Different opinions about Sylvan's SAT prep classes?

Question

I've heard really good things about Sylvan's SAT prep and really negative comments as well. I heard that Sylvan will give you close individual attention if and help if needed or asked in a SAT class.
I've also heard that Kaplan, despite its reputation, was a waste of most people's time.

I am a person who is more than willing to put time and effort into studying for the SAT by myself, but I feel like I still need SAT classes because I think that I understand concepts better if I have someone to explain it to me rather than reading it out of the book.

Thanks for your opinions. :]

Answer 1

I used to teach at Sylvan and am now a public school teacher (with students who have gone through the Sylvan program without much improvement). While I never taught the SAT program at Sylvan, I can tell you that Sylvan isn't REALLY designed to give you individual attention. 3 kids sit at a table together, and the teacher's time is divided between those 3 kids (who often are doing entirely different subjects from one another). So really you get 20 minutes (maximum) of individual attention.



Depending on your market, the program costs about $50/hour, which, frankly, I think is money much better spent on a qualified tutor who will actually work with you one-on-one. (Also, most tutors get $20-30/hr. for private tutoring, thus it will actually save you money in the long run.) A teacher at school may be able to hook you up with someone.



Of course the decision is up to you, but that's just my two cents from my experience working there and in public schools.