Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

FREE Test Prep Resources for ACT and SAT

Back in the day, only the ACT provided a FREE downloadable guidebook with a full-length practice test and test prep tips. The SAT did not provide much in the way of free resources.

The tides changed when the College Board redesigned the SAT in 2016. Upon launching a new test format, the College Board also launched a partnership with Khan Academy to create an entirely new and FREE test prep platform with FREE full-length practice tests and tons of study resources.

Now the ACT has pushed to be king of the free resource hill with the recently launched ACT Academy, a FREE online platform full of practice tests, test prep tips and more.

With so many free resources available, this is a glorious time to be prepping for the SAT and ACT.

I am hopeful that free resources will even the playing field. Test scores on standardized tests have historically shown that students who have access to resources will outperform students who don’t have resources. Put differently, standardized tests are biased towards those students who had the money to buy guide books, the time to take practice tests or the resources to hire tutors.

Free resources may not completely remove this bias, but they are a good start.

If you need help navigating the resources for the SAT or ACT, contact CROSSWALK today. We offer free resources too, like this this blog, as well as financial assistance or pro bono work for many of our programs.

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

How Much SAT or ACT Tutoring Is Needed?

The old mantra of “you get what you pay for” does not always apply to SAT or ACT prep. There are plenty of free resources available. Check previous blog posts about why you don’t need to hire an SAT tutor or other posts for free ACT resources or free SAT resources. 

However, it is worth noting that a private tutor from CROSSWALK will help any student navigate the troubled test prep waters.


CROSSWALK specializes in individualized plans. Unlike some competitors that offer set programs of strict schedules, CROSSWALK feels that there is no one model that meets the needs of every student. 

CROSSWALK knows that students have busy schedules, tight budgets and other constraints that make test prep difficult. For this reason, we tailor programs based on a student’s needs and time frame. 

So what does a typical student need? While not every student needs the same program, consider the following parameters when scheduling a private CROSSWALK tutor:

  • 3-6 Hours: this amount of time allows for minimal preparation, but a CROSSWALK tutor can present the major strategies of one test, like the ACT or SAT over this amount of time. 
  • 6-12 Hours: CROSSWALK recommends at least six hours to properly prepare for either the SAT or ACT (i.e. six hours for one test, not both). More is ideal, but with at least six hours, a tutor can present the major strategies and also start some guided practice. 
  • 12+ Hours: historically, the CROSSWALK students that have achieved the most point increase are the ones that put in the most time. See recent success stories both here and here for examples. With more than twelve hours to work with a student, a tutor can really dig into individual needs and move the needle. 
In all of the above scenarios, the key is to put in study time in addition to tutoring sessions. Just like homework reinforces classwork, SAT and ACT practice reinforces the lessons and strategies learned with a tutor. 

So instead of seeing private tutoring as “you get what you pay for,” perhaps the more accurate statement would be “you get out what you put in.” If your budget and schedule can allow for more hours, your score can increase. 

But not everyone has the luxury of an unlimited budget or endless free time. For this reason, CROSSWALK can help design a plan to fit your needs. Contact CROSSWALK today to learn more.

CROSSWALK specializes in individualized ACT and SAT preparation plans as well as private tutoring for a variety of academic subjects. Learn more at www.crosswalkeducation.com.