Preparing For College - ACT & SAT Information

Now is the time for high school juniors - especially if they dream of attending a highly selective college - to start thinking about taking the SAT and/or ACT. Besides good transcripts and letters of recommendation, entrance exams are an important part of the admission process. While some colleges have waived these tests as a requirement, many colleges and universities still rely heavily on SAT and ACT scores to help in admissions decisions. A typical applicant to a competitive college might boast section scores in the upper 20s for the ACT and above 600 for the SAT.
SAT - Originally introduced in 1926 as a test for Ivy League applicants, today the SAT is used by many different colleges. This test spans three hours and 45 minutes with sections in reading, writing and math. The questions are multiple choice, except for ten student-produced response math questions and an essay. The highest score possible is 2400. The SAT test is given seven times a year, usually on a Saturday. It is typically taken by juniors and seniors. Female students average about 40 points lower than male students on the SAT, even though females earn higher grades than males in high school and college. Homeschoolers tend to do well on the SAT. For more information about homeschoolers and the SAT, see:http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/tests/meet-tests/21302.html

ACT
ACT is a standardized test that measures high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The ACT was introduced in 1959 as an alternative to the SAT. The core exam, not including the optional essay, takes two hours and 55 minutes. Multiple choice sections cover four key curriculum areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The optional writing test measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. The ACT is offered four to six times a year (depending on the state) in September, October, December, February, April and June. For more info, see: http://www.act.org 
 

Traditionally, the ACT has been widely used in Midwestern and Southern states while the SAT is popular on the East and West coasts. However, both exams are accepted by most colleges. The ACT is based on facts learned in school; the SAT focuses on critical thinking and reasoning skills. This means that one test may be a better fit for some students than others. For example, students who perform poorly on the ACT may find that they do better on the SAT and vice versa. Since there's a good chance of doing well on at least one of these exams, a student would be wise to take both. In fact, more and more students are opting to take one of each test rather than repeating the same test over again to try and improve their score.
SAT and ACT test results are equally valued although they are scored differently. Each SAT section yields a score from 200 to 800, while ACT section scores top out at 36. A recent study by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) found that coaching for standardized college admission tests can yield positive gains of at least 30 points. Even relatively small improvements in test scores may have a significant impact. For example, it's possible to miss out on a scholarship cutoff by just a couple of points, and a slight increase in test scores can boost the chances of being admitted to certain colleges. In other words, every little bit helps!
A wide range of test prep resources are available including practice tests, books, software, websites, local test prep courses, and one-on-one tutoring. Students who stress out over the idea of standardized testing and who don't generally excel on tests may benefit greatly from utilizing one or more of these tools. A student who simply concentrates on preparing himself for the tricky format of these exams can obtain good results without huge amounts of work. All students should do at least some basic test preparation, such as reviewing an algebra textbook if it has been a few years since their last algebra class. Of course, the best preparation of all is to take challenging courses and to study hard in school. 

Sylvan SAT/ACT Prep can help you prepare.
 
Find a participating Sylvan below 
  or visit www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com to find a center near you.
 

Sylvan
 
Alabama
Sylvan
Emerald Place
 1720 Highway 78 East, Oxford, AL  36203
  526-831-4050
----------
Sylvan Learning Center
 2618 Hough Rd
 256.760.0330
 
www.educate.com
Offering help with ACT
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 Arizona
Sylvan Learning Center - Gilbert/Queen Creek
 2335 S. Lindsay Rd #108, Gilbert AZ 85295
 480-963-5900

 Sylvan Learning Center - Mesa
 4121 East Valley Auto Drive #106, Mesa AZ 85206
480-361-3500
Limited time offer to Homeschooling Kids Magazine subscribers- enroll in our full SAT/ACT 30 hour Prep Course and 3 full length practice tests for only $595. Call 480-963-5900 to enroll today, or click on the link to go to our website.
*Note - this offer can not be combined with any other offer*

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California
 
Burlingame's Sylvan Learning Center
  1200 Howard Ave. Ste 104, Burlingame, CA  94010
  650 344-7323
  bayareasylvans.com
  [email protected]
  Offering help with ACT and SAT

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 San Bruno Sylvan Learning Center
 751-A Camino Plaza, San Bruno, CA 94066
 650 636-1200
bayareasylvans.com
 [email protected]
 Offering help with ACT and SAT

---------- 

 
Sylvan Learning Center- Glendale           
 
1010 N. Glendale Ave. Glendale, CA 91206
 
818-240-7323
www.socalsylvan.com

 
[email protected]
  Offering help with ACT and SAT as well as many other subjects!

