CATHY SCARLATOS
MELROSE — Now in its 18th year, A Plus Tutoring of Melrose is offering test preparation for the Digital SAT exam, providing a specialized program that familiarizes students with this new computerized format.
The Digital SAT, first used in the U.S. this past spring, is taken on a computer. It is shorter in duration (two hours as compared to three hours for the pencil-and-paper version) and has proven to be less stressful.
Another change enables the use of calculators for the math section, including the option of using a calculator built into the test program.
“The test material is basically the same but we’re finding that it is very helpful for students to become more familiar with the computerized version,” said A Plus Director Cathy Scarlatos. “In our program, we not only prepare students for the exam but offer a full-length practice test on a computer.
“When they take the actual test, they’re much more comfortable with the new format.”
A Plus Tutoring is located at 6 Eastman Place in downtown Melrose. SAT prep courses for the
May 3 exam begin in February. Classes for the June 7 test start in March with both programs offered on Sunday afternoons. Visit aplustutoringservices.net for the schedule, additional information and enrollment forms.
Individual one-on-one tutoring and remote Zoom sessions for the Digital SAT exam are also available.
The fee for Digital SAT exam classes and course materials is $700. A $100 discount is offered for those who register 30 days in advance of the first session. Classes typically include 5-9 students.
“If students would like to be in a class with their friends, we can certainly accommodate that,” said Scarlatos. “Just let us know ahead of time.”
Other A Plus services
A Plus Tutoring provides a wide array of services to students in the north suburban area, including one-on-one and group tutoring as well as remote learning. In addition to SAT prep courses, A Plus offers tutoring for all standardized tests, including Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT), American College Testing (ACT), Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) and MCAS.
A Plus also offers provides personalized tutoring in all standard coursework categories as well as English as a Second Language (ESL), high school equivalency (GED) and learning/language disabilities.
Tutoring in languages – such as French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Greek, German and others – is also available.
About A Plus Tutoring
Scarlatos, a longtime Melrose resident with more than 20 years of academic experience, has a master’s degree in Education from Lesley University. She taught in the Melrose school system and served as Supplemental Services Director at the Advanced Schools and Learning Center in North Andover.
All tutors are certified teachers or degreed professionals.
“We’ve been very successful because we customize our tutoring sessions to meet the needs of the student,” Scarlatos said. “We have highly qualified instructors, and we stress ongoing communication and accountability.”
For additional information, visit www.aplustutoringservices.net or contact A Plus at 781-439-4228 or academicservices@comcast.net.
