Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How large are the groups?
A: We limit our group size to 5 students. This is to ensure that students have enough individualized attention, and can also get a variety of perspectives, seeing and editing each other's responses. Each student will receive individualized line-by-line feedback on all of their assigned homework each week.
Q: How is this course run?
A: This course is administered via Google Classroom and Zoom. Google Classroom is a platform that's highly intuitive and easy for students to understand -- they often use it at school. There are pre-recorded videos and guides that walk students through exactly how to plan, structure, and write their responses, along with examples and templates. After working through the material each week, they come to class prepared to discuss the edits made to their work.
Q: How does submitting feedback work?
A: Students submit feedback via a Google Classroom course by Thursday at 6pm, and receive feedback before the start of their session.
Q: What if my student has a question? Whom can they talk to?
A: In small group coaching, we treat our students like mentees. They are welcome to send us emails and we typically get back to them on the same day, if not the next day. They can also talk to other members of their group during the week, in our text group chat.
Q: Is this enough coaching?
A: Yes, in our experience, an intensive 6 sessions + 2 optional workshops is the ideal format for coaching. Nearly all of our students from small group coaching with strong GPAs are admitted every year. By the time they've finished this course, they've typically done over 50 practice prompts, seen over 100 responses, and gotten plenty of practice with the material. 96% of students of our small group students last year stated they felt they were "highly prepared" to take the test, after they had taken it on test day. However, if students would like more support, they can schedule as-needed sessions with our instructors.
Q: Is this appropriate for a 7th grader?
A: This course should only be taken once the student is in 8th grade. Until then, we strongly recommend students do the self-paced course. 7th graders can also sign up for as-needed 1:1 sessions with our instructors, to ensure they are on the right track.
Q: Is there a sibling discount?
A: Yes! We have a $100 discount per family, for any families with two siblings who are enrolled in any of our courses in the same year. Please email us to receive this discount.
Q: Is this course as effective as self-paced? What if I want a more affordable option?
A: The self-paced online course has statistically the same admissions rates as live coaching. If the student is willing to commit to completing the course, the self-paced course is the right fit. However, if you are interested in live coaching with more instructor support, this may be a great option.
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