 
Our class  
  includes practice tests, individualized attention, test taking, and time management strategies.

----------
Sylvan Learning Center
42311 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA  93534
661-723-6400
www.educate.com
Individual and personalized program, not a group program, flexible days and hours for sessions.
 

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Sylvan Learning Center- Studio City
 
13553 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
 
818-906-1505
 
 www.socalsylvan.com
 
[email protected]
 
Offering help with ACT and SAT as well as many other subjects!
 
 Our class  
 includes practice tests, individualized attention, test taking, and time management strategies.

 
Delaware 
 
 Sylvan Learning Center
 530 Peoples Plaza
 Newark, DE 19702
 (302) 838-3400
 
Sylvan offers seven SAT seminars (small group) a year.  A seminar includes 30 hours of instruction and three practice tests.  See our website for more details.
 

 
Florida 
Sylvan Learning of Fort Myers / Cape Coral
12741 World Plaza Lane
Fort Myers, FL  33907
239-275-1130
We offer both SAT & ACT at the Fort Myers location.
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$100 off ACT/SAT program

 
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 Sylvan Learning Center of Port Charlotte
1700 Tamiami Trail, Suite F-3
 941-764-1330 Ext 402
 
[email protected] 
 

----------
            Sylvan Learning Center 0665
Port Richey
8601 Regency Park Blvd.
Port Richey, FL  34668
727 849 5005
727 849 1165
 
[email protected]
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Sylvan Learning Center of Sarasota
 8590 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota, FL 34238
 941-923-4889
 
http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/34238/index.cfm
[email protected]
 Offering  help with ACT and SAT
 

 
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        Sylvan Learning Center 617   
Tallahassee
2811 Market Street Suite 3
Tallahassee FL  32312
850 385 8686
850 385 8670 (fax)
  
[email protected] 
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Sylvan Learning Weston
 2600 Glades Circle, Suite 1500 - Weston, FL 33327
 (954)349-1717
 www. SylvanWeston.com 
 We offer help with both SAT & ACT Prep. Group and one on one classes. Please call center for seminar dates.

 
  Georgia
Sylvan Learning Center 3021
Albany
2722-8 Dawson Road
Albany, GA  31707
229 878 1111
229 878 1198 (fax)
 
[email protected]
 
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Sylvan Learning Center
 
3220 Cobb Pkwy, suite 202
(serving Atlanta, Smyrna, Buckhead, Vinings)
Atlanta, GA 30339
770-988-3178 
[email protected]
Sylvan's SAT or ACT Program features:
small group, personalized learning, highly trained instructors,
three real life practice tests, specially designed and proven verbal, writing and math instruction.
Additional computer instruction and review are available for math via Sylvan MathPrep. 
 Take a Practice Test, then decide:
Take a real-life practice SAT or ACT for only $10 by appointment or on a Sylvan "Diag Day."
(reference Homeschooling Kids/Teen Magazine)
Then receive a free consultation and score review. Call today to schedule!
 ----------
 Sylvan Learning Center Cumming
655 Atlanta Hwy
Suite 2A
Cumming, Georgia, 30040 USA
(770) 888-4000
[email protected]
 ----------
  Sylvan Learning Center
 105 Village Walk, Suite 175, Dallas GA  30168  
 Serving Paulding, Carroll, Haralson, and Polk Counties.  
 Sylvan Learning Center Oakwood
3446 Winder Highway
Suite P
Flowery Branch, Georgia, 30542
(770) 531-9511
[email protected] 
 ----------
Peachtree City
300 Willowbend Road
 
Peachtree City, Georgia, 30269
(770) 487-0646
[email protected]  
 ---------- 
 Sylvan Learning Center of Rome
210 E. 2nd Ave., Suite 100 Rome, GA 30161
  706-295-3484 ext.2
 
 Offering  help with ACT  and SAT.  We also offer other programs for college prep including: Advanced (Speed) Reading, College Prep Writing, Advanced Math
 FREE RELEASE TESTING W/SCORE REPORT AND CONSULT 3rd Satruday in EACH Month!!!
 FREE ONLINE SUPPLEMENT W/PURCHASE OF TEXT OR ANY SAT/ACT PREP PROGRAM
 
 ---------- 
 Stockbridge
3797 Highway 138 SE
Suite K
Stockbridge, Georgia, 30281 USA
(770) 389-0007
[email protected]
 
