The following post is in collaboration with Mr. D Math. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Are you wondering what online SAT prep classes for homeschoolers are available? Read on to learn about our experience with Mr. D Math's live classes.
This post contains affiliate links.
Quick Overview
Program: Mr. D Math Math SAT Bootcamp
Religious Perspective: Secular
Format: Live Online Classes
# of Classes: 6
Grades: 9th - 12th
Price: $197
Grades: 9th - 12th
Price: $197
Why SAT Prep Matters
My oldest child attended a private high school that offered private SAT prep classes outside of regular school hours. More than a month's worth of Saturdays were dedicated to these prep classes and they made a huge difference in my daughter's scores. I say that in the plural because she took the classes before both the PSAT and the SAT tests.
Taking these prep classes helped her increase her score by more than 100 points. Which was critical for the PSAT because her score on the PSAT helped her land a National Merit Recognition... which eventually led to a full ride at her current college.
Her SAT scores played an important role, too. They were an important factor when it came to acceptance into the colleges of her choice. We soon discovered how to find the SAT score ranges for different colleges and universities. The easiest way is to simply Google "what are the SAT score ranges for [Name of College or University]".
Is the SAT Mandatory?
Thanks to the pandemic, a lot of colleges are test optional now. This means students don't have to submit SAT or ACT scores with their applications. Some are even considering making this permanent. Either way, if your SAT scores are above the average score (especially for that university's score range) it is really to your benefit to submit those scores.
Live SAT Prep for Homeschoolers
SO. Now I have a homeschooled junior entering the college application process. I learned a whole lot from my daughter's private school experience and have been researching the whole "homeschooler to college" process.
All of it has led me to understand that:
- Taking the SAT can be extremely beneficial for college acceptance.
- Taking SAT prep classes could potentially raise your child's score by 70 points or more, making them worth the investment.
BUT SAT prep can be expensive. My son is doing two programs. One was crazy expensive, self-paced, and he hasn't stuck with it very well at all.
The other is more affordable and comes from Mr. D Math. This live Math SAT Bootcamp meets virtually every week. And it has covered different strategies and used both practice tests and activities to help prepare him for the test.
How It Works
Once registered, my son gained access to the Mr. D Math learning portal. There he can find any of the optional (but strongly recommended!) homework downloads. But Mr. H also sent out a file via email with all the problems that they work through over the course of 6 weeks. Then each week about an hour before the class, my son received an email with the zoom link to make access the class easy no matter where we were.
My son logged in each Tuesday before his Civil Air Patrol meeting (this is why he is in uniform in these pics). He preferred to watch the videos on his phone, but you can also use your tablet, laptop, or desktop. We recommend that you have a couple of pencils and your graphing calculator ready, in addition to the printed test materials you need for each class.
Overall, it has been a positive experience and we're confident that the proof will be in the pudding when the SAT test comes around in May.
Register for the Math SAT Bootcamp
If you think this would be a great fit for your family, then register today! Mr. D Math offers three live classes and one self-paced class. We haven't done the self-paced course because the live class was a great fit for us. But you know your child best and it's great that you have the option to choose!