Gemm Test Prep FAQ

How is Gemm different from traditional test prep?
Most ACT and SAT test prep programs are content based.   They teach the test.  While we have a component that does that, our primary program derives point gains from a totally different source, from gains in cognitive ability  -- reading skills and test taking skills.

More here

Why does your program work so quickly?

The missing ingredient for most teenagers, particularly in reading, is automaticity.  They still need to concentrate a little when they decode.  This slows their reading down AND it interferes with comprehension since the brain has to multi-task -- decode and derive meaning.

Taking a skill that is already known -- decoding -- and making it automatic, like riding a bike, is very possible.  Like a muscle, the brain will respond to exercise.  All it takes a period of frequent and intense exercise.  Once decoding is automatic, the brain is fully available for comprehension which immediately impacts reading skills.

How does the Skills program work?
It is computer-based service where you work from home.  We are able to monitor daily activity via Internet uploads.   You are guided by a Gemm program manager who monitors progress, changes the exercises as needed and sends weekly progress reports.  For most teenage students it is a 2-4 month program, depending on your goals and starting point.

Is this better than traditional test prep?

For students who are in the average to below average range our program can be a powerful boost, because there are likely a number of cognitive skills that it can impact that will help scores.   But in fact all students are capable of improving their cognitive performance which will translate into better performance on test day. 


Can a student just do Gemm's in center test prep?
Yes. If you live locally, we run regular strategy sessions in center.  Students can also choose to work on our Skills Program in-center if they like.


Can Gemm's program help GMAT, GSAT and other tests?
GMAT, GSAT and a number of other high stakes tests are much more content driven than the SAT.   We do only offer ACT and SAT daily lessons by email, and not for these other tests.   However, if you are taking the GMAT or some other test and have concerns about reading comprehension or test-taking skills, contact us.   We may be able to help.


What kind of point game can I expect?
This depends largely on the student's starting point and consistency of effort doing the program. In general, the lower the starting point the more dramatic the point gain opportunity. 


What is Fast ForWord software?
The Fast ForWord program is a suite of 80 or so exercises in several different program formats, that work on a number of fundamental cognitive skills and essential reading skills from the most basic through abstract thinking and reasoning. Fast ForWord takes advantage of the brain's plasticity, its natural ability to improve if exercised appropriately.


Isn't Fast ForWord for younger, remedial children only?

This is completely untrue. Our student testimonials focus almost exclusively on teenagers, who tend to have the most dramatic short term gains as Fast ForWord is able to automate and improve the efficiency of what is already learned.   As regards remedial vs advanced, Fast ForWord has been proven to help children at all academic levels as these studies show, as this chart shows.   We have more trial results in our Results section.

Will the gains endure?

Yes, because the new cognitive skills are used and exercised daily. They become part of the student.   Trial results suggest that an accelerated rate of gain is likely.   Learning skills grow sequentially -- as the Skills program removes glitches in a learning make-up, other higher level skills can develop more normally.   This argues for doing the program as soon as possible.   A Gemm representative can help you with this.