About Our Program

See general FAQ about the SAT

What is Ivy Global’s track record?

In our summer programs, students have improved an average of 200 points on their SAT scores. Overall, you can expect our students to improve anywhere between 100 – 400 points.

 

What are the class sizes?

Class sizes are typically 5-10 students. In addition to our primary instructor in class, we provide additional support with teacher assistants who help students periodically with tailored one-on-one help. Please follow this link for a current list of SAT classes in Toronto.

How is Ivy Global different than other schools?

Most schools provide low-quality instructors lacking the experience and expertise necessary for effective teaching. Usually, the instructional method is generic and fails to recognize each student’s unique needs. Ivy Global is committed to a uniquely tailored program and only using top quality instructors.

 

Who are your instructors?

We hand-pick instructors who combine high-academic achievement with a passion for teaching. Many of our instructors are graduates of top US colleges and experts in writing and teaching standardized tests. Meet some of our SAT instructors and tutors here.

 

How much homework is given for each class? What if I am unable to complete all the assignments and homework?

The amount of homework assigned varies for each course, but in all cases there is significant flexibility. The instructor will always assign a “bare minimum” amount of homework with additional work optional. If a student is unable to complete the “bare minimum” work before class, the instructor will work with the student to devise a catch-up schedule. We understand the hectic nature of the student life, and our instructors and courses reflect that understanding.

What makes Ivy Global's program so unique? What makes it more effective than other programs?

There are several factors that distinguish Ivy Global from other test prep agencies:

Teacher quality: Our instructors are knowledgeable, experienced, and committed to helping to students maximize their test scores.

Individualized approach: Our classes are customized according to the needs of every student. At too many prep agencies, instructors rely on scripted material. Our instructors engage directly with students, answering questions and responding to concerns as they arise. Our prep programs offer flexible homework assignments to suit students with varying schedules.

Close teacher-student rapport: Our instructors gain a deep understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, and personality of each student. This understanding allows the instructor to shape the class according to the needs of students.

Selective prep material: The prep books and practice tests employed in our classes are chosen after a rigorous evaluative process. Unlike many other test prep agencies, which utilize material from only one source, we use the best materials available from all sources.

Real practice tests: Many other test prep agencies utilize unrealistic practice tests that have not been written or approved by the actual test-makers. Our courses rely on real practice tests from the test-makers.

 

What is the ACT?

The ACT is a standardized college entrance exam. The test covers the following subject areas: English grammar, math, reading, science, and writing (which is optional). The majority of American colleges accept either the ACT or SAT. See below for more information about the ACT (and how it compares to the SAT).

 

Should I take the SAT or ACT?

Previously, the ACT was the test preferred by colleges in the midwestern United States, while the SAT was preferred by schools on the east and west coasts as well as in the northeast. However, an increasing number of schools are now accepting the ACT; in fact, at present, the majority of colleges in the United States will accept the ACT in lieu of the SAT.

This is excellent news for students, who can now choose between these two distinct tests in accordance with their particular skills. Here are some ways in which the two tests differ:

• Unlike the SAT, the ACT test includes a science section.
• Unlike the ACT, the SAT has a guessing penalty.
• Unlike the SAT, the ACT tests trigonometry.
• The vocabulary on the SAT is more difficult than that on the ACT.

Ultimately, the best way to tell which test is better for you is to try writing each test. Of course, before you commit to either the ACT or SAT, check the application material from your schools of interest to ensure that they accept the test you plan to take.

 

Should I take an SAT class or private tutoring?

Both our classes and private tutoring services offer thorough preparation in terms of the strategy and substance of the SAT. The private tutoring option is best suited for those who work best in a one-on-one context. These students might include those with special learning needs or those who want to focus on only one of the three sections of the SAT. The class option is an excellent choice for those who enjoy the classroom environment. Teamwork, friendly competition, and laughter are important aspects of our classes.

 

What are the main differences between Ivy Global's different SAT classes?

At Ivy Global, we offer three types of classes: the three-week summer course, the one-week crash course, and the eight-week course.

The three-week summer course (60 hours total) offers the most intensive, detailed test preparation, with ample time for students to practice writing in true test conditions. Both the content and strategies of the SAT are covered in depth. Students write four full practice exams during the three-week course. Daily homework assignments are given, with options provided to busier students.

The one-week crash course (24 hours total) offers a condensed introduction to the most successful SAT strategies. Also included is a review of the substantive material tested on the SAT. Students write a mini-diagnostic SAT as well as one full practice test during the weeklong course.

The eight-week course (32 hours total) covers the same material as the one-week crash course, with more practice time built into the classes. Given that this course often runs during the school year, homework assignments are flexible, with a minimum core amount of homework and optional additional homework assigned. Students write a mini-diagnostic SAT at the beginning of the course and finish with a full test on the last day.

Learn more about our classes.

 

Will the student be taking practice exams during classes?

Yes. Experiencing the test under accurate test conditions is an integral element of test preparation. In each of our classes, students take practice exams and also write a substantial number of practice sections in true test conditions. Our longer courses (the three-week summer courses) offer more practice exams.

 

What is a typical class like?

A typical class consists of a combination of lecture-based explanation, individual practice sections, and collaborative discussion. Our small classes make it possible for teachers to respond directly to student concerns about particular questions or concepts. Our instructors maintain a relaxed atmosphere. A typical class ends with our famous vocabulary game, fueled by friendly competition and laughter!

 

Will students lose the information between the course and the test?

It is certainly vital for students to review course material after the course has ended until the date of the test. However, in general we recommend that students take the course early in their test prep schedule, to allow for maximum time to practice strategies and test-taking techniques. Students may find that they can continue to improve upon their weaknesses by reviewing, drilling, and writing additional practice tests while utilizing the strategies they’ve learned in our prep courses.

 

My son or daughter needs particular help with one section of the SAT. Does your program address individual needs?

All of our SAT prep classes strive to respond to the particular needs of our students. The instructors are trained to maximize class time according to the individual students' strengths and weaknesses.

Nonetheless, for a student who has truly mastered two of the three sections of the SAT I (Math, Reading, and Writing), one-on-one tutoring may be the optimal choice.

 

Do you offer other services for students interested in applying to US colleges?

In addition to our SAT prep program, we also offer education consulting services. Our consulting services are comprised of both long-term strategic consulting (for younger students) and also application packaging (for senior high school students commencing the college application process.)

See here for more information about our consulting services.