Frequently Asked Questions

Why BodSAT?

Because for high-achieving students, there is no better option.

How many students in a seminar?

Four to eight. This is the exact number for optimal learning; read more.

How is this better than private tutoring?

The small-group setting helps keep you engaged and leads to a better, faster learning experience. High achievers need classmates in order to learn from each others’ mistakes. Plus, no private tutor rivals our specific expertise. Click here to learn more.

What’s the homework load?

You can expect four hours of homework before each session, including the first. Also, be aware that this work will require you to be unusually well-rested, so the BodSAT commitment is higher than you might realize at first. Moreover, later in the seminar, we will require some of that work to take place in a single sitting (with very short breaks). Before certain seminar meetings, a four-hour proctored practice SAT plus an additional one to two hours of analysis will replace the usual homework.

Sound like a lot? It certainly is. But it’s a much lighter load than you’ll get with other prep companies.

What are the requirements to join a seminar?

You must have scored 1800 on an SAT already (or the equivalent), with at least 550 of those points coming from Math. For more details on what’s acceptable, see our Requirements.

What’s an intensive?

In the summer and during Winter Break, we offer seminars that meet more often than our usual once-a-week schedule. Do not plan to do anything else during this time.

May I sit in on part of a seminar?

Of course. We love to show off what we do with our students. And we believe that anyone who cares enough to sit in on a class will also care enough to tell a friend. Contact us to arrange a visit.

What if I want a seminar in a different location?

All of our seminar locations started with parent requests. If you want a seminar nearer to you, just get in touch. There may be other students and parents in your neighborhood who have already contacted us. If not, we may ask for your help gathering a group of exceptional students.

Can a student work privately with Justin or Wes?

Yes. Contact us for more details.

How many times should I take the SAT?

The answer to this question is complicated. Call us for details, but the short answer is that once is usually enough after prepping with BodSAT, but two or even three tries can be wise in certain cases. We have never known more than three times to be a good idea. Read our general recommendations.

When should I take the SAT?

With relatively few exceptions, students who qualify for our seminar are best-served by signing up for the March (Junior) SAT. Also keep in mind the May/June (Junior) and October (Senior) SAT dates, in case a retake is required. Read our general recommendations.

If you’re thinking about prepping for the October (Junior) PSAT to compete for a National Merit Scholarship, we would only advise doing so if your Sophomore PSAT was above the 95th percentile. If this is the case, you might as well prep for the October SAT (Junior) at the same time. Another exception applies to athletes: it’s best not to layer SAT prep over hours of daily practice and weekly games.

How important is the SAT?

All schools, and therefore all GPAs, are not equal. The SAT is probably the single most trusted means of ranking high-school students nationally. This means that preparing for the SAT properly is the most highly leveraged activity in which you can engage this year. However, that doesn’t mean that you should drive yourself crazy preparing for it. Take us seriously, and work hard in our seminars, but don’t forget to participate in the other important activities you have going on right now. Learn more about putting the SAT in its place.

What is the parent’s role?

We’ll explain in more detail at our first meeting, but in a nutshell, parents help defend the student from distractions. BodSAT work requires freedom from noise, ringing phones, and other commitments. Most high school students simply don’t understand what it is to go four hours without distraction. Parents can help give them that experience.