Frequently Asked Questions

When should I begin the SAT/ACT test preparation process?

It is typically recommended that students use the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT), administered in 10th grade, as a baseline test to determine their strongest and weakest verbal and math skills. From that, in their sophomore or junior years, students are encouraged to strengthen their weakest skills and hone their strongest ones in anticipation of taking the March exam of their junior year (many states offer it for free to their students). With this score report in hand, students can begin to zero in on the areas where they need the most work and practice improving with our instructors' help.

What else can I do to ensure that I earn the test scores I desire? Are there other resources available to me?

Other than one-on-one guidance and instruction with our tutors, students have many additional resources available with a quick click of the keyboard. During one-on-one sessions, our instructors will discuss many of these options with students, often recommending supplemental practice outside of the virtual meetings. Students can also review our ADDITIONAL RESOURCES section on our website to locate links to some of these resources and begin on their own...

What is considered a "good score" for these college entrance exams?

A "good score" depends on where a student plans to apply to college. The best approach to determining a "goal score" is for the student (and parent) to research college entrance statistics as well as existing available local, state & national scholarship programs. Once a student understands these stats, costs, and best fit for their future plans, it is easier to determine what his/her "goal score" would be and how to best work toward achieving that goal. (Students hoping to attend prestigious colleges would be expected to earn top scores.)

How do I even begin developing ideas for my college essay? When should I start writing? When should it be complete?

Counselors recommend that students begin their college application process in the spring semester of their junior year, with a dedicated focus on drafting an essay in the summer before their senior year. Students should set up Common App/Coalition profiles and begin completing them throughout this time. Since essay topics have remained relatively consistent over the last decade, students should be able to brainstorm ideas by early summer, narrow down to the event that resonates most with them, and have a working draft complete by the end of summer.

However, depending on each student's application plans (EA, ED, Rolling, Regular Decision, etc.), application deadlines will vary and require some students to complete the process sooner than others. Either way, senior year is without a doubt, a busy and stressful time, and seniors should begin the college application and essay writing process as soon as possible.

What are your qualifications for offering these services? What would your services cost to the client?

We welcome you to review the ABOUT US page that lists our multiple teaching certifications and 5+ decades of experience. As parents, we have helped our own two children navigate their applications and acceptances into Duke University (RD - c/o2023 & ED - c/o2025) and have endeavored to impart this same knowledge to the 1000s of seniors we've taught in the last decade.

If you choose to work with us, we offer a wide range of payment plan options depending on individual client needs, from hourly rates to package deals. Contact us for a consultation where we can discuss your needs, and we'll discuss payment options with you.