Test Prep for the Class of 2028 and the Class of 2029
January 25, 2026
Hello,
It’s that time of the year to solidify test prep plans for the Class of 2028 and even the Class of 2029. Please keep in mind the following key points when creating a plan:
- Ideally, a substantial portion of test prep should be completed by the summer before junior year. Some students will be ready to begin testing by September or October of junior year, with a goal of finishing by early spring; others should begin in December, with a goal to complete testing by June.
- The courses that students take at Target Tutoring represent a starting point, not an ending point, for test prep. To achieve their exceptional results, Target Tutoring students come to the office regularly to undertake carefully structured practice under my guidance. There is no additional charge for such practice. Simply doing practice tests at home tends to be ineffective and often counterproductive; mistakes need to be addressed, and skills must be honed and adapted.
- When navigating the issue of ACT vs. SAT, please take note of the following:
- With three administrations of the new ACT completed, we have a clear view of the exam. As predicted, it hews closely to the old exam format. The English and Reading sections demonstrate mostly cosmetic changes, yet they do offer more time per question. The Math section also offers more time per question, but the wording of questions is sometimes less clear; the core topics tested remain mostly the same. Importantly, student performance on the new test is in line with previous results.The new Composite Score is made up only of the English, Math, and Reading scores. The Science section is no longer required at many colleges. STEM-oriented students and those applying to the most selective universities should still take the Science section.
- With respect to the PSAT/SAT, I have two updates:
- An increased emphasis on tricky vocabulary has materialized over the past year. Target Tutoring’s Wordsmith Workshop addresses this issue head-on. (more on this later…)
- PSAT/SAT scores are more volatile than in the past. Vocabulary issues on the verbal sections and silly math mistakes in Module 1 of the two modules likely account for a significant portion of the volatility. Poor test design, featuring higher variability of difficulty across administered tests, also contributes.
- Target Tutoring’s curriculum makes the most of the substantial overlap between the ACT and the PSAT/SAT: about 70% of my curriculum applies to BOTH the ACT and the PSAT/SAT. Target Tutoring’s Grammar Intensive and Math Booster are foundational for test prep for either path. Enrolling in the Grammar Intensive allows access to ACT Reading Strategy Sessions or SAT Reading Strategy Sessions. After taking the Math Booster, Target Tutoring’s students choose the Trig/Pre-Cal Module (for ACT) or the SAT Math Intensive. (A student enrolled in one of these advanced math courses can take the other at no extra charge.)
- In the previous update, I pointed out the precipitous decline in the quality of math instruction at most South Florida schools over the past decade. Accordingly, students must devote significantly more time to fully prepare for the math portions of the ACT and/or SAT. I’ve been tutoring students from a wide variety of schools in this area for nearly twenty years; I estimate that, on average, current students are at least a full year and a half behind the math skill-level of students when I started. I would encourage parents to continue to speak out to ensure positive changes at their children’s schools. For test prep purposes, it is vital for students to begin math prep as soon as possible. For parents, please assume that substantial improvements in students’ math abilities will occur only after an intensive and sustained effort.
- Finally, I am sad to report the widespread demise of grammar instruction over the past couple of years. The majority of students seem to have no fundamental grasp of English grammar and have confirmed to me the near absence of grammar instruction at school. Fortunately, my Grammar Intensive (described below) can rectify the problem. I strongly encourage students to take this course as early as possible so they can integrate its lessons into their writing and their reading comprehension. Students may then take this course a second time at no extra charge to understand its finest nuances.
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The Grammar Intensive provides a comprehensive and novel review of English grammar, incorporating Target Tutoring’s proprietary method of abridged sentence diagramming to help students better grasp the underlying anatomy of complex sentences. This course covers topics and techniques for the English section of the ACT and for the grammar questions on the SAT (30% of the SAT verbal sections). The Grammar Intensive takes place over six two-hour sessions and costs $1400.
The Math Booster includes a review of key arithmetic, geometry, and algebra topics; the course also introduces strategies to help students better handle the timed testing environment. The Math Booster takes place over six two-hour sessions and costs $1300.
The Trig/Pre-Cal Module, designed for the ACT, reviews a variety of advanced algebra, trigonometry, statistics, and pre-calculus topics. The course introduces propriety techniques to help students master tricky test questions. The Trig/Pre-Cal Module takes place over six two-hour sessions and costs $1300.
The SAT Math Intensive is a fast-paced class with a focus on medium to advanced SAT math topics and question types. Linear and non-linear functions, systems of equations, trickier geometry and statistics problems, number theory, and select trigonometry topics constitute the core of this course. The SAT Math Intensive will also cover calculator use (both TI-84 CE and Desmos). The SAT Math Intensive takes place over six two-hour sessions and costs $1300.
Target Tutoring’s innovative ACT Science Primer helps students tackle the intimidating ACT Science test with confidence. This four-session course provides a systematic approach to navigating the most open-ended section of the ACT. The cost of the ACT Science Primer is $800.
Last but definitely not least, the Wordsmith Workshop will help students gain insight into the vibrant and sometimes confounding nature of words. True to its name, the course will inspire students to become wordsmiths. Like a goldsmith who crafts precious metal into beautiful shapes, a wordsmith has the knowledge and self-assurance to wield words into meaningful thought. In the Wordsmith Workshop™, we strike a balance between the rational and the idiomatic aspects of English – teaching students how to be confident enough to take on new words, yet cautious enough to guard against word traps. The course is far more than a simple review of words and meanings: we create an interactive experience using innovative flash card techniques, unforgettable mnemonic devices, and carefully interwoven themes. The Wordsmith Workshop takes place over five two-hour sessions and costs $1000.
You will find a schedule of upcoming courses at https://www.target-tutoring.com/upcoming-schedule/. And to create your test prep plan, please email me at william@target-tutoring.com. Keep in mind that class size is limited (usually 10-12 students); therefore, if you have a tight summer calendar, it is best to register early.
Best regards,
William
Target Tutoring has a new home!
June 1, 2025
I’m excited to announce that Target Tutoring has found a wonderful new location in the Accord Production Center in North Coconut Grove. The building has supported creative industries for over two decades and is home to leading audio and visual production companies, photography studios, design companies — and now Target Tutoring. I’m truly looking forward to this next chapter of teaching, learning, and creative growth. I am so proud of my students and am grateful to get to know their supportive parents.
Starting June 1st, the new address is 2140 S Dixie Highway, Ste 300 in Coconut Grove 33133; there is free on-site parking.
Best regards,
William