Not at all! All colleges in the United States view the ACT and SAT as absolutely equivalent tests, and the best test to submit is the one most suited to your child’s learning and testing profile. 

As a note, students applying to universities abroad may encounter different SAT versus ACT requirements than students applying only to colleges in the USA. We will discuss this during your child’s intake process and use it to inform our recommendations.

We have found that students preparing for only one test demonstrate stronger final scores and a faster tutoring process than those balancing both tests. The SAT and ACT, while perceived equivalently by colleges, actually require different strategies for success and emphasize distinct skills. Students attempting to balance both inevitably blur the strategies, reducing effectiveness and efficiency. 

Our intake process is designed comprehensively to provide our best determination of which test will allow your child to achieve their highest possible scores efficiently. 

In exceptionally rare cases, we have recommended students prepare for both, but this is exceedingly uncommon and always on a case by case basis.

We understand that paper testing feels more comfortable for many students! With the updated tests, paper testing is now only available through the ACT. However, the digital version of the SAT offers many built-in features such as the powerful Desmos calculator, highlighters, and note-taking options that make the process more natural than it may initially seem. 

As part of our intake process, we absolutely weigh student preferences in our recommendations for which test is the best fit for them. 

Should we determine that the SAT is a better fit for your child, we will work with them to ensure they can optimize the tools provided to them and their scratch paper so they are comfortable on test day.

It’s one of the most important questions we hear. The answer is “it depends.” There are many factors that impact student growth including 

• duration of prep

• baseline scores

• student motivation and mindset

• commitment to homework and regular attendance at sessions

• family support and communication. 

Once we are familiar with all the factors involved, we’ll provide you with a realistic estimate of a final score range for your child, and we will keep you updated on how things are progressing throughout the tutoring process.

Each test is offered 7-8 times per year, and students are able to take as many tests as they would like. Most students test at least 3 times for maximum score growth. 

Moreover, many colleges allow ‘score choice’ submission where students only submit their highest test scores (often even their highest scores across test dates, ‘superscoring’). 

After we learn about your child’s general goals, target colleges, and baseline, we’ll recommend the best test dates for them to target as part of their prep plan.

While each student’s recommended testing timeline and trajectory is unique, students typically begin tutoring for the SAT/ACT the summer after their sophomore year of high school.

This ensures they have the required content background, especially in math, and allows them sufficient time to invest in their tutoring process through multiple tests.

Starting early allows more flexibility and less stress, but we can also create efficient plans for students on tighter timelines.

Every student’s timeline is different.

On average, students work with us from 3-6 months, meeting weekly for 90-minute sessions.

Some start earlier for gradual preparation, while others choose a more intensive schedule.

During the intake, we’ll build a timeline tailored to your child’s needs and testing calendar.