I graduated with an MASW from the University of Chicago in 1968 and worked in Social Work for 20…read moreyears. Due to a variety of factors, I left the Social Work field in 1988 and went into real estate. Twenty years later, in 2008, my wife and I began to work as volunteers at a Joni-n-Friends summer camp for Families with People with Special Needs. I realized a reactivation of interest in Social Work. That and an introduction to the Enneagram, a Myers-Briggs predecessor by 1500 years, I also got interested in going back into clinical practice with a new perspective. BUT, I had to get licensed. So, last summer I dusted off cobwebs and began the pre-licensing process. Your site was extremely valuable. Your questions were very similar to the actual test questions. I especially liked the fact that they questions gave rational and helped think in the modality of the test. I also appreciated the fact that there were ready tabs to access the background and support material. When I was in graduate school, the DSM had a category "ego dystonic homosexuality", i.e. it was a treatable classification if the person thought they needed to be treated and Dialectical Behavior Therapy hadn't been invented yet. So, the readily accessible background info links to update my knowledge base were very helpful. The first time I took an untimed test, I scored a 68%. I knew I wasn't a hopeless case, I was close to what I needed but close doesn't count. However, your study rationale and the quick links gave me a fantastic boost. The next time I took the test (timed and untimed), I scored in the 90s. I KNEW I COULD DO IT ! I also realized that I could take the 170 questions in 2 - 2 1/2 hours. That told me that I could approach the actual test with confidence that I could do it in the allotted 4 hours. The testing site issues a dry erase tablet and marker. You can't write anything on the board until the exam begins, but once it does, you can. I had two mnemonic devices to help me. First, I hadn't used the DSM IV and wanted to quick way, especially under pressure, to remember the major categories. For that I constructed the following poem. Benjamin BUTTON gulped his MED (Button began old and became young: DSM 1 - youth; DSM II - dementia; DSM III - medical) But DRUGged himself CRAZY in a MOOD instead (DSM IV - sub abuse; DSM V - psychotic; DMS VI - mood disorders) ANXIOUSly his BODY did an interesting FAKE (DSM VII - anxiety; DSM VIII - somatoform ; DSM IX - factitious) DISSOCIATEd itself from SEX and CAKE DSM X - Dissociative; DSM XI - Sexual; DSM XII - eating) Then went to SLEEP on an IMPULSE, tis true (DSM XIII- sleep; DSM XIV-impulse) And ADJUSTED his PERSONALITY just for you. (DSM - XV - Adjustment; DSM - XVI - Personality) Sometimes, poems work for me. Make up your own. First, I go through the exam and answer all the questions I can with little or no analysis, conflict or reasoning out the probably answer. I answer 1/2 the questions and check the time. If I've answered 85 questions in 1 hr (more or less), I know I'm on track. I take a 10 minute break. Then I answer the rest of the questions. During this time, if I've answered a question that I was "hesitant" about or skipped a question, I just marked it After going through the 170 questions, I took another break and then came back to the marked questions. In my case during the exam, there were approximately 50 questions that I had marked and 10 of those were unanswered. I was fairly confident that I had a good grasp and easily answered a 120. If on the questions that I had a grasp of, I got 90% right, that was 108. A passing score of 75% of 150 would be 112. If on the 50 I had questions about, I got 25% right, that was 12 and then I'd have a possible score of 120 and that works. As it happened, after I completed the exam, took the survey and pushed the final button, I got the message I wanted "PASSED". I was told I needed 104 on this exam and I had scored 118. Although I used a couple of different exam prep sites, your site was the most efficient and correct (I had one exam site that I had to challenge a number of the question answers and was then told I was right and they changed the answers. That site did marvels for my confidence and ego from a different perspective). I would say, without hesitation, that your site was THE most helpful. Thanks again for your site! Sincerely, Jack Given, ACSW AND LCSW

I passed the LCSW EXAM today!!!!! Thank you social work test prep!!! I bought the packet that…read morecontains all the different practice tests, so worth it!!! The practice tests trained me to read, understand and answer test questions correctly. The content and framework of these practice tests are super helpful! People don't waste your money on other practice tests that are not effective, invest in social work test prep! You won't regret it!

