Video: How SAT / ACT Prep is like the Pizza Industry

 

The most important factor in SAT / ACT prep is the person teaching you.

Online ACT tutoring by veteran tutors

Zoom works really well for online tutoring! We can share materials so we're literally on the same page, record the session so you can review it later, and draw on the screen so you get a visual of what we're explaining.

Does your child have a learning disability? Click here to learn more about how we can help LD / ADHD students. Or are they just a bad test-taker?

Normally, we cover the entire ACT, but if you'd like, we can just focus on one or more individual sections like Englishmath, reading, or science.

We also offer online SAT tutoring.

 

In our view, the very most important question for parents to ask is this:

 

"Who, exactly, will be the person teaching my kid?"

 

We're probably the most expensive tutors in San Diego. Why? In stark contrast to our competitors who employ a rotating cast of 23-year-olds, our tutors have an average of 10 years of experience. We pay them really well because we only hire tutors who are extremely good at what they do. If you're trying for a very high score, you need an expert, not a dilettante.

One-on-one ACT tutoring, with us, is completely customized to your learning style, personality, and needs.

Talking through the nuances of ACT practice questions not only allows us to explain, in detail, the strategies that work, but that conversation also allows us to see what a student is thinking, ask the right questions to test understanding, and adjust our instruction minute-by-minute.

 

"What are the benefits of private ACT tutoring?"

  • Instruction tailored to your child's learning style, motivation level, and personality
  • The opportunity to talk through the nuances of questions with someone with several years of experience with the test
  • Homework adjusted to your specific needs
  • Accountability and encouragement :)

 

Private ACT tutoring is simply the most effective and efficient way to raise scores.

 

Look for each tutor's location and pricing in their bio.

Blake Jensen

Blake Jensen SAT Test Prep Tutor Blake Jensen SAT Test Prep Tutor Blake Jensen SAT Test Prep Tutor

Blake: I’m a native San Diegan, father, and an aficionado of basketball, vintage video games, pitchy karaoke, and lecturing my son on how much better Star Wars was "back in the day." I played college basketball at St. Mary’s College and Whittier College, where I earned my B.A. in Psychology in 2002.

Having been a full-time test prep coach for over 15 years, I have seen just about every type of student and tutoring situation. This allows me to give my students exactly what they need to reach their goals.

My years of experience have also led me to coach my students a little differently than most. A lot of test prep revolves around how to answer a question. While that is a necessary component, identifying what is needed to answer a question is at least as important, especially for timed tests like the SAT and ACT. I show my students how to look at the test the way I do, to the patterns and tendencies of the tests to make them faster and more accurate.

Though I still work with students of all types, these days I tend to specialize in students with ambitious score goals.

ACT tutoring with Blake is $275 / hour (or $248 / hour for 15 or more hours).

He meets clients in his Carmel Valley office or online via Zoom.

"Just wanted to let you know how happy we were with your services. Blake worked with our daughter and after just 7 sessions, her ACT score went up 4 points! She really enjoyed working with Blake. He was very knowledgeable, not only about the subject matter, but also about time management and test taking strategies. We hope he will work with our son when he starts preparing for his testing next year. The results Blake helped our daughter achieve has expanded her college options and given her test taking strategies that she can use in the future. She is thrilled!" - Kay Scott

Matt: I am originally from Hopkinton, Massachusetts - the start of the historic Boston Marathon. I went to college at Northwestern University, where I graduated with a degree in Theatre. After college, I wised up and moved to the warmer coast. I worked in Los Angeles for many years as a full-time SAT / ACT tutor and part-time arts educator.

I have been tutoring for over 10 years and have spent thousands of hours helping students improve their scores. Recently, I moved to San Diego after getting a M.A. in Education from Stanford University, and I currently work as a credentialed classroom teacher.

When I’m not working, I enjoy good books, performing improv comedy, surfing, watching Game of Thrones, and enjoying the charms of San Diego. I live in North Park, where I love to get out and take advantage of all the delicious food in the area. I am also a huge Boston sports fan - the Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics are my favorite teams. I usually have something in common with every student - my interests are really diverse!

ACT tutoring with Matt is $225 an hour ($203 / hour for 10 or more hours). He meets with students online via Zoom, and in person in North Park or Mission Valley. Matt specializes in helping students set and achieve ambitious score goals, as well as helping them build their confidence and test-taking abilities. 

"My daughter worked via Skype and Facetime with Matt Sheelen for about 6 months to prepare for taking the ACT, and she improved her scores to a high level, but equally important, I think, she developed a positive spirit toward taking the test. In a nutshell, Matt is an excellent instructor on every level. Matt identified her weaknesses and tailored their work to build skills, strategy, and confidence. He is gifted in his ability to explain or reason with students creatively. Matt -- with a rare combination of seriousness and humor -- made the process feel less overwhelming. His work and personal kindness also made my daughter (and me!) feel supported in the college application process. As a parent, I particularly appreciate the positive attitude Matt inspires." - Susan L.

Matt Sheelen

Matt Sheelen SAT Test Prep Tutor Matt Sheelen SAT Test Prep Tutor Matt Sheelen SAT Test Prep Tutor

Client Testimonials

To see all of our reviews, check out Yelp and Google. We have more 5-star reviews than any other local test prep company.

"Our daughter worked with Matt Sheelen to prepare for the ACT, and she could not have been more pleased. Matt gave her clear strategies to improve in the areas that she needed to most, and, from her 1st practice test to the real test, she raised her score 8 points! She did so well on the actual test the 1st time she took it, that she did not even need to re-take it, as many students choose to do. On top of Matt's expertise, he happens to be a really great guy that relates well to teens (and their parents :-) ). My daughter really enjoyed working with him and we highly recommend him."

- ACT Parent

"My 17 year old daughter used Blake this past summer for a month to help her improve her SAT scores for college admittance. Blake thoroughly trained her for the test and she felt prepared going in on text day. Her scores went up 200 points with Blake's fantastic tutoring help. She got a 1250 and is thrilled. Blake is worth every penny of your time. Thank you again."

- SAT Parent

"My daughter worked with Bronte D’Acquisto for about two months to prepare for her SAT and ACT. Bronte’s help was invaluable! She assessed where Fiona’s strong points and weak points were on both tests, and worked to improve on the weak points. They offered proctored practice tests so you can take the test in a testing situation, which I highly recommend. My daughter got exceptional scores on both tests on the first attempt, and I think Bronte’s focused tutoring made all the difference. Thank you!!"

- ACT Parent

"(Student) and I will always be grateful to you, Vince, for all the support and guidance you provided to him which enabled him to do amazing on his SAT. He was also thrilled that he only had to take it one time. I will admit, getting private SAT tutoring was definitely a sacrifice...especially being both a single mom and a teacher, but it was honestly the absolute BEST investment. His GPA is not very high, so I know his SAT score really helped him, not only with being admitted to every school he applied to, but also with the merit scholarships he earned. They offered him a guaranteed slot into their direct entry doctor of physical therapy program as well as a full-tuition scholarship beginning freshman year and continuing until the completion of his doctoral program."

- SAT Parent, The Bishop's School