Preparing for SAT or ACT? UNLV now offering boot camps

By Paul Takahashi

Thursday, March 21, 2013 | 2 a.m.

UNLV's School of Continuing Education has partnered with a Los Angeles test-preparation company to offer its first ACT and SAT boot camps.

Emmanuel Sarris, the director of continuing education, was drawn to Catalyst Prep's way of infusing humor and pop culture into the usually dry and boring task of test preparation.

"I loved how their program worked," Sarris said. "It's a different way of teaching and working with the kids."

Sarris worked with UNLV administrators to bring Catalyst Prep to campus for the first time. Students will learn how the SAT and ACT tries to trick students and will give students a formula to try to master the tests.

"We want to give students the best opportunity to improve their scores," Sarris said. "I thought if we can bring something to our community that helps students, it's a win-win for everyone."

The special boot camps are being offered on UNLV's Paradise campus each weekend before the spring ACT and SAT administration dates.

Preregistration is required as walk-in students cannot be accommodated. Registration costs $165; $99 of which goes to Catalyst for materials and instructors and $66 of which goes to UNLV for expenses.