 
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Sylvan Learning Center 3024
Valdosta
1709 River Street
Valdosta, GA  31601
229 245 0381
229 245 0878 (fax)
 
[email protected] 
   ----------
Sylvan Learning Center Woodstock
1105 Parkside Lane
Suite 1399
Woodstock, Georgia, 30189
(770) 592-0023
 Idaho
Post Falls Sylvan Learning Center
  1810 E Schneidmiller Ave Ste 240 Post Falls, Idaho 83854
  208 457 9599
 http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/83854/index.cfm
 Offering  help with ACT and SAT
 First SAT or ACT free + enroll a friend and receive 2 free hours

 
 Illinois
Sylvan Learning of Woodridge
2812 W 75th Street
Woodridge, Il. 60517
630-968-8474

tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/60517


 
Kentucky 
 Sylvan Learning of Crestwood   
 
6109 Crestwood Station, Crestwood, KY  40014
 
 502-243-0593
 
www.sylvancw.com
 Offering help with ACT
 

 
Illinois
Sylvan Learning Center of McHenry
1759 N. Richmond Rd.
McHenry, IL.  60050
815-363-3910 (815-347-7267 - cell after hours)
 
[email protected]
 Serving Crystal Lake - Woodstock - McHenry - Hebron - Marengo - Richmond/Spring Grove - Johnsburg and more

 
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Sylvan Learning Center
7217W. Madison Street
Forrest Park, IL  60130
www.educate.com
[email protected]

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 Freeport Sylvan Learning Center
 1255 W. Empire St.    Freeport, IL 61032
 815-232-0200
 
www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com
 [email protected]         
 Offering  help with both ACT and SAT 
$100 off ACT/SAT Prep Program.  Free practice ACT tests each Saturday from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm. Call to schedule appointment.
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Rockford Sylvan Learning Center
6785 Weaver Rd.  Suite 2C   Rockford, IL  61114
 815-282-7979
 Offering help with ACT  and  SAT

 
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Sylvan Learning of Woodridge          
2812 W 75th Street  Woodridge, Il. 60517               
 630-968-8474            
  [email protected] 
 We have Prep classes for both ACT and SAT

Louisiana 
 
 Sylvan Learning Lafayette
  337-232-7323
  [email protected]
Offering  ACT and SAT  

----------
Sylvan 
6560 Youree Drive Suite 1001            
    Shreveport, Louisiana 71105
 318-798-6284
 
sylvanlearning.com 
[email protected]
 We are currently offering ACT prep as individual tutoringMichigan

Michigan
Sylvan Learning Center
26701 Little Mack Avenue
St. Clair Shores, MI  48081
(586) 541-1000
 Minnesota
Sylvan Learning Center
172 Pioneer Trail Chaska, MN 55318
952-466-3838
serving West & SW metro of Mpls
 $100 off ACT/SAT prep by mentioning this AD
 
 New Hampshire 
Sylvan Learning Center  
 
Pennichuck sq, Route 101A  Merrimack NH 03054 
 
  603-889-1919 
 
www.sylvanlearning.com
 
[email protected] 

 
Offering help with both ACT and SAT
 

New York
Bronxville Sylvan Learning Center
 850 Bronx River Road   Suite 104
    Bronxville,  NY  10708
 914-237-4396
 
http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/bronxville-tutoring/index.cfm
[email protected]

----------
 
 Albany, NY
  1A Pine West Plaza; Albany, NY  12205
  518-869-6005, ext. 5
  www.sylvanlearning.com/centers/12205
 [email protected]
 Offering help with ACT and SAT
 
 Group Classes for the Oct test are beginning at the end of August


  Clifton Park, NY
  10 Maxwell Dr., Suite 106; Clifton Park, NY  12065
  518-869-6005, ext. 5
  www.sylvanlearning.com/centers/12065
  [email protected]
  Offering help with ACT, SAT
 
  Group Classes for the Oct test are beginning at the end of August

  Niskayuna, NY
  St. James Square; Niskayuna, NY  12309
  518-869-6005, ext. 5
  www.sylvanlearning.com/centers/12309
  [email protected]
  Offering help with ACT and SAT
 
  Group Classes for the Oct test are beginning at the end of August

  Syracuse, NY
  212 E. Manlius St.; E. Syracuse, NY  13057
  866-636-3184
  www.sylvanlearning.com/centers/13057
  [email protected]
  Offering help with ACT and SAT

 

