Looking for support through the SAT/ACT/ISEE/SSAT or through the college admissions/secondary school admissions seasons? I'm happy to help! Be it a one-time consult, weekly one-on-one support, or small class settings, I provide the experience and support that helps you (and your student) set attainable goals, identify strengths and weaknesses, and present a profile that maximizes opportunities and shows your student in the best possible light.
Do I even need to take these tests?
Many, but not all colleges are currently test optional, meaning that you can submit an application without submitting scores. It also means if you take these tests and do abysmally, then no, you don't need to submit them to still be considered. However, many of the more selective schools DO want to see standardized tests, and I do recommend that most students at least try to take them. Think of it this way: there are more students than ever applying to college. Many applicants check the boxes that schools are looking for, so they have to set themselves apart. The best way of doing that is through extracurriculars and a fabulous essay, but even then, you can have two students that on paper look basically the same. If one has slightly better test scores, then they have an edge over their competition. In a time of such fierce and frankly unfair competition, give yourself any advantage you can.
For secondary school admissions, the ISEE and SSAT are non-negotiable. Which test is required for each school varies, but you need to submit something. Less than ideal scores do not necessarily bar students from admission, but again, they help schools narrow down their applicant pools.
Why work with someone on the college admissions process?
Few things can spark intense fights the way the college admissions process can. Students are being asked to make big life decisions for themselves often for the first time, parents are trying to not only guide but also worry about finances, safety, etc, and even with the Common App and the Coalition (and Naviance, and Scoir, and all of the other platforms) helping streamline the process, it is unwieldy. Working with a third party helps keep the peace, keep students organized, and provides experience that can help students prioritize what they are looking for and learn how to present themselves to the outside world in a way that highlights their strengths.
Why work with me?
How do I get started?
There is no one right timeline for everyone. What I find is that MOST (but not all) public school kids take their first SAT/ACT in March of their junior year, thus opening up May, June, August, and potentially October for subsequent retakes as needed. Private school kids tend to take their first test a little earlier (often December of junior year). Depending on circumstances, summer before junior year is a good time to get started thinking about test prep with prep ramping up as the test approaches. The summer before senior year is the time to get college applications in order; ideally, you want to be done and almost ready to submit before school starts in September so that this process isn't hanging over your head while you're trying to focus on enjoying your final year of high school.
Some students need very little prep; some need a lot. If you are ready to start and want to discuss options and your student's individual needs, use the form below.
Do I even need to take these tests?
Many, but not all colleges are currently test optional, meaning that you can submit an application without submitting scores. It also means if you take these tests and do abysmally, then no, you don't need to submit them to still be considered. However, many of the more selective schools DO want to see standardized tests, and I do recommend that most students at least try to take them. Think of it this way: there are more students than ever applying to college. Many applicants check the boxes that schools are looking for, so they have to set themselves apart. The best way of doing that is through extracurriculars and a fabulous essay, but even then, you can have two students that on paper look basically the same. If one has slightly better test scores, then they have an edge over their competition. In a time of such fierce and frankly unfair competition, give yourself any advantage you can.
For secondary school admissions, the ISEE and SSAT are non-negotiable. Which test is required for each school varies, but you need to submit something. Less than ideal scores do not necessarily bar students from admission, but again, they help schools narrow down their applicant pools.
Why work with someone on the college admissions process?
Few things can spark intense fights the way the college admissions process can. Students are being asked to make big life decisions for themselves often for the first time, parents are trying to not only guide but also worry about finances, safety, etc, and even with the Common App and the Coalition (and Naviance, and Scoir, and all of the other platforms) helping streamline the process, it is unwieldy. Working with a third party helps keep the peace, keep students organized, and provides experience that can help students prioritize what they are looking for and learn how to present themselves to the outside world in a way that highlights their strengths.
Why work with me?
- Over 15 years of dedicated test prep experience
- Over 10 years of college admissions guidance experience
- A proven track record of success: students have matriculated at colleges such as Harvard, Dartmouth, Cornell, MIT, and the like as well as at state schools and technical programs; secondary school candidates have been accepted to St. Sebastian's School, Dexter Southfield, Newton Country Day, The Governor's Academy, Brooks School, Buckingham Browne and Nichols, the Kent School, and others
- Extensive experience working not only with high achievers but with different learning profiles/lived experiences
- Adept at identifying students' strengths and helping them discover the best placements for them
How do I get started?
There is no one right timeline for everyone. What I find is that MOST (but not all) public school kids take their first SAT/ACT in March of their junior year, thus opening up May, June, August, and potentially October for subsequent retakes as needed. Private school kids tend to take their first test a little earlier (often December of junior year). Depending on circumstances, summer before junior year is a good time to get started thinking about test prep with prep ramping up as the test approaches. The summer before senior year is the time to get college applications in order; ideally, you want to be done and almost ready to submit before school starts in September so that this process isn't hanging over your head while you're trying to focus on enjoying your final year of high school.
Some students need very little prep; some need a lot. If you are ready to start and want to discuss options and your student's individual needs, use the form below.