Test Prep for the ISEE, SSAT, PSAT, SAT, ACT, CTP, STAAR, and the XYZ

General Academic offers premium, individualized, and comprehensive test preparation for most major standardized tests administered in Houston’s public and private schools.

We offer scheduled courses, in-home private tutoring, and in-office private tutoring.

Students generally start their journey with a complimentary, full-length diagnostic test. Depending on the results of this test and their current grades, most families will do a combination of scheduled courses and private tutoring.

Our Proven Approach to Test Prep

Practice Tests

Students start with a full-length diagnostic/ practice test to evaluate their current strengths and weaknesses. The test should be as realistic as possible including timed conditions.

Strategies

Upon scoring the test, our tutors and managers will evaluate the student’s position and outline a roadmap for improvement. The tutor will discuss test-taking strategies and general tips.

Concept Review

Concept review comprises the bulwark of standardized test prep. To do well, students must have a firm grasp of the tested math and reading concepts. No amount of tips and tricks will compensate for not knowing fractions or how to identify a main idea.

Practice Questions

As students strengthen their fundamental math and reading skills, they must still be able to apply that knowledge to the new and novel ways tested on the standardized test’s reasoning sections. The best way to ensure this capability is to work many test-like practice questions.

Repeat

The process of standardized test prep is continual, and the duration and intensity of preparation will depend on the disparity between the student’s starting place and desired outcome. Most of our students will take a minimum of 3 full-length practice tests and 2 official tests.

Common Standardized Tests in Houston

ISEE

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is the most widely accepted admissions tests for Houston’s private schools. General Academic is the world’s leading publisher of ISEE practice material. We have written nearly 30 full-length tests for the ISEE Lower, Middle, and Upper levels.

ACT

The ACT is the most popular college admissions test in the United States. Students generally take both a mock ACT and SAT before deciding which test to focus on, but generally score comparatively. General Academic has written more than 7 full-length practice ACT tests.

PSAT

The PSAT is the “pre-SAT” and is taken by many sophomores and most juniors in high school. It is most well known as the basis for winning the National Merit Scholarship competition by scoring in the top 1%.

SAT

The SAT is the second most popular college admissions test in the United States. Students generally take both a mock SAT and ACT before deciding which test to focus on, but generally score comparatively. General Academic has written more than 7 full-length practice SAT tests.

CTP (ERBs)

Administered in most Houston private schools, the CTP-5 is commonly referred to by its publisher’s name, the ERB. Private schools use this test to see how students are performing compared to private school students across the nation.

STAAR

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test is administered to all Texas public school students beginning in 3rd grade. It’s primarily a government accountability tool but also good at ensuring students are performing on par with their Texas peers.

ISEE, SSAT, ACT, PSAT, SAT, CTP-5/ERB, and STAAR are registered trademarks to their respective holders, who do not endorse General Academic’s products and services.