Frequently Asked Questions

Summit Classroom Programs

What kind of score increases can I expect? What are the score increases like from people who attend my school?

Our proven score increases on the SAT are 180 to 400 points. Score increases are of course dependent upon the student attending all the sessions and completing all the homework. We don’t track results school-by-school but you may want to ask your guidance counselor.

What sort of guarantee does Summit have? Do you offer refunds?

While we do not offer a guaranteed score increase, we are committed to working with our families to help students achieve their goals. If a student attends every session and completes all assigned homework and does not realize an increase in his or her combined score following the completion of the Summit program, the student may either retake the class for free the next time it is offered or choose to have two free one-on-one tutoring sessions with a Summit tutor. We do not offer monetary refunds.

How does the price of your program compare to others?

As part of our mission to bring affordable test prep to students, Summit offers programs that are priced more reasonably than other companies’ programs.

Can you describe the structure of the program?

Our standard program consists of 8 instructional sessions and 4 testing sessions for a total of 12 sessions. Instructional sessions are 3 hours in length; testing sessions are 3.5 hours in length. In the testing sessions, the instructor proctors practice tests for the class. This gives students the chance to take the SAT under simulated test conditions and gives them lots of familiarity and practice with SAT questions. In the instructional sessions, students learn all of the strategies and academic skills they need to succeed on the math, reading and writing portions of the SAT.

How much homework is assigned each class? How important is it?

Students are assigned approximately 2 hours of homework per week. We feel that completing the outside homework is an essential part of the course.

What if my son or daughter has to miss a session? Do you hold make-ups?

If your student has to miss a testing session, we will mail the test home or the student can ask the instructor for a copy of the test during the session before the test. If your student has to miss an instructional session, Summit runs a number of classes that are open to anyone. If your son or daughter has to miss a session at his/her location, we will do our best to identify an alternative location where the session can be made up. We cannot guarantee a make-up session however, but you will receive a course syllabus as part of your enrollment packet. The syllabus outlines the content that will be covered in each session, as well as the homework assignments.

Who are your instructors?

There is no typical Summit instructor. Generally, our instructors are graduate students, business professionals and full-time teachers. All Summit instructors have done well on their own standardized tests and have impressive academic backgrounds. Our instructors also receive intensive training to give them all the tools they need to bring our test-taking expertise to Summit students. Our classroom program instructors are initially trained as one-on-one, in-home tutors and then they must also attend additional training targeted toward classroom instruction. Our instructors are adept at connecting with high school students and they strive to focus on the needs of each individual student, even in the context of the class.

My son/daughter gets extended time on the SAT – what do you do about that?

Your child should approach his/her instructor during the diagnostic test session and let the instructor know. They should take the test home if they cannot finish it in the time allotted during class and then fax the answer sheet to the office.

What is the average number of students in a class?

The average number of students in a class is 10. The maximum allowed is 14.

Can I do just the verbal part of the program or just the math part of the program?

This is often possible – please call the Summit office to inquire.

Where will the class be held?

The room number will either be included in your “Welcome to Summit” enrollment confirmation packet, or it will be posted by the main entrance to the school at the first session.

I am interested in an SAT prep class for my child, but none of the open classes that you are offering will work with his/her schedule. We can't afford 1-1 tutoring. What are my options?
We can put together a small group class for your child and several other students. We could provide the instruction in your home or another location of your choosing. Please contact us at 1-800-MYTUTOR (800-698-8867) for more information.

What should my son/daughter bring to class?

For the first session, all s/he need bring are two pencils and a calculator. For subsequent classes, the student should bring these things, as well as all course materials passed out by the instructor.

The registration deadline for the class has passed – can I still sign up?

Deadline extensions are often possible. Please contact the Summit office for more information.

Will I get confirmation of my registration?

Yes. Upon registration, you will receive a “Welcome to Summit” enrollment confirmation packet. This will include a copy of the schedule, a copy of our course policies and procedures, a copy of the course syllabus, and a guide to interpreting the Summit Diagnostic Test.

How is Summit different from other test prep companies?

The Summit program is more personalized.

Summit uses specialized instructors, a math expert and a reading/writing expert, for each class.

Summit’s proprietary course book contains varying levels of homework and in-class practice problems so that assignments can be tailored to the ability level and needs of each individual student.

Each student receives individual computerized test analyses for all practice tests taken as part of the course.

For larger classes, students are divided into sections based on their performance on the Diagnostic Test so they learn with students of similar level and abilities.

Instructors fill out midway progress reports that detail students’ attendance, homework completion, practice test scores and progress in each subject area of the test. These reports are mailed directly to parents.

Summit’s Client Services Team makes follow-up calls to parents early on in the program to see if parents have questions about the course.

Summit’s focus on the individual and proprietary curriculum lead to better results than the programs offered by our competitors.

*** To find out about weather-related class cancellations please call

our Snow Line: 617-926-1731.***