Choose software if your student needs a more attention grabbing study tool, a book if your child lacks the necessary computer or just likes to learn by reading. Use vocabulary flashcards . Whether you make or buy these is irrelevant. If the test taker doesn't know the words, there's a limit to how far a great guessing strategy will carry him. Take the test early.
Many schools look for the best score a student presents.
Published, independent studies indicate that coaching schools produce total score improvements of 25 to 40 points, far less than the 140 point claims some make. To put it in context, ETS' empirical data indicate that second-time test takers show an average of 20 to 30 points improvement. And the expected accuracy of the test is only plus or minus 30 points on the verbal section, and 35 points on the math. Of course another reason to seek out personal instruction, is peer pressure. If your child is the only student not enrolled in a class, he or she could feel at a competitive disadvantage on test day.