ACT and SAT Test Prep Courses

Give your high school student a helping hand -- college acceptance and increased scholarships!

Homeschool Connections is offering a series of test preparation courses. We've scheduled them to coincide with upcoming ACT and SAT test dates. Scroll down for the next three courses available:

SAT Quick Test Prep

(click on course title to register)

Class dates:  Tuesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 24, 2012
Total classes: 2
Starting time: 2:00 pm Eastern (1:00 Central)
Duration: 1 hour each
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade
Fee: $30
Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA
Course description: In this SAT Quick Test Prep Course, your student will learn information in two critical areas that will allow for success in taking the SAT: 1) About the test itself: what happens in an SAT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, and how the test is scored, and 2) How to study for the SAT: how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to the week before testing, be fully prepared for the test.
Course outline:
Session 1: about the test itself: what happens in an SAT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, and how the test is scored
Session 2: how to study for the SAT: how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the test
Course materials: Paper and pencil.
Homework: None

ACT Test Prep

(click on course title to register)

Class dates: Monday through Thursday, August 6-9, 2012

Total classes: 4

Starting time: 2:00 pm Eastern (1:00 pm Central)

Duration: 1 hour each

Prerequisite: none

Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade

Fee: $60

Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA

Course description: In this ACT Test Prep Course, your student will learn information in two critical areas that will allow for success with the ACT: 1) about the test itself: what happens in an ACT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, and how the test is scored, and 2) how to study for the ACT: how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the test.

Course outline:
Session 1: about the test itself: what happens in an ACT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, and how the test is scored, and general preparation
Session 2: Math and Science: how to study, how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the math and science portions of the test
Session 3: Reading and English: how to study, how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the reading and English portions of the test
Session 4: Writing: how to approach the essays, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the writing essays on the test

Course materials: Paper and pencil.

Homework: Assignments each day.
NOTE: This course tells the student what to study but does not work on increasing your student’s skills with personal feedback. If you want personal feedback to increase skills in the reading, English, and writing portions of the test, sign up for the ACT English and Writing Test Prep course that is scheduled August 13 and 14, 2012. The English and Writing course will give your student direct feedback on your student’s skills, as well as specific suggestions for improving your student’s scores.

ACT English and Writing Test Prep

(click on course title to register)

Class dates: Monday and Tuesday, August 13 and 14, 2012
Total classes: 2
Starting time: 1:00 pm Eastern (Noon Central)
Duration: 2 hours each
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Fee: $60
Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy
Course description:  In this ACT English and Writing Test Prep Course, your student will get personal help with his or her English writing skills in a way that enhances their ability to score well on the ACT English and Writing portions of the exam. Students will view actual ACT English and Writing test questions, analyze the questions, and learn how to approach the questions for success. Students will also learn how to analyze a writing prompt, sculpt a good essay, and use their writing time to produce a high-scoring essay.
Course outline:
Session 1: The English Section: types of questions on the English portion of the test; how to analyze questions; how to read the questions for hints regarding the answers; practice test questions; introduction to the writing portion of the test
Session 2: The Writing Section of the test: analyzing numerous prompts; analyzing well-written essays; creating essays together, live; words and phrases to avoid/words and phrases to use; “diamond words” and their use in writing an essay; and what to do to be fully prepared for the writing portion of the test
Course materials: Paper and pencil
Homework:  There will be homework for this Test Prep Course on the evening of Monday, August 13, that will take your student approximately one hour to complete.
NOTE: This increases your student’s skills with personal feedback. Your student will have homework the evening of the first class, to be sent in by midnight of that day; your student will then receive direct feedback on his or her skills, as well as specific suggestions for improving his or her scores.

Instructor biography:  Erin Brown Conroy, MA, is the professor of College-Level Writing and Writing and Research for Patrick Henry College (five years) and taught writing at Cornerstone University for seven years. She is the author of several non-fiction books, including Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Writing Success, and has designed four college writing courses, including an AP English Language and Composition course for PHC Preparatory Academy online. Professor Brown Conroy also privately coaches ACT English prep live and across the US via Skype and phone conferencing and has spoken at conferences regarding the teaching of writing. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators, she is also a fiction writing coach for high school and college students for the last ten years and has judged writing contests. She is also a freelance professional writer and ghostwriter. Professor Brown Conroy also authored True North Reading: The Complete Mastery Reading and Spelling Program, a five-level multisensory learn-to-read program for children ages 3 to 15. Mrs. Brown Conroy lives in Howell, Michigan and is a member of Old St. Patrick's Parish. She has been homeschooling for 27 years. Mrs. Brown Conroy enjoys her two Australian Labradoodles, playing the Irish wooden flute, and homeschooling five of her 13 children who still live at home.

Misc.
Mrs. Brown Conroy will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.