SAT Prep Matters & Bootcamp

Online SAT Prep Matters and Bootcamp are courses designed by Dr Mary Smyth, a long-time SAT coach in the Midcoast. College-bound high school juniors who plan to take the SAT test will benefit from learning about the test’s digital format and updated content.

“I am actually a fan of the current SAT,” says Dr. Smyth. She explained the test is shorter than prior versions (2 hours 15 minutes total) and questions are individualized to each student. The digital approach allows the test to “react” to the student’s prior answers and change the difficulty level. The reading passages are shorter, and there is a combined section with both reading and grammar questions included. The test also has a visible built-in timer and a calculator and graphing program available for all the math questions.

While there are free preparation resources available, most students will need guidance in understanding how to approach the test. For instance, students can attempt a math problem using several techniques: graph it, write out the algebra steps, or try the answers to see which one fits. Knowing how to navigate between those options will give students more strategies and can increase their scores.

“I am amazed how much teaching I can do to help students solidify knowledge they have been exposed to in high school, “ says Smyth. “Students have to be able to use what they have learned to solve problems. That is the name of the game in the SAT.”

Dr. Mary Smyth’s SAT Prep Matters and Bootcamp have been used successfully to prepare students to take the SAT for many years. SAT Prep Matters is offered on weeknight evenings or weekend mornings to accommodate busy schedules. SAT Prep Bootcamp is offered every day during a school vacation week. Students practice taking short sections of the test, and are relaxed and well-rested, so they can absorb the lessons and practice at their best.