ACT, SAT, and GRE Tutoring + Personal Statements
In-person SAT, ACT, and GRE tutoring in Carmel Valley (San Diego 92130), by appointment. You can also work with us online via Zoom nationwide.
Office (by appointment):
12625 High Bluff Dr. #113
San Diego, CA 92130
Phone: (858) 367-0187 - for in-person tutoring, the fastest way to get started is to text Blake at this number. Or use our contact page to email, text, or call any of us.
We publish all of our tutors' direct phone numbers - so you can connect to an expert ASAP.
Map and directions
Free parking and EV charging is available. To find Blake's office:
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Enter the building and go down the stairs into the courtyard.
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The office is in the back right corner (Suite #113).
What to Expect
We help with GRE, SAT, ACT, ISEE, and graduate admissions personal statements. Many students work with us online from outside San Diego, and many local families prefer in-person sessions with Blake in Carmel Valley. Whether you meet in person or online, the process is the same:
- A plan that fits your timeline. We start by clarifying your score goal, deadline, and current level.
- Targeted sessions. We focus on the highest-impact skills and strategies for your test.
- Clear homework. You'll always know exactly what to do between sessions.
- Measurable progress. We track what's improving and what needs attention, so you don't waste time.
Who This Is For
This is a good fit if you want:
- A personalized plan, not a one-size-fits-all course
- Help breaking through a plateau
- Accountability and structure
- Efficient prep when you're busy or on a tight timeline
What We Help With
GRE Tutoring
Blake Jensen meets GRE students in person at this office. Vince Kotchian — a GRE-only specialist with a perfect 170 Verbal score and 167 Quant — tutors via Zoom. We specialize in helping MBA, JD, and graduate school applicants reach 320+ scores for competitive programs. Also available: Vince's personalized GRE study plan ($495), which includes a custom weekly schedule, Discord community access, his GRE Verbal Precision course, and two check-in calls.
SAT Tutoring
Blake Jensen meets SAT students in person at this office and also tutors via Zoom. Matt Sheelen tutors SAT via Zoom only. Score improvements of 200–300 points are common. Package pricing: Foundation (6 hrs / $2,250) or Momentum (12 hrs / $4,200).
ACT Tutoring
Blake meets ACT students in person here and also tutors online. Matt tutors ACT via Zoom. Students regularly reach scores of 30–36. Same package pricing as SAT.
ISEE Tutoring
Matt Sheelen is our ISEE specialist (15+ years, Zoom only). His students have been admitted to Bishop's, La Jolla Country Day, Francis Parker, Cathedral Catholic, OLP, and more. If your child is applying to a San Diego private school, Matt is the tutor to work with.
Graduate School Personal Statements
Lauren Hammond (PhD, UCR) helps applicants across 48 graduate and professional programs write compelling personal statements. $225/hr or $995 for a 5-hour package. All sessions online. Contact Lauren directly: 951-395-4646.
Meet the Team
Blake Jensen — SAT, ACT & GRE Tutor (In-Person at This Office or Zoom)
Blake is a native San Diegan and former Division I basketball player (St. Mary's and Whittier College). He has been tutoring the SAT, ACT, and GRE for nearly 20 years. He's the only tutor on the team who meets students in person at this office. Text Blake directly at (858) 367-0187.
Vince Kotchian — GRE Specialist (Online via Zoom)
Vince has been a full-time GRE tutor since 2007. He has scored a perfect 170 on GRE Verbal and a 167 on GRE Quant, co-authored Barron's GRE practice test books, and created GRE courses and apps used by thousands of students. He tutors exclusively via Zoom. $295/hr or $2,700 for 10 hours.
Matt Sheelen — SAT, ACT & ISEE Tutor (Online via Zoom)
Matt holds an M.A. in Education from Stanford University. He has been tutoring the SAT, ACT, and ISEE for 15+ years, with ISEE students admitted to the most competitive private schools in San Diego. Matt tutors via Zoom only.
Lauren Hammond — Personal Statement Expert (Online via Zoom)
Lauren holds a PhD in English from UC Riverside and is UCR's Graduate Writing Center Specialist. She has been a writing consultant for nearly 10 years, helping applicants to 48 graduate and professional programs. Online via Zoom and Google Docs. $225/hr or $995 for 5 hours. Call or text: 951-395-4646.
Areas We Serve Near Carmel Valley
Our office is near the corner of Del Mar Heights Rd. and High Bluff Dr. in San Diego 92130. Families come to us for in-person sessions with Blake from Carmel Valley and nearby neighborhoods:
- Carmel Valley (92130)
- Del Mar
- Torrey Pines / Torrey Hills
- Pacific Highlands Ranch
- Sorrento Valley
- La Jolla
- Rancho Peñasquitos
- Rancho Santa Fe and nearby North County
Not nearby? Vince, Matt, and Lauren work with students online nationwide. Blake also tutors online via Zoom for students outside the Carmel Valley area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does only Blake meet in person, or can I meet other tutors here too?
Blake is the only tutor who meets students in person at this office. Vince and Matt tutor exclusively via Zoom. If you'd like in-person sessions, Blake is your tutor — he covers SAT, ACT, and GRE. If you'd like to work with Vince, Matt, or Lauren, those sessions will be online.
How do I get started?
For in-person sessions with Blake, the fastest way is to text him directly at (858) 367-0187. For any other tutor, or if you're not sure who is the best fit, use our contact page and someone will get back to you quickly.
Do you offer online tutoring too?
Yes. All four team members work online via Zoom — Blake, Vince, Matt, and Lauren. Many students prefer the flexibility, and the quality of tutoring is identical online and in-person.
Is there parking at the Carmel Valley office?
Yes — free parking is available in the lot, including EV charging. Enter the building, go down the stairs into the courtyard, and the office is in the back right corner (Suite #113).
What tests and subjects do you cover?
GRE (Vince and Blake), SAT (Blake and Matt), ACT (Blake and Matt), ISEE (Matt), and graduate school personal statements (Lauren). See the service descriptions above for details on who tutors what and in what format.
What are your hours?
By appointment. Vince is generally available Monday through Friday. Blake has more flexible scheduling as do Matt and Lauren. Contact us and we'll find a time that works.
Do you offer a military discount?
Vince offers 15% off GRE tutoring for active duty military. Contact us for details.
SAT and ACT Tutoring Reviews
Carmel Valley Office Photos
Why Choose Us?
The factor that matters most in test prep is the person working with you.
We don't hire new tutors and train them, since we realize that "tutor" is not a long-term career for most, and that we'd inevitably have lots of turnover if we hired a bunch of recent college graduates like our local competitors do.
Just because someone is smart and went to a great college does NOT mean they're a good tutor - effective tutoring goes way beyond the ability to explain how to do a question. Your hairdresser doesn't do your taxes, right?
Our tutors not only can explain the test well, but will help you with everything from content to strategy to things like test anxiety, test-taking skills, time management, and how to get more out of the studying and homework you do.
Experience really matters. We've learned what works and what doesn't work, so you can raise your scores as efficiently and effectively as possible - if you're willing to work hard, that is!
Meet Our Tutors
Vince
Vince Kotchian
Blake
Blake Jensen
Matt
Matt Sheelen
Lauren
Lauren Hammond