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Intervention Report iconIntervention > Evidence Snapshot
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ACT/SAT Test Preparation and Coaching Programs
Transition to College

ACT/SAT Test Preparation and Coaching Programs were found to have positive effects on general academic achievement (high school) for high school students, with a medium to large extent of evidence.
Test preparation programs—sometimes referred to as test coaching programs—have been implemented with the goal of increasing student scores on college entrance tests. They generally (a) familiarize students with the format of the test; (b) introduce general test-taking strategies (e.g., get a good night’s sleep); (c) introduce specific testtaking strategies (e.g., whether the test penalizes incorrect answers, and what this means for whether or not one should guess an answer if it is not known); and (d) specific drills (e.g., practice factoring polynomial expressions). The programs can be delivered in person or online, and in whole class settings, in small groups, and individually.

Findings

6
studies that met standards out of
26
eligible studies reviewed
Outcome
domain 		Effectiveness Rating Grades Evidence Tier
General academic achievement (high school) Positive effects 10-12

Last Updated: October 2016

Summary of all Research Settings and Samples that Met Standards

Race

Black
10%
White
77%
Asian
15%
Native American
3%

Ethnicity

Hispanic
11%
Not Hispanic or Latino
2%

Gender

Male: 43%
Female: 57%
Note: This summary only includes data from studies that reported sample information. The Intervention Report may include evidence from other studies that met standards, but did not report sample information.


Related Resources

This intervention report was prepared for the WWC by Development Services Group, Inc. under contract ED–IES–12–C–0084.

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