EUREKA's FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is EUREKA's overall philosophy?
EUREKA takes SAT* preparation to a personal level with its one-on-one tutorial model, a more effective approach for raising test scores than a group setting. We focus on teaching the STRATEGY behind the SAT. Many students who breeze through classes have an extremely difficult time with the SAT because they do not ever learn proper test-taking strategy!
EUREKA also believes enough in its tutors and curriculum to guarantee results or a full refund. Our programs offer up to 200 point improvement, money-back guarantees because we believe that elite preparation programs should be held accountable. Since we know the test is coachable and that our tutors and materials are the best found anywhere, we believe that as long as your son or daughter does the homework you will have invested in the best test-prep option found anywhere in California. If not, you’ll get your money back!
Our methods are proven. Our students, who have completed a full Eureka SAT course, have an average increase of over 300 points!
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What does a EUREKA Program include and how much does it cost?
Please see our programs page for further details.
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Why do you charge more than some other preparation classes? Is it worth it?
EUREKA focuses on one-on-one, in-home tutoring because of the method's proven results. Classroom courses will not give your child the individual attention and focused mentoring that EUREKA can. EUREKA students get the complete attention of the tutor; sessions that are tailored to the pace, strengths, and weaknesses of the individual; and a course that can be completed on your schedule.
More and more companies offer one-on-one prep than ever before, but many are still using the classroom curriculum and classroom instructors they began with. Eureka has always been a one-one-one, in-home tutoring program and therefore we have made every hiring decision and curriculum update with that in mind. For nearly a decade, we have been a premier tutoring company helping students achieve incredible results while getting to know incredible role-models. Our company has always been built around results and values rather than price points.
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I do not think I can afford your courses. Do you offer any discounts?
Yes! We give scholarships to school counselors to distribute to students, and hold raffles at school events that we attend. Please see our scholarship page for further details.
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My child is busy with after-school activities, and we are about to go on vacation. Can you still help us?
Yes! One of the main advantages to the EUREKA system is that we can work around your child's schedule and family business. Classroom sessions strictly require you to be present at a certain time and place, which you might not be able to do all the time. Therefore, you miss valuable material and lose money. EUREKA 's highly trained and professional tutors will help you organize a schedule that fits in with your plans.
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How long does a EUREKA Program last?
Since a EUREKA Program is based on the student's timetable, it can be completed as quickly or as slowly as desired, though we recommend that the lessons be finished in 7-15 weeks.
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How much homework is involved?
Students will be given homework exercises by their tutors after each session. This homework normally takes a few hours to complete.
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Who are the tutors and what are their qualifications?
Each EUREKA tutor has earned an extraordinary score on the SAT. More importantly, though, is his or her ability to convey that knowledge to students. Each tutor has gone through hours of rigorous training, and only the best make the cut. To us, it doesn't matter how highly someone scored on the SAT if he/she can't teach others how to do the same. In addition, all EUREKA tutors have had extensive background checks including a social security trace, a criminal history search, and thorough reference verifications. Learn more about our tutors here.
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When should a student start preparing for the SAT or ACT?
Preparation can begin either prior to or during 11th grade, provided the student has had a semester each of algebra and geometry. However, because EUREKA is customized to each student, we can fit into almost any schedule.
The best time to prepare for and take the SAT or ACT is different for each student. Most students will take these exams for the first time in the spring of their Junior year, though we recommend students plan their test dates according to the coursework and extracurricular activities they are juggling. For instance, a student with 5 AP’s and a spring sport, might want to consider taking the SAT or ACT during the winter when they aren’t overwhelmed. If you’d like some help figuring it all out, Eureka would be happy to help – just give us a call!
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If a student doesn't aspire to a Top 25 College, does he/she really need EUREKA?
Getting into college - any college - is tougher now than it has ever been. Each year the applicant pool gets bigger and bigger and students find it harder to differentiate themselves from their peers. Further, more students than ever are signing up for the SAT and ACT and taking it early and often. The most efficient way to score well on these exams is to enroll in a review program, and the most effective review program available is EUREKA.
In addition, for an increasing number of colleges, SAT and ACT scores are a factor in deciding merit scholarships. As such, a few points could be worth several thousands of dollars.
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Will colleges combine my scores from several tests or only evaluate one?
The ways colleges evaluate test scores depends on the institution. For instance, the UC school system will only use your highest one time sitting for evaluating your application, whereas Stanford will look at your highest math, reading and writing scores from multiple tests (a policy referred to as “super scoring”).
We encourage students to research the specific policy of any school to which they might apply. Of course, we’d be happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction whenever we can.
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My student already got a good score the first time they took the SAT, can EUREKA help at all?
Yes. With EUREKA’s one-on-one tutoring, test scores can go up 150-500 points. For someone with a good beginning score, that 150-point increase might make the difference between the student getting into their first choice or to their safety school.
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Does EUREKA prepare students for the PSAT*/NMSQT**?
Yes! The PSAT*/NMSQT** (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a mini version of the SAT. Most students take it as a practice or warm up for the actual SAT. The PSAT is sometimes called by its other name, NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). It allows students the opportunity to become National Merit Scholars, an honor that is looked upon highly by colleges.
Please see our programs page for more detailed information.
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Does the Exam Cram replace your more comprehensive courses?
In short, no. Students that cannot sign up for the full course find this course a great alternative. It offers them a chance to learn the EUREKA strategies in a condensed, concentrated environment. Some of the students who have taken the full course use the Exam Cram as a great review of the materials right before the test. It really helps to boost their confidence.
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EUREKA sounds like the place for me! Are you hiring?
EUREKA is always looking for great people! If you would like to be a part of the team and work with fun, motivated people, we want to hear from you.
If you have a great SAT score and the ability to teach please send your resume to jobs@eurekareview.com
OR:
10951 Pico Blvd. Suite 407
Los Angeles, CA 90064
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*PSAT and NMSQT are registered trademarks, which were not involved in the production of, and do not endorse this product.