It was my best decision to enroll my daughter to Elite Prep Los Angeles. Director Stacey offers…read moregreat consultation. My daughter is a better person because of her. My daughter's study habits, grade, time management improved. Not only that, her outlook on life, confidence and motivation is positively influenced. Elite Prep is not only about academia but they really care about each individual student.

My daughter really benefited from this place! She has prepared her college essays , and was treated…read morewith kindness and hospitality. The teachers helpful towards her, fixing her mistakes and making sure that she writes nice essays to successfully apply to colleges. Thank you!

I joined A1 in the spring of my junior year, and it completely changed how I approached my college…read moreapplications. The weekly essay workshops that started in early summer were super helpful. What I loved most was getting feedback from different teachers each week - they all brought unique ideas to the table and helped me make my essays much better. One thing that really helped was how organized A1 was with deadlines. They laid out a clear schedule that made sure we finished everything way ahead of time, which took away so much stress. My monthly meetings with the counselors, Ryan and Esther, were amazing - they helped me figure out which schools to apply to, what major would be the best fit, and how to tell my story through my essays. I also worked closely with Maddie teacher on my resume and UC activity list. She helped me make sure I included all my important experiences and achievements in the best way possible. Even though I ended up getting into NYU through early decision (which meant I didn't need my other applications), I'm so glad I had everything ready to go well before the deadlines for any outcome that could have happened. Looking back, I wouldn't be where I am today without A1's help. The teachers really cared about my success, and they gave me all the tools and support I needed to put together strong applications. I'm really grateful for all their help!

Ryan teachers guidance has been instrumental in shaping my journey through college preparation…read more From acquainting me with the diverse spectrum of colleges during my freshman year to refining my ideas and essays as a senior, he and the other teachers walked with me every step of the way, making sure I was on the right path. Their unwavering support and commitment have been invaluable, and I am profoundly grateful for their tireless efforts. Tutoring at A1 has also been one of the biggest key to getting into my dream school. From taking the SSAT to prepare for my high school entrance exam to tutoring me on any of my weak skills in school subjects to helping me reach my SAT goals for college, their tutoring has been pivotal in achieving my academic aspirations. I've received not only important math skills and knowledge from Peace teacher (the best), but also crucial study habits and practices that'll help me beyond my academic journey. Their genuine dedication and earnest commitment have been transformative, and I owe them a debt of gratitude. Thank you so much A1!!

Carl is great! I was surprised at how my son, who has a two-second attention span, could sit…read morethrough an hour-long course with Carl. He is patient and engaging, and I believe he will significantly improve my son's language arts skills. From my son - Carl is a great teacher because although he is a tad strict at times, it's always for the better. He is very easy to work with, as Carl is understanding in all his subjects.

I started working with Carl six months ago when I sought a tutor to help enhance my daughter's…read morewriting and comprehension skills. Carl has exceeded our expectations at every turn. He is very organized, always preparing for sessions with thought-provoking materials that not only engage but also challenge my daughter to push her boundaries in critical thinking and creativity. Carl's patient and supportive approach has allowed my daughter to thrive, building her confidence and honing her analytical skills. The improvement in my daughter's academic performance is clearly visible. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for top-notch tutoring in reading and writing.

I love the approach they have to education. More specifically, how Nicole has used games as a tool…read moreto educate kids. By using games, kids and adults tend to absorb a higher volume of information utilizing their skills to the fullest while having fun! We are in the VR game world and we understand how much kids need to have fun while learning a subject or topic. Great Job, Nicole!

I graduated from UC Berkeley with an English degree. I have over two years experience of tutoring…read more I love helping students find a way to love learning.

