Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Buyer Beware: Khan Academy and SAT Prep

That the College Board partnered with the Khan Academy to offer free SAT resources is a glorious arrangement. 


Long the subject of criticism that SAT prep resources were exclusively available to higher income families, the College Board made a strategic move with the relaunch of the new SAT in early 2016 to make many online resources free of charge via Khan Academy. 

This partnership was intended to even the playing field a bit since reports showed that the SAT favored higher income and more educated families. 

Now, it seems, that consumers are getting what they paid for. 

Thanks to one of CROSSWALK’s top tutors, Dan Marks, it has come to our attention that the SAT resources on Khan Academy contain many errors. Dan has uncovered some wonkiness in both reading and math sections on the Khan materials and his findings are echoed by other tutors via online chat threads and discussion forums. There is even some debate as to who is really writing these questions. 

Personally, I stick to the official study guide book with my students. Purchasing the College Board’s Official Study Guide to the SAT continues to be, in my opinion, the best bang for your buck. $25 for accurate questions, loads of study resources and full-length practice tests is an economical and worthwhile investment. 

So sad that the mantra, “you get what you pay for” turns out to be true for Khan Academy and SAT prep. I hope that both the College Board and Khan Academy take a deep dive into the online forums, comments and feedback in order to make their resources as useful as the guidebook. 

If you find yourself in need of support for the SAT, ACT, PSAT, SSAT or academic subjects, contact CROSSWALK today. We offer private Skype and face-to-face tutoring as well as group classes and other resources to help you succeed in the classroom and on test day. 

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Why You Don’t Need an SAT Tutor

How important is an SAT tutor? Is it necessary to hire someone to get a student prepared for test day?


Truth be told, you don’t need to hire an SAT tutor. There is a lot you can do by yourself. Even better, the DIY method is easier than ever with free SAT prep available from Khan Academy.

I’ve long been a proponent of the free resources available at Khan Academy, but after digging through the free SAT materials that are available on their site, I am more convinced that all students can do their own SAT prep.

The latest resources are boosted by a partnership with the College Board, the makers of the SAT. Perhaps the most useful tool is the full-length SAT practice test available to download. Also helpful are the numerous tutorial videos for math, reading and writing.

Per the video of Khan Academy founder Sal Khan and College Board CEO David Coleman, this free resource exists to disprove the theory that SAT preparation requires expensive courses and tutors. Performing well on the test requires diligence, attention to detail and practice. With the resources from Khan, anyone can do that, not just those families that can afford private tutoring.

Now, just in case a student needs to navigate these materials with a seasoned professional, a good tutor can certainly offer great assistance. Tutors, while not totally necessary, can offer tremendous support and guided practice. A tutor can inspire, motivate and point students in the right direction.

If you need a tutor, whether you live on the Monterey Peninsula or can Skype from anywhere, CROSSWALK should be your first stop.

But if the DIY approach is more your speed, check out Khan Academy and don’t forget to read 2400 SCORES: 24 Life Lessons to Demystify the SAT and Boost Your Score.

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Free Resource: The Khan Academy

It’s hard to argue with the premise that you get what you pay for.

However, sometimes a very valuable resource comes along that doesn’t cost a thing. The Khan Academy is just one of those valuable resources that won’t cost you a penny.

What started as an uncle creating math tutorials via YouTube for his family has turned into a major hub of educational content. Check out the videos and create an account to track your progress. (Note: you must be at least 13 years old to create an account.)

Free education at your own pace? Sounds like a lot of value for no money. Kudos Khan Academy.