Meet the Speaker - Alan Sheptin - ACT or SAT - What’s the Difference and Why You Should Care

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Liam

Meet the Speaker features Alan Sheptin introducing a presentation about ACT versus SAT and why students and families should understand the differences before committing to test prep. The program includes a special offer with a tutoring prize and a guidebook mini-library, contingent on attendance. Alan explains his qualifications, his test-prep approach focused on reducing family stress, setting and adjusting realistic goals, and applying structured classwork plus extensive timed practice. He also addresses testing culture pressures and preparation strategies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Meet the Speaker

Event overview and special offer

Who Alan Sheptin is and his qualifications

Why he does test prep and how he works with students

Thoughts on testing culture and pressure for scores

Recommendations for standardized test preparation

MEET THE SPEAKER WHO: Alan Sheptin WHEN: PA meeting on Tuesday January 17th, 2017 7:00PM WHAT: ACT or SAT? What’s the Difference and Why You Should Care A SPECIAL OFFER FROM ALAN Attend the presentation and be entered to win First Prize: Two hours of private tutoring (value of $400) as a first prize Second Prize: A mini-library of a Fiske Guide, SAT Book, and ACT book (value of about $75) You must be present to win Alan Sheptin is the founder of Sheptin Tutoring Group, which provides academic support and exam prep tutoring for New York State students. Before starting his own company he taught at Kaplan, Educational Services Center, and the Center for Learning Skills. Alan is also a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the Independent Educational Consultants Association. He has a BA in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA in Finance from Fordham University and a certificate in College Counseling through UCLA. We asked him five questions that will help you get to know him: 1. Please tell us who you are, and what your qualifications and experience are. I’m Alan Sheptin, owner of Sheptin Tutoring Group based in Chappaqua, New York (about 35 minutes north of Bronx Science) . Since 1990, I’ve been navigating students through the complexities and nuances of the SAT and ACT examinations. I created my own company in 2007, to put my own stamp on the test prep business. Presently I have 15 tutors working with me on all aspects of test prep and academic support. My team and I can work with students on any standardized test, from SHSAT to AP exams. Several of my “alumni” have returned to me in recent years, asking for help preparing for the GRE and GMAT exams. It has been extremely gratifying to know that my students trust us, and enjoy working with us. I received a BA in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA in Finance from Fordham University. In addition, I was an Associate of the Society of Actuaries. I actually launched this business in my dorm room senior year. As a Resident Advisor on an all-freshman floor at Penn, my floor mates used to ask for calculus help. They saw that I was excellent at explaining complicated concepts. Next thing I knew, I had clients from all over campus, making my senior year a profitable one. 2. What do you do? Why do you do it? When I work with students and their families, I tell them to let me take the stress of test prep (college counseling, academic support, etc.) off of their backs on onto mine. I can look at a child more objectively than the parent, assessing the student’s strengths and deficiencies. I will be honest about where their skills can take them. Parents often have a goal score for their child. I’d prefer that the child create the goal (often lofty) . We then work backwards to determine how to get there incrementally. The student feels empowered and challenged. If the student meets the goal sooner than expected, I may ask him or her to raise the stakes. Warren Buffet says that he “tap dances to work” every day. So do I. I enjoy working with students, and helping them to build their confidence and skills. When my students have that“a-hah”moment, that nanosecond is most gratifying to me and wonderful to observe. After parents tell me and my team that their child could not have done it (whatever that is defined as) without us, I am humbled and grateful. I recently hired a former student of mine to work for me. That has been one of the most wonderful aspects of adding staff to my team. 3. Please give us your thoughts about the testing culture that’s so much a part of outlives today. Whether you like it or not, testing is here to stay. Testing is something that is omnipresent in our culture. Physicians must take numerous rigorous qualifying exams. Attorneys must endure the Bar. Engineers take licensing exams. Even cosmeticians have to take a licensing test. And, high school students

FAQs

What is the main topic of the presentation?

The presentation focuses on ACT versus SAT—what the difference is and why students should care before preparing.

What special offer is available for attendees?

Attendees can be entered to win first prize private tutoring for two hours and second prize a mini-library of SAT and ACT guidebooks; winners must be present.

How does Alan Sheptin recommend students prepare for standardized tests?

He describes preparation as a process with structured classwork, strategy and learning components, homework, and many full practice exams including timed conditions. The approach emphasizes setting goals and working backwards incrementally.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Liam