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SAT, ACT & GRE Tutoring in Carmel Valley (San Diego 92130)

Tutoring + Personal Statements in Carmel Valley, San Diego

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.

Contact Us

Map and directions

Get Directions

Free parking and EV charging is available. To find Blake's office:

  • Enter the building and go down the stairs into the courtyard.

  • The office is in the back right corner (Suite #113).

What to expect

We help with GRE, SAT, ACT, and graduate admissions personal statements. Many students work with us online from outside San Diego, and many local families prefer in-person sessions in Carmel Valley. Whether we meet in Carmel Valley or online, the process is straightforward:

  • 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

Contact Us

Areas We Serve Near Carmel Valley

Our Carmel Valley office is in San Diego (92130), near the corner of Del Mar Heights Rd. and High Bluff Drive. Families come to us for in-person tutoring from Carmel Valley and nearby neighborhoods, including:

  • 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 areas)

Not nearby? We also work with students online via Zoom.

 

Frequently asked questions 

Do you offer online tutoring too?
Yes. We tutor students nationwide online via Zoom. Many students prefer online for convenience, and it works extremely well.

Do you offer in-person tutoring in San Diego?
Yes—by appointment at our Carmel Valley office (San Diego, CA 92130).

Which tests do you tutor for?
We tutor for the GRE, SAT, and ACT, and help with grad school personal statements. If you’re unsure what you need, tell us your test, score goal, and timeline and we’ll recommend a next step.

How long are sessions?
Most sessions are 60–90 minutes, depending on your goals and schedule.

How soon can we start?
Often quickly. Use the Contact Us page and include your test, goal score, and timeline so we can respond with the best plan and next available times.

Is in-person better than online?
Not necessarily. Online is often just as effective, especially for students who want flexible scheduling. If you’re local and prefer meeting in person, Blake is available by appointment.

What should I bring to an in-person session?
If you have previous practice test results, bring or email them. Otherwise, we’ll guide you from the first session.

SAT and ACT Tutoring Reviews

  • ACT Parent

    "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."

  • SAT 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."

  • ACT 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!!"

  • SAT Parent, The Bishop's School

    "(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."

Exclamation Bang

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 Kotchian

Vince

Vince Kotchian

Blake Jensen

Blake

Blake Jensen

Matt Sheelen

Matt

Matt Sheelen

Lauren Hammond

Lauren

Lauren Hammond

Our Values

  • Excellence

    We eat, sleep, and breathe test prep

    Matt, Blake, and Vince each have 15 years of experience delivering high-quality, personalized teaching.

  • People Over Profits

    Students Succeed When Tutors Thrive

    Our tutors have complete autonomy and are paid more than four times the industry average.

  • Convenience

    call or text us directly

    Our tutors' phone numbers are listed on our contact page. Your tutor handles all your questions.

  • Discounts & Scholarships

    Animal Welfare + Supporting Military

    We offer two yearly scholarships for pre-veterinary undergraduate students. Vince also offers a 15% military discount for his GRE clients.

  • Kindness & Compassion

    Teaching Rooted in Empathy

    In today's stressful world, empathy and a holistic learning approach are even more important for successful teacher - student relationships.