Compass was an excellent resource for my son. From start to finish the staff was helpful,…read moreresponsive and in tune with how to best guide my son. David took extra care taking the time to understand my son and his personality so he could best match him with a tutor. Joe was an excellent coach/ tutor. I say coach because Joe mapped out a game plan, encouraged my son, gave him bench mark goals to strive for and really encourage him. By the time my son took the test he was confident and ready. He did all the homework and utilized all the tips and suggestions offered by Joe. When my son got his test results he achieved a near perfect score- he increased his practice test score by 120 points. Thank you Compass for taking the time to get to know my son and create a program personally tailored to him.

I'll be blunt: Compass Education Group matched my son with a tutor based on who was available, not…read morewho was right for him -- despite a detailed intake consultation where I laid out exactly who my son is as a learner and what he would need to succeed. After extensive research, I chose Compass Education Group for AP exam tutoring based on their reputation. What followed was months of me initiating every single check-in, and receiving the same hollow response every time: he's doing great, he's a hard worker, he's progressing. No proactive communication. No honest assessment. No adjustment when the approach wasn't working. His tutor assigned a flashcard-heavy method that was completely wrong for my son -- and rather than catching it, kept telling me everything was on track. My son did worse on the actual exam than he did before tutoring began. I spent close to $1,500 for a negative, unusable outcome. When I reached out to address this, I was told refunds aren't part of their policy. I was offered remaining credit and a complimentary practice test. That's it. I have since found a test prep organization that does this right. They matched my son with tutors who are actually suited to him. They send me unprompted bi-weekly updates -- so when one tutor wasn't clicking, I found out in time to make a change. They also bill bi-weekly, so I'm never in a position of begging for a refund. Compass markets itself as a premium, personalized service. What I experienced was an expensive illusion of support -- lots of professional, polished reassurance, with no real accountability when it fell apart. If you have a complex learner, do not assume their intake process will actually translate into a thoughtful match. Ask exactly how tutor selection works. Then ask what happens when it doesn't.

I just finished an Intermediate Spanish course with Owen Fine…read more Mr. Fine is a well prepared teacher who offers a wide variety of resources to support the Spanish course I was taking. I took a group course but he is an intuitive teacher who understands learning levels and is able to give everyone in the course the support they need to move forward quickly with language skills. He makes the course about you and what you need to learn a language.

1/5 , Absolutely Unacceptable Customer Service I recently…read morereached out to Varsity Tutors because I have an important test coming up and needed help finding a tutor as soon as possible. I called their customer service line hoping to get some guidance and schedule sessions quickly, given the time pressure I was under. I explained my situation clearly, that I had a major exam approaching and really needed to get matched with a qualified tutor right away. Instead of offering any help, the young man on the other end of the line simply responded with "cool beans" and then hung up the phone. No follow-up questions, no attempt to assist me, nothing. Just "cool beans" and a dial tone. I was completely stunned. I'm a paying customer reaching out during a stressful time, and that's the level of professionalism I get? It felt dismissive and disrespectful. I'm out here trying to invest in my education, and your representative couldn't even be bothered to stay on the line for 30 seconds. If this is the quality of support Varsity Tutors provides, I can only imagine what the actual tutoring experience would be like. I'll be taking my money elsewhere and would strongly caution anyone considering this service to think twice. Completely unprofessional. This is their website link avoid at all cost. https://www.varsitytutors.com/df/national-math-tutoring?

My son loves coming to Sylvan because the tutors and teachers are so patient and encouragingread more

Taught my son so many amazing math topics and helped them with his writing and spelling. Thank you…read morefor all the help you gave us. I enjoyed taking my son to your tutoring program.

Lavoce after & tutoring academy has been a wonderful after school programs and excellent staffs for…read moremy third grader. They obviously really care about the kids and are great about communicating with the parents about what is happening there. I would recommend this program to anyone looking for high quality after school care.