The SAT Prep Debate

The National Association for College Admission Counseling does not recommend spending much on SAT prep classes.

Its research suggests that increased scores aren't "that much greater than what you could get on your own with practice tests," said research director David Hawkins.

The group's report last month on standardized tests said most prep programs result in a 20- to 30-point gain.

Larger increases could be due to such factors as familiarity with the test, more time in school or simple maturity, said Derek Briggs, a test expert at the University of Colorado.

Some consultants assert that greater gains can be attained through tutoring or prep courses.

Big education firms, such as Kaplan and Princeton Review, guarantee improvements, but don't promise how much.

Alex Weiner of CollegeWise in White Plains, N.Y., boasts a 110-point gain in math and 60 points in reading and writing. His tutoring fee: $250 an hour. "The single best thing a kid can do is take a practice SAT and analyze the results with a tutor," he said.

Briggs said prep can help students at the high end and in need of a small bump to attract highly competitive schools.

- Susan Snyder