----------

 
Sylvan Learning Center, Levittown, NY
 Nassau Mall
 
3601 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 001
Levittown, NY  11756 
 We offer help with both ACT/SAT
 ----------
 
Sylvan Learning Center, Wading River, NY
 
North Wind Professional Plaza
 5974 Route 25A
      Wading River, NY 11756 
 
  631-929-4177
 
       We offer help with both ACT/SAT
 ---------- 
White Plains Sylvan Learning Center
  180 South Broadway
    White Plains,  NY  10605
  914-948-4116
 
www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/whiteplains-tutoring
 ----------
 Sylvan Learning Center of Pittsford
3300 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY14618       
585-385-9480
 
www.SylvanLearning.com 
 
[email protected]
 Offering help with ACT and SAT
$100 Off SAT or ACT Prep program
 
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Sylvan Learning Center of Greece
1600 West Ridge Road, Rochester, NY14615
 585-663-6226
 
 
www.SylvanLearning.com  
Offering help with ACT and SAT
$100 Off SAT or ACT Prep program
 
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Sylvan Learning Center of Webster
1170 Ridge Road, Webster, NY14580
 585-872-1071
 
 
www.SylvanLearning.com
[email protected]
 Offering help with ACT and SAT
$100 Off SAT or ACT Prep program
----------
Sylvan Learning Center of Canandaigua
2510 Rochester Road
 585-393-4870
 
www.SylvanLearning.com
[email protected]
 Offering  help with ACT and  SAT
 $100 Off SAT or ACT Prep program

North Carolina
Sylvan Learning Center Goldsboro 
 206 North Spence Avenue
 
 Goldsboro, North Carolina  27534
 (919) 751-2300 
[email protected]
 ----------
Sylvan Learning of Rocky Mount
 
 113 Kandemor Ln, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
 252-937-9840
[email protected]
  Offer help with ACT/ SAT
 
 
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Waxhaw    
 
1315 North Broome St., Suite 520, Waxhaw, NC 28173
 
 704-843-7676
 
  sylvanlearning.com/waxhaw Offering help with ACT and SAT 
 We have classes set up for the remaining SAT test dates at a discounted rate of $895
 
 
Oregon
Sylvan Learning Center
  Kim Dorn
  Sunnyslope Center, Suite 180
    4555 Liberty Road South
        Salem Oregon 97302
  503-363-2996
 
www.educate.com
[email protected]
 At this time we offer SAT prep in a small group setting.
---------- 
East Portland
1122 NE 122nd Avenue
Portland, OR  97230
503-254-2009
We offer only the SAT prep, and have a $100 off coupon on our website.
---------- 
Southeast - Milwaukie
14623 McLoughlin Blvd
Milwaukie, OR  97267
503-659-9575
We only offer the SAT Prep, and have a $100 off coupon on our website.
---------- 
North/Northeast Portland
4300 NE Fremont
Columbia Plaza, Suite 150
Portland, OR 97213
503-249-2855
[email protected]
We offer ACT/SAT prep, and have a $100 off coupon on our website.
 

Pennsylvania
Sylvan Learning Center of Monroe And Pike County
Fountain Court Route 611
Bartonsville, PA 18321
 
[email protected]
570-629-6600
SAT Prep
 
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Sylvan Learning Center of Doylestown
1745 S. Easton Rd. (Barn Plaza)  Doylestown, PA. 18901
215-918-2120
  www.educate.com 
 
SAT, ACT
     Specials and coupons can be  found at www.educate.com

South Carolina
 
Sylvan Learning of Columbia
Village at Sandhill
130-9 Forum Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
803.741.0999

---------- 
 Sylvan Learning of Irmo
900 Lake Murray Blvd.
Irmo, SC 29063
803.781.7323
----------
Sylvan Learning of Greenville
1451 Woodruff Road, Suite P
Greenville, SC 29607
864.676.0011
---------- 
Sylvan Learning of Anderson
3118 North Main Street
Anderson, SC 29621 

 ---------- 
Sylvan Learning of Greenwood
Kmart Plaza
230 Bypass 72 NW
Greenwood, SC 29649
864.942.3300
[email protected]
www.sylvanlearning.com/greenwood

 
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 Sylvan Learning Center of Charleston
1890 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.
Suite 225
Charleston, SC  29407
843.766.7323
www.educate.com
[email protected]
Help with SAT & ACT
 ---------- 
Sylvan Learning Center of Ladson
9616 Hwy 78
Suites 2 & 3
Ladson, SC  29456
843.569.3601
www.educate.com
Help with SAT & ACT

Texas

Sylvan of North Dallas
214-282-3305
www.educate.com/centers/75231
[email protected]
Offering help with both ACT and SAT

Call to schedule your appointment. Includes practice test and follow up consultation.
 
