SAT/ACT prep that works.
In my 16 years providing SAT/ACT prep, I've worked with students from nearly every high school in San Francisco and many others beyond. Most of my students attend schools like S.I., Lick, University, Urban, SHC, and Lowell.
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Individual vs. Small-Group Tutoring
Many of my students do their test prep in a small group of 2-6 total students. Among the benefits are the camaraderie of working with friends, the ability to learn from others' questions, and the motivation of wanting to keep up with (or outperform) their fellow group-mates. Because positive group dynamics are so important to a student's overall experience, I ask that groups come to me already formed. Students should be comfortable with each other and also at the same general academic level, and I may ask additional questions to ensure group compatibility. Not all students benefit from a group setting. If your student feels more comfortable working individually, is shy about asking questions or making mistakes in front of classmates, or has significant testing accommodations (use of a reader, extra time, etc.), then individual tutoring could be best. |
Parent of a junior?
Even with uncertainty about test availability, families should be solidifying testing plans at this point—even if that plan is for summer and fall. While it's likely that most colleges will be test optional (or test blind) for the class of 2022, early admission results from the class of 2021 indicate that high test scores remain highly impactful. Each student's decision about testing is an individual one. However, data from the class of 2021 suggests that most 2022 students should at least give them a try. |
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SAT vs. ACT I believe that the SAT vs. ACT decision should be based on actual test score data; it is my opinion that the results of diagnostic tests taken without prep cannot accurately predict the results of tests taken after several months of diligent practice. Given the downside of choosing the "wrong" test, I think it's important to prepare for and attempt both tests officially before making a final decision. Note: College Board has discontinued SAT Subject Tests. They are no longer available. |
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Fees
My fee for SAT/ACT prep is $200 per hour, with some need-based discounts available. Group tutoring is $200 per hour, split between participants, while remote learning is in place. In-person small group rates increase by $30 per hour for each additional student. I utilize the Test Innovators platform for practice test analysis, online exercises, and more. I provide access to students at a discount—$125 for one test or $200 for both (typically $150 per test). Access lasts for 12 months for all students. The number of tutoring hours required to prepare for testing depends on each student's goals and readiness, but "complete" prep is generally 12-18 hours for one test or 15-24 for both. These numbers vary, and I'm also available for shorter interventions. Next Steps Please contact me at (415) 990-1130 or matt@baytutoring.com if you'd like to discuss your student's needs in more detail or schedule lessons. |
My Approach
My educational background in psychology informs an approach based on the fundamentals of learning, memory, and motivation. Detailed homework assignments and lesson plans are constructed with these fundamentals in mind. Generally, test prep involves three categories of learning:
At any level, all three of these categories can have significant impact's on a student's score. |