Seminar Details:

• 12 3.5-hour virtual sessions over the summer, June 17th-Aug 12th, leading up to the August SAT or later. Here is the class calendar.

• During the first half of the seminar, we will focus on math content and executive function skills.

• During the second half of the seminar, we will also cover SAT math strategies, SAT verbal strategies, and SAT writing content and strategies.

• For the first half hour of each session, groups of four students will work together to craft a list of the questions and insights from their homework that will structure the class.

• Between classes, mentors will make sure each student is individually supported while preparing for the next class meeting.

• Students will be assigned 2-4 hours of homework in preparation for each class meeting.

• Students will take 4 full mock SAT tests. (Please do not take any of the 4 official Blue Book practice tests prior to the seminar.)

Seminar Requirements:

• Students must demonstrate financial need, either by being on significant scholarship assistance if they attend a private school, or by some other means if they attend a public school.

• Students must have completed Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2, with a minimum grade of “B” for every semester.

• Sophomores must have a digital PSAT10 math score of 80% or above (550). (If not, I can administer a diagnostic.)

• Juniors must have a digital PSAT math score of 80% or above (580). (If not, I can administer a diagnostic.)

• Students must commit to attending all seminar meetings as well as completing 2-4 hours of homework in between sessions.

• Students must commit to being well-rested (average 8-9 hours sleep each night), especially prior to taking practice tests and doing homework, The Stanford Sleep Clinic has concluded that there is a significant correlation between how well-rested a student is, and how much their score increases.

• Students must have a laptop or desktop computer with internet access strong enough for a Zoom seminar.

Seminar Recommendations:

• Current sophomores (class of 2026) will especially find the seminar valuable. This is because sophomores will

  • have another year in which to continue their prep if they do not reach their goals.

  • not be busy with college applications.

  • be able to strengthen what they learn in the seminar (sleep habits, executive function skills, study habits, etc.) throughout their junior year.

  • be able to use scores for merit aid and recruitment at top schools (which typically require strong scores before the summer).

  • be more likely to have just completed Algebra 2, which means they will not be rusty. (The SAT math content tests only as far as Algebra 2.)

Here is a link to the Registration Form. Every student who qualifies will be accepted until the seminar is full.

Here is a link to the seminar flyer. Feel free to share it with anyone who can help fill the seminar!

And if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to email me at justinsigars@gmail.com.