FAQs

  • Which test do you recommend: SAT or ACT?

    Honest answer: The SAT. While there's a lot of overlap between the two tests, the SAT has some serious advantages: It's much easier to finish in time, it doesn't have the ACT's Science section, it provides students with more than a dozen math formulas, and it doesn't test as much of the Algebra II curriculum. Furthermore, most colleges will super-score the SAT, allowing students to combine their best Math and English scores from different test dates. That being said, I tutor both tests with half my students signing up for both the SAT and ACT.

  • What course material do you use?

    Excellent question! Everyone needs either The Official SAT Study Guide or The Official ACT Prep Guide. These are the only two books that offer genuine questions that are copyrighted by the test makers. All other SAT and ACT books on the market should be avoided. Also, a top-notch graphing calculator is a necessity. I suggest the TI-84 graphing calculator.

  • How long should a student prepare?

    Three months of weekly two-hour lessons is usually the bare minimum. After more than twenty years of experience, I have learned that even for strong students there is simply too much to cover in the areas of mathematics, reading, vocabulary, grammar, essay writing, and even science.

  • How many points do your students go up?

    On the SAT, the average is at least 100 points per section, which adds up to two hundred points overall now that the SAT is back to the old 1600 point scale. On the ACT, the average increase is 8 to 10 points per section, which is significant given that most colleges do not super-score the ACT. Every single point counts.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    24-hours notice is customary and common courtesy. With sufficient notice, I will make every effort to reschedule with you so we don't miss a lesson. Please note: Without sufficient notice and if we are not able to reschedule, the full price of a lesson will be charged.

  • Do you assign homework between lessons?

    Yes, I do. Expect 2 to 3 hours of homework, unless special arrangements are made. This is not busy work. This is targeted work on real SAT and ACT practice tests. Using these tests as the basis for homework also means we can track each student's improvement on a weekly basis.

  • Do you tutor more than one student at a time?

    Normally, no. I have been providing one-on-one tutoring for twenty years, and this personalized instruction has been a key ingredient to my students' success. One of the few exceptions to this rule is in the case of true economic hardship. Please contact me directly for more information.

  • Have you taught students with learning disabilities?

    Yes, I have on many occasions, especially dysgraphia, dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD. I strongly encourage parents to call me, and we can have an in-depth conversation about your child's individual education plan. I'm sure I will be able to support the learning style that works best with your son or daughter.

  • How has working as a Test Item Developer helped you?

    I am certain that having written thousands of SAT Math and English questions as a Test Item Developer has tremendously helped me help my students achieve success. My students love having an "insider" perspective on the test. One of my goals is to transform each student's perspective from that of the test-taker to that of the test-maker. A deeper understanding of standardized test psychology is often the result, which is helpful throughout college and the rest of my students' lives.