SAT
Preparing for the SAT is a long term process. In most cases, the best program is to begin prep in the summer before junior year, and spend 10-12 weeks working with a tutor for 90 minutes a week. In between tutoring sessions, a student should be doing 3-4 hours of work on their own. This means about 40 or more hours of work to prepare for the test. It is important not to sugar coat this. But there is a silver lining to requiring all this work; if students put in the time, they will make significant improvements.
Students should also take several proctored tests. You cannot know how you’ll do on the real test without taking realistic practice tests, and the best way to prevent nerves on test day is to have practiced taking the test under realistic conditions.
Tutor Experience
99th Percentile on SAT
Over 12 years of tutoring experience
ACT
Like the SAT, preparing for the ACT is a long term process. Generally, the best program is to begin prep in the summer before junior year, and spend 10-12 weeks working with a tutor for 90 minutes a week. In between tutoring sessions, a student should be doing 3-4 hours of work on their own. This means about 40 or more hours of work to prepare for the test. It is important not to sugar coat this. But there is a silver lining to requiring all this work; if students put in the time, they will make significant improvements.
Students should also take several proctored tests. You cannot know how you’ll do on the real test without taking realistic practice tests, and the best way to prevent nerves on test day is to have practiced taking the test under realistic conditions.
Tutor Experience
36 Score on ACT
Over 12 years of tutoring experience
GRE
Preparing for the GRE takes time… Since people come to the GRE with all kinds of different backgrounds a best program is very hard to advise. I would split it into two groups; those who have come straight from college and have taken math recently, and those who are coming back to the GRE from working for a while. If you haven’t taken math in a while, you will want to start with the fundamentals. Working on algebra, geometry, and statistical fundamentals before you tackle the Quant questions will prevent a lot of frustration. If you feel like your quantitative fundamentals are solid, the official practice provided by ETS is the best way to prepare. Then I recommend 10-12 weeks working with a tutor for 90 minutes a week.
In between tutoring sessions, a student should be doing 3-4 hours of work on their own. This means about 40 or more hours of work to prepare for the test. It is important not to sugar coat this. But there is a silver lining to requiring all this work; if students put in the time, they will make significant improvements. Students should also take several proctored tests. You cannot know how you’ll do on the real test without taking realistic practice tests, and the best way to prevent nerves on test day is to have practiced taking the test under realistic conditions.
Tutor Experience
99th Percentile on GRE
Over 10 years of tutoring experience
When you can show a student that, with dedication and planning, you can learn to answer questions and solve problems that you never you would be able to, it feels great. Many of them can take that experience and apply it to learning in general, making them better students wherever they go.
See What Parents Have To Say!
My daughter had taken the SAT 2 times without the help of Blake and had a score sufficient to apply to some colleges. After I learned from an admission counselor that a higher SAT score would yield a better offer of financial aid I figured that I would give Blake a shot. Well, he paid off big time. Her score went up 150 points and yes she received more money for all 4 years. Best investment ever!!! I have since used Blake for my grandson Andrew and have referred him to many people. It has always worked well.
Ildiko D.
I wasn’t a believer at first, didn’t think Blake could really make a difference…but he sure did! Blake was able to motivate my daughter to prepare for her SAT by working harder and smarter. She was able to improve her SAT score by 160! My daughter and I are so grateful for his patience and confidence in her, especially when my confidence/patience was so low. Blake also kept me posted on her progress and was honest with his feedback. With Blake’s guidance, her new SAT test score has given her new hopes! I highly recommend Blake for SAT Prep!!
Rachel B.
I would recommend Blake to any parent who is looking for a reliable, knowledgable and encouraging tutor for the SATs. My son has learning issues so it was very important to find someone who could understand his abilities and appreciate his learning differences in order to put together a solid study plan. My son had a goal for the SATs and by working with Blake he was able to meet and surpass that goal by 100 points! Thanks Blake for being there for our family!
Lora H.