SpiderSmart SAT Program
SpiderSmart offers a wholly new approach to preparing for the SAT
SpiderSmart Online Learning Center now offers a three-month SAT preparatory course focused on developing the fundamental skills needed to excel in critical reading, vocabulary enrichment, and essay writing.
You need to score well on the SAT, and there are many programs that offer classes promising success. However, you are a student with your own set of skills and methods of expression. In order to develop those strengths and improve those weaknesses, you need to learn in an environment that allows not only for written answers beyond mere multiple-choice, but also for discussions of strategies, explanations of answers whether right or wrong, and a teacher's absolutely individualized attention.
SpiderSmart builds the critical foundation
We teach students to think critically. Taking practice test after practice test, memorizing vocabulary definitions, and studying pages of grammatical rules do not guarantee a high SAT score because these techniques rely too much on rote memorization and not enough on the actual skills required to understand the nuances of the questions, the tone of passages, or the ability to assess quickly the specific information needed to provide an exact answer.
This is why SpiderSmart uses a unique format in which students are required to write responses rather than picking one of four possible multiple-choice answers. Our format guides students to the necessary information needed, but answers require the full attention and thought of the student. In other words, the student is interacting with the test, and the teacher is able to understand not just what is wrong, but how and why a student answered incorrectly.
Consider just a few challenges of the new SAT
Vocabulary words must be understood in context, not as stand-alone words with strict definitions that can be memorized.
The essay is worth one third of the reading portion of the SAT and must be written in response to a specific prompt in only 25 minutes. Without a plan for breaking down the sections, organizing thoughts effectively, and writing with a structure the evaluators will recognize, writing a high-scoring essay is almost impossible.
Students must read passages that widely differ in tone, style, and substance; knowing what those aspects are improves analytical ability as well as the comprehension of implied meanings.
SpiderSmart has a plan
In each SAT course we offer for the tuition of $270, students complete three study units per month over the three-month period, for the total of nine study units. Each unit includes vocabulary enrichment exercises, a text passage and corresponding critical reading questions and exercises, as well as an essay prompt. In addition, special emphasis is given to planning and developing the essay, understanding the types of questions posed, and other analytical exercises.
Overall, students are challenged by a variety of writing styles and are taught to respond with proven strategies and techniques. A qualified teacher gives feedback for each unit by addressing wrong answers, assessing the essay, and discussing any problem areas - as well as emphasizing strengths and progress - directly with the student via our website, SpiderSmart.com.
