Online tutor offers free help to students preparing for SAT

Students will need to prove they are having difficulty in a particular course.

WILMINGTON, Del. — An online tutoring company is offering free assistance to high school juniors and seniors preparing to take the SAT test Jan. 26 — if they are averaging a course grade of “C” or lower.

There is normally a fee for Knowledge Online Services’s one-on-one tutoring.

With preparation for the SATs now in crunch mode, the company has decided to offer its services free to all U.S. students who have a “C” or lower in any subject to help them get ready for the grueling exam.

The customized coaching that Knowledge Online provides has been a proven valuable resource for students preparing for coursework, tackling standardized tests and attempting difficult homework assignments, said Prasanth Sastry, CEO.

Students wishing to take advantage of the offer of free assistance can visit the company’s Web site at www.knowledgeonlineservices.com. They will need to mention the offer when signing into the system. They should also be prepared to provide proof of their grade through a progress report, report card or letter from their school.

Knowledge Online also offers some tips for SAT success:

UPractice, practice, practice: Learn which areas of the exam are the most difficult and time consuming for you.

UGet help: Online tutors provide coaching so that students can prepare for standardized testing. They also deliver sample tests in the same format as the tests themselves. And KOS coaches are available 24/7, even on holidays.

UApproach the SAT as a game — one you intend to win: Strategically learning the idiosyncratic rules of the test will give you the best opportunity for success and avoid test day surprises.

UTake note of the test organization: For example, math questions become more difficult as you progress. If you are close to the end of a section and can’t figure out the last few questions, move on.

UPace yourself: Time during the SAT is precious and limited. Thorough preparation is crucial.

UDo not guess: The SAT is not set up for guessing, even on multiple choice questions. You are penalized for incorrect answers.