I'm Blake Jensen. For 18 years, I've helped students raise test scores and master challenging coursework by identifying the specific gaps holding them back and fixing those first. Good grades don't always mean a student is ready for the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT — and strong test scores require more than tips and tricks. I find those gaps, fix them, and build sound strategy on top.
Based in Carmel Valley, San Diego, with in-person tutoring at Del Mar Highlands and online tutoring nationwide and internationally.
Rates start at $325/hour • (516) 787-5919
Diagnostic-driven prep that finds and fixes the specific problems keeping your student's score stuck.
Most students don't need a complete SAT or ACT curriculum — they need someone to figure out exactly where they're losing points and fix those specific things. A student might be strong in algebra but consistently miss data interpretation questions under time pressure. Generic prep wastes sessions reviewing algebra. I don't do that.
I start every engagement with a diagnostic: not just "what did you get wrong," but why you got it wrong and what pattern is behind it. From there, I teach students to quickly identify what a question is actually asking for before they try to answer it. This matters more than most people realize — even if you know how to get the answer, you can't answer a question if you don't know what it's asking for. A lot of tutors jump straight to showing solutions. I spend time on the recognition step because that's where most points are actually lost.
And I make sure students can solve problems on their own before we move on. Just because my explanation made sense doesn't mean they're ready to do it without me.
Reviewing a missed question is where learning starts — but it's not where scores change. Your score changes when you can solve a different question that uses the same skills, on your own, days later. That's why every missed concept comes back — in a new form, on a new day — until you can handle it cold.
"Blake is an exceptional SAT prep professional and helped my son improve his score by 300 points in less than 3 months! He really understands the test and knows how to analyze where my son needed to focus his energy to study. He always had a well thought-out study plan each week using effective tools and techniques."
"We have had an excellent experience working with Blake. He worked with our son last year, and he scored a 34 on his first ACT exam. This year he has brought our daughter from a 24 to 31."
The same diagnostic approach, adapted for working professionals preparing for graduate and business school. Individualized strategy that respects your time.
AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Precalculus, and AP Chemistry — primarily for students already working with me on test prep who need additional academic support.
Based in Carmel Valley, San Diego, with in-person tutoring at Del Mar Highlands.
Available nationwide and internationally via Zoom. Online sessions use the same diagnostic approach and materials as in-person — there's no difference in quality or depth.
I have particular experience working with UK and EU families preparing for the SAT as part of US university admissions.
A short conversation is usually enough to figure out where things stand and whether I'm the right fit. No commitment, no pressure.
Or call/text directly: (516) 787-5919