When should I take the test?

If you’ve taken Geometry and Algebra II by the end of sophomore year, take a test fall of your junior year and start prepping summer before. Otherwise, start prepping late fall of junior year and take an early Spring test.

Which test should I take?

The only way to know which test you’re better at is to take a test of each. It is well worth the time! You can take one from a book or a real proctored one. Some schools offer practice diagnostic tests as well.

That being said, SAT tends to work well for those with strong Language Arts skills, has a narrower curriculum base (making it easier to prep for), and is better for time management. ACT tends to work well for those with strong Math and Science skills, does not have a “guessing penalty” for incorrect answers, and is more curriculum-based. Questions are challenging, but are worded more straightforwardly than some of the “tricky” questions on SAT.

There is substantial overlap in content with ACT and SAT, especially in Math, Grammar, and Reading. The combo course will prepare you to do your best on either test.

How many times should I take the test?

Now that BOTH tests offer the “score choice” option, you can take the tests as many times as you like and only send the scores you like to colleges. I had some seniors last fall taking their fourth and fifth tests on the advice of their college counselors, and I agree that there is no reason to limit the amount of times you take the test. At the 1950+ SAT/ 29+ ACT level, one or two more questions adds 100+ points SAT/ 1-2 points ACT.

In addition, many colleges also allow you to provide a “super score.” This would be a combination of your highest scores in individual areas (Math, Reading, etc.) across separate tests. This varies from school to school, and an experienced college counselor would know which schools allow super-scoring, but I am told it is more common with SAT. Even a “super-scored” test would only require submitting three separate test dates, so there are no disadvantages in taking the test multiple times.

Where do you tutor?

I come to your home or local library, and I tutor in South Orange County: San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Newport Coast, Corona Del Mar.

How long are sessions?

Two hours.

When and how do we pay?

50% deposit to book a course, and the remaining 50% balance is due halfway through the course. Payment by check mailed to my home office or in person is preferred, but you may also pay by using Paypal here.

What high schools have you had students from?

Many. One of the most interesting things about teaching this material is hearing the variety of different curricula happening in today's high school classrooms. I've had students from St. Margaret's, Laguna Beach High School, Trabuco, San Clemente, San Juan Hills, RSMCHS, Capo Valley, Sage Hill, Aliso Niguel, Tesoro, Mission Viejo, and CDMHS.