 Utah
Layton Sylvan Learning Center 
70 S Fairfield Road Suite 6
801-543-4400
 
[email protected] 

 
Virginia
Sylvan Learning Center
3634 Brambleton Avenue
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
 540-344-2941
 
[email protected]
Contact us for current offers. Mention you saw our ad in the Homeschooling Kids magazine and receive $25 off any Skills Assessment or SAT Prep Program. 
 
----------
Sylvan Learning Center
8116 Timberlake Rd., Suite 200,
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434)  832-1000
Serving greater Lynchburg, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell and Appomattox
 
www.sylvanlynchburg.com
 [email protected]
 ---------- 
Sterling
21165 Whitfield Place Suite 103
Sterling, VA 20165
703-404-8804
We offer SAT/ACT programs
 
 
Washington 
Sylvan Learning Center
 32717 1st Ave. S
Federal Way, WA  98003
(253)838-0507
 
Wisconsin 
Sylvan Learning Center, Brookfield
 15060 W. Greenfield Avenue 
 Suite 104
 Brookfield, WI  53005
 262-796-0808  
 We offer help in both ACT and SAT
$100 off program right now, plus we ALWAYS offer free practice ACT or SAT tests
 
Canada
 Sylvan Learning Centre SW Calgary
 #1, 5308 17th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T3E 6S6
 403-240-3888
 
www.educate.com
We run a program for SAT Prep only.  (No ACT)
 We are running Free Diag Day's in the Centre.  Students will have an opportunity to sit a practice SAT exam which will be scored and then they will receive the results. Dates for these are determined upon student interest.
 
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Mississauga Sylvan Learning Centre
 50 Burnhamthorpe Road W.  Suite 101A. Mississauga, ON. L5B 3C2
 905.566.1970
 
www.educate.com
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
 
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Oakville Sylvan Learning Centre
 243 North Service Road West, Suite 302. Oakville, ON. L6M 3E5
 905.469.6353
 
www.educate.com
[email protected] 
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
 
----------
 
 
Etobicoke Sylvan Learning Centre
 
 56 Aberfoyle Cr. Suite 120. Etobicoke, ON. M8X 2W4
 416.236.2553
 
www.educate.com
[email protected]
 Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
 
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South Scarborough Sylvan Learning Centre
 
2495 Eglington Avenue East, Scarborough, ON. M1K 2R1
 416.266.1870
 
www.educate.com
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
    Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
----------
Pickering Sylvan Learning Centre
1550 Kingston Road, Pickering, ON. L1V 1C3
 905.839.9465
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
 
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Courtice Sylvan Learning Centre
 
 1415 Highway 2. Unit 4. Courtice, ON. L1E 2J6
 905.725.6904
 
www.educate.com
 [email protected]
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
 
----------
 
 Erin Mills Sylvan Learning Centre
2400 Dundas Street West. Unit 4. Mississauga, ON. L5K 1R8.
 905.822.3456
 
www.educate.com 
Offering help with ACT and SAT. 
  We are holding a free SAT testing day on and Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
 
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Port Credit Sylvan Learning Centre
 
 228 Lake Shore Road West. Unit BC04. Mississauga, ON. L5H 1G6
 905.271.3535
 
www.educate.com 
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
  We are holding a free SAT testing day on  Saturday, January 30, 2010.  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
 
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 Beaches Sylvan Learning Centre
2126 1/2 Queen Street East. Toronto, ON. M4E 1E3
 416.691.8811
 
www.educate.com
 [email protected]
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
 
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Vaughan Sylvan Learning Centre
 
 3120 Rutherford Road, Unit 1. Vaughan, ON. L4K 0B1
 905.879.0986
 
www.educate.com
 [email protected]
Offering help with ACT and SAT.
  Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.
 
----------
 
 North Scarborough Sylvan Learning Centre
 3300 Midland Avenue, Suite 201. Toronto, ON. M1V 4W6
 416.293.2297
 
www.educate.com
Offering help with ACT, SAT or both.
 Please call the centre to reserve your spot for the free SAT test. Spaces are limited.


Or visit
www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com to find a center near you.
 

      
 
Sent by Homeschooling Kids / Homeschooling Teen Magazine 
                    on behalf of participating Sylvan Learning Centers