FAQs

When should I begin preparation?

Earlier is usually better. SAT Math stops at Algebra 2, so waiting longer to take the SAT doesn’t make sense for students who are already going into Pre-Calc or higher. Juniors who are in AP Calculus haven’t seen some of the math on the SAT since 7th grade! Ninth grade is too soon regardless of math level because the maturity isn’t there yet. Summer before 10th grade is an early start. If you haven’t begun the preparation process by spring of the junior year, you’re behind.

What kind of increase can I expect?

The average target increase for my SAT students is 250-points. This is 100-points more than the average target increase just a few years ago. I have designed my program to meet the demand for monster score increases. A 200+ increase is too much to expect from just one test. For a 200+ increase, you must expect to take the test three times. Everyone takes the test three times, and I have three courses—one for each attempt at the SAT:

  • SAT Live
    the core program

  • SAT Advanced
    follow-up course with higher-level content

  • SAT Simulate
    one-week simulation of a real SAT before the final attempt

Is a bad score held against you?

With few exceptions, the answer is “no.” Almost all colleges are going to take your best Math score and your best Verbal score out of all your attempts and combine them to make a Superscore. This is why

1) everyone takes the test three times and

2) no single test day or test module is going to hurt your application.

Should I consider the ACT? UPDATED 2026

YES!

The ACT organization switched from a non-profit to a for-profit at the same time that it launched the most significant changes to the test in twenty years. None of the publicly available practice tests are very good, but I did get my hands on the new “Enhanced ACT” at the end of 2025. Here’s the breakdown:

  • English is shorter, but much harder.

  • Math is shorter, and about the same difficulty.

  • Reading is the same as it used to be, and much easier than SAT Reading.

  • Science is the same as it used to be. (Science is now “optional,” but don’t kid yourself—you need to take the Science)

I have reintroduced ACT courses, starting with the February ACT (ACT Crash Course February). April and June courses available soon.

Do you offer in-person tutoring?

No. All courses are live, interactive, and 100% virtual. All my instruction has been virtual for more than five years, and the results today are better than they were before making the change.

How can I start right now?

SAT preparation begins with SAT Live, the first course in my curriculum. To supplement this, either before or during the classes, build your SAT vocabulary with Vocab Lab, my free digital vocabulary development program. Here’s the link to the first video: Vocab Lab

For students who struggle with Algebra or who haven’t seen it in a long time, it’s a good idea to review. I have a series of core math lessons (slope, factoring, etc) that are also available for free on my YouTube page.

Don’t do practice tests! If it’s not an offical test, it’s not going to be representative of a real SAT. If it is an offical test, then I use it! There are a very limited number of official tests available on Collge Board, and I use all ot them in my courses. Once you’ve worked through a test on your own, it’s no longer useful as a teaching tool. Save those practice tests—you’re going to need them! Same goes for the ACT! Don’t do any practice tests before you start prep!