"Peak Learning has been instrumental in their impact on my son’s readiness for the ACT and SAT. His scores have improved dramatically as well as his test taking abilities. The skills he has learned have also transferred over to his classroom work at East. He reads and understands test questions better in all subjects and his confidence overall in all academic areas has increased dramatically."

-Cary L. (Parent)

"I can’t tell you how much Peak has helped me, and I probably wouldn’t have made it through the class without your help. Thank you very much for being so quick to set me up with tutoring, and I will definitely recommend your company to anyone I know looking for tutoring."

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"I am thrilled to recommend Peak Learning Solutions. Both of our children (grades 9 and 10) have been using Peak’s tutoring services this year to support them in Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra 2, respectively. Peak has also helped our son with overall study and organizational skills. The results have been great."

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"We recommend Peak Learning Solutions to help high school students who could benefit from tutoring to supplement classroom learning for some of the more challenging courses such as algebra and chemistry. This has been of great help to our daughter."

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"This semester Julie seems to have a better handle on keeping up, and even getting ahead. That has earned her extra credit already in English. Thanks for all of your help, I know it has helped her in many ways."

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"Thank you so much for your help. Big difference for this exam. So again thank you!"

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"Our son Ryan is a junior and has been working with a tutor at Peak Learning in Chemistry this semester. Ryan missed a lot of classes at the beginning of this semester due to illnesses and fell behind in Chemistry. He was overwhelmed by the prospect of getting caught up while keeping up with the ongoing lessons. Working with his tutor really saved his semester. I don't think he would have been able to catch up and keep up with his class without his tutor's help."

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"Thanks for the great class! I enjoyed learning new material and I feel more at ease going into chemistry class."

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-Dawn H. (parent)

"Thanks so much for all of your help! Emily got a B in Chemistry and an A in Math. Hurray!"

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-Kerry S. (parent)

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A Comprehensive Guide to the SAT: What Every Family Needs to Know

By Steven Darby - January 4, 2025

The SAT is a cornerstone of the college admissions process, and understanding it can help students approach the test with confidence and a clear plan. This blog dives deeper into the SAT, providing insight into its updated structure, scoring, preparation tips, and how families can support their students during this important phase.

What Is the SAT?

The SAT is a standardized test designed to assess a student’s readiness for college. It evaluates key skills in reading, writing, and math that students are expected to develop throughout high school. Many colleges and universities use SAT scores as part of their admissions process, making it a significant factor in the journey to higher education.

SAT Structure and Timing (Digital Format)

In 2025, the SAT is now fully digital for all test-takers. The redesigned test is shorter, adaptive, and emphasizes real-world skills. Here’s how it’s structured:

Sections:

Reading & Writing
- 54 questions, 64 minutes.
- Combines reading comprehension and grammar into one section.
- Includes shorter passages with one question each, covering literature, science, historical texts, and everyday topics.
Math
- 44 questions, 70 minutes.
- Covers algebra, data analysis, geometry, and advanced math topics.
- A calculator is allowed for the entire section, and an on-screen calculator is provided.

Key Changes:

Adaptive Testing: Questions adjust in difficulty based on student performance, making the test more tailored to individual skill levels.
Shorter Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes, significantly shorter than the previous paper-based version.
Streamlined Content: Focuses on practical and essential academic skills.

How Is the SAT Scored?

The SAT continues to be scored on a scale of 400–1600, with separate scores for each section:

Reading & Writing: 200–800 points.
Math: 200–800 points.

Scores are delivered faster than before—students typically receive them in just a few days.

When Should Students Take the SAT?

Most students take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their junior year, leaving time for retakes in the summer or fall of senior year if needed.

Upcoming 2025 SAT Dates:

March 9 (Registration Deadline: February 23)
May 4 (Registration Deadline: April 19)
June 1 (Registration Deadline: May 17)

How to Prepare for the SAT

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Digital Format
Students should practice with digital tools to get comfortable with the online interface and adaptive format.

2. Start with a Baseline Practice Test
The College Board offers free digital practice tests that simulate the new SAT experience.

3. Build a Study Plan
Dedicate regular time to prep, focusing on weaker areas and taking timed digital practice tests to improve pacing.

4. Learn Key Strategies

Read passages carefully but efficiently, focusing on main ideas.
Master core grammar rules and mathematical formulas.
Use process of elimination and make educated guesses—there’s no penalty for wrong answers.

5. Leverage Digital Resources

Official SAT Prep on Khan Academy: Personalized and free.
College Board’s Practice Platform: Access full-length practice tests and tutorials.

6. Consider Professional Coaching
An academic coach can provide tailored strategies, accountability, and support to help students reach their target score.

How Parents Can Support SAT Prep

Encourage Consistency: Help your student stick to their study plan.
Create a Supportive Environment: Set up a distraction-free space for practice.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your student’s effort and improvement.
Explore Resources: Introduce them to professional academic coaching if additional support is needed.

At Peak Learning Solutions, we specialize in personalized SAT preparation that equips students with the skills, strategies, and mindset to succeed. Whether it’s building test-taking stamina, mastering tricky math problems, or improving reading comprehension, we’re here to help your student achieve their best score.

Contact us today at 720-737-9221 or visit www.peaklearningsolutions.com to learn more. Conveniently located at 6143 S Willow Dr, Greenwood Village, Colorado, we proudly serve students from Our Lady of Loreto, Chatfield High School, Chaparral High School, Thomas Jefferson High School, and more.

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