know that SAT tests are extremely imprecise! As a result a student’s scores can vary widely from test to test. Plan to take the test several times so you can be assured to get your highest score.

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“When should I begin to prepare for SAT?”

The earlier the better! Why? Our curriculum adapts to the student, so even freshman or sophomores can gain a real competitive advantage by committing early to a quality program, which will pay dividends in the classroom as well.

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“What is the best strategy for planning both my SAT & SAT subject tests? “

Having a proactive plan and the discipline to stick with that plan is the best approach. There’s no substitute for putting in the time. In addition, working towards your academic goals eliminates your stress and puts you in control of your future by providing more options.

It’s essential to take all of your tests at least once while you’re a Junior. That means both the SAT and the Subject Tests as well. A student should also plan to take the SAT three to four times, giving themselves enough time in between each test for their studies to impact their scores. Every university loves to see student improvement and our records show that to reasonably impact the SAT, you must commit at least 60 hours of directed study for that to occur.

CTS believes that best time to take your Subject Tests is immediately following the course which relates to the Subject Test. Usually, that means you’ll want to take it in June. Most students find that their recall of essential knowledge is better at this time and their scores are higher.

Remember, if you are applying to a UC or other selective college, each school has requirements for the number of subject tests required. You can learn more about college admissions requirement by meeting with our qualified counselors. CTS also offers summer courses and summer “boot camps” that can help students to maximize their efforts. If there’s a gap in skills or a student’s knowledge, this will also give you time to address the problem either in our programs or through private tutoring.

Finally, please remember that the SAT is a skill-oriented test. One does not learn to write an essay, patch up algebra skills, or become a better reader over a single weekend. The best advice we can give you is to proactively plan ahead! The more time we have to identify gaps in your knowledge, the better you results will be!

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“If I’m weak in one area of the SAT, what should I do?”

Individual SAT and subject tutoring can address those problem areas. Because the human mind can struggle learning certain concepts, individual tutoring can provide the extra attention needed to address those problems. CTS will meet with you to fiond out how to give you the tools and knowledge you need.

Both our SAT course and our individual SAT tutoring sessions are based on an adaptive educational algorithm which adapts and forces the student’s mind to learn those tools. Because we don’t teach gimmicks, students often can use what they have learned at CTS in their current classes. In addition, our proprietary 100 point diagnostic test takes the guesswork out of identifying gaps in a student’s knowledge base. A single hole in the prerequisites can by itself lead to a loss of 100 or more points on the SAT. Any problem missed in the test of prerequisites is a major red flag.

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“How do colleges use scores from several tests?”

Private universities and the California State system use the highest scores for each section in any one of multiple tests. In contrast, the UC system uses the highest total scores from any one test date.

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“Should I take the PSAT?”

Many so-called “experts” will claim the PSAT is nothing more a practice test.  Only one percent of students will actually qualify for National Merit –but that’s not a reason to pass on it or not prepare. The PSAT is a chance to experience a major test in a real test environment without risk, since the test results do not go on your record. It also gives students an idea of what it will take to succeed on the SAT.

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“When should I start planning for college?”

Immediately! Your grades, class work, test scores, essays and extra-curricular activities all play a role in the college admissions. Our job is to build a step-by-step, proactive plan that a student and family can implement throughout the process. That plan is based on an initial interview and an eight step college admissions process along with a ten step application process.

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“What is the 8 step college admission process?”

After the initial interview, we offer an eight step process which includes:

1. College Recommendations: Based on parent and student information, CTS prepares a list recommended colleges, including “reaches”, target schools and “backups.”

2. Time Line: CTS gives you a list of steps in your application process with appropriate deadlines.

3. College Research: CTS shows you how to research colleges and find information from guide books, catalogs, etc.

4. College Comparison: CTS prepares a college comparison chart for you showing each college’s strengths and weaknesses for the field in which you’re interested.

5. Statistical Interpretation: From gathered statistics, CTS shows your probabilities of admission at selected colleges.

6. Self Assessment and Career Search: CTS provides the Strong Interest Inventory test showing career interests and in-depth looks at different college majors.

7. Planning Student Summers: CTS advises you on how to spend the summer between junior and senior years in activities enhancing college placement.

8. Testing: CTS advises you on whether to take the SAT or ACT tests –or both– and SAT II Subject tests.

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“What does your 10 steps application process include?”

1.  Consider Early Decision, Early Action and Early Application for Rolling Admissions.

2.  Evaluate your extracurricular activities.

3.  Prepare your professional resume.

4.  Evaluate common applications and on-line forms.

5.  Request teacher recommendations.

6.  Critique your application essays.

7.  Prepare for your college interviews.

8.  Provide hints and ideas for completing your college applications.

9.  Prepare and critique your college applications.

10.  Make your final decision.

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“As a parent, what can I do to about planning for college?”

The first thing you can do is realize that high grades and a solid SAT score can qualify you for certain grants, scholarships, or loans in the future.  Universities, like their athletic programs, want the best students because they are the ones that truly build value in their institution.

CTS can help in several ways. We often put together a high school timeline which includes goals and action steps for families to address. Class choices, GPA management, and building a successful college resume are just some of the items we address in our 8 point counseling service and 10 point application process.

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“Is there anything I can do to make college more affordable?”

Yes! Every year, many families struggle to pay education expenses, while billions of dollars in grants, scholarships, and loans go unclaimed. The reasons for that are:

1. Parents believe the myth that if their income is too high or they own their own home or business they won’t qualify for financial aid!

2. Families do not know where or how to obtain these funds.

3. Parents often make costly errors when preparing financial aid forms on their own. Remember, these forms are designed to disqualify you!

CTS takes you and your family through the complete process —from college selection through the application process and the final decision of the college of your choice.

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“How can you help me with college costs?”

YES!

1. By taking a proactive approach to college planning you can reduce your college costs by thousands of dollars each year?
2. Learn which schools consistently deliver aid to families earning $100,000 and which schools are certain to disappoint $25,000-a-year families?
3. Know which strategies work at all schools and which popular strategies do not work at any schools?
4. Select colleges that meet your financial goals:
5. Recieve more in grants than loans?
6. Find our which schools are more lenient with divorced or separated parents?
7. Do not paint one picture for the college guide books but in reality, offer a lot less?
8. Consider academics in the aid package?

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