Get the SAT score that
reflects your abilities.

Whether you’re looking to boost performance in a challenging area, master proven test-taking strategies, or achieve your target score, we have options to help you succeed.

Test Prep

Our SAT Approach

High school life is filled with many uncertainties, but when it comes to the SAT, proper test preparation ensures you feel calm and confident on exam day. Our 1-on-1 SAT prep program gives you access to knowledgeable guidance and a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs. Each of our tutors brings a wealth of expertise and works with our proven process centered on three fundamental components:

  1. Mastery of Content

  2. Test-Taking Strategies

  3. Applied Psychology

Our methodology ensures every student experiences benefits, wherever they’re at in their test prep journey.

Learn more about our approach and values.

What is the PSAT?

The PSAT is a slightly shorter and less difficult version of the SAT. It gives students insight into the SAT format and a way to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses against this style of test. PSAT scores are a smart jumping-off point for SAT preparation. Most students take the test in the fall of their junior year. Those with outstanding performance may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

 Sample Session

Watch Our SAT Prep in Action

In this session, our tutor walks a student through an SAT Math lesson on circle properties. They begin by checking in about assigned homework. From there, our tutor embarks on a lesson with multisensory and interactive activities from The North Avenue Guide to the SAT to assist the student’s learning process.

 

Ready? Let’s connect you with an expert tutor.

The North Avenue Guide to the SAT (ebook)
$50.00

An innovative, science-backed approach to testing and college preparedness, written and compiled by our team of expert tutors.

Included with enrollment in 1:1 SAT prep or an SAT Small Group class.

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SAT or ACT?
Make the right choice.

The SAT rewards critical analysis and depth of knowledge, while the ACT rewards quick recall and breadth of knowledge. The other significant difference between the two is the timing. The ACT gives you less time for each question, making pace a more critical factor. Students who excel in math and sciences may find the ACT best suited to their skillset. For more info, access our SAT-versus-ACT resource at left.

Still deciding which test is right for you? Contact us for additional insight.

Interested in a group SAT class?
View our current offerings. 

Practice Tests
Practice makes perfect.

Practice and exposure to test-taking conditions are integral to each student’s tutoring process. Our proctored practice tests both establish baseline scores and provide an opportunity for in-depth analysis of results, helping your tutor develop test-taking strategies tailored to your specific needs.

We strongly recommend practice tests to every student. If you don’t see your test in the format you prefer, contact us to discuss options.

SAT Test Sections & Scoring

The SAT consists of four multiple-choice sections. These sections always appear in the same order: Reading, Writing & Language, Math No Calculator, and Math With Calculator.

Reading

  1. Broken down into 5 passages consisting of 4 topic matters: Literature, History and Social Studies, Founding Document or Great Global Conversation (i.e. historical document), and Science (2 passages)

  2. Measures students’ reading comprehension and analytical skills

  3. 65 minutes / 52 questions

Writing & Language

  1. Measures students’ knowledge of the rules of punctuation, grammar, and language usage

  2. 35 minutes / 44 questions

Math With Calculator

  1. Measures students’ conceptual math knowledge and problem-solving skills

  2. 55 minutes / 38 questions (30 multiple-choice, 8 grid-in)

  3. Content ranges from pre-Algebra and number theory through pre-Calculus. As with the No Calculator section, heavily focused on Algebra

Math No Calculator

  1. Measures students’ conceptual math knowledge and problem-solving skills

  2. 25 minutes / 20 questions (15 multiple-choice and 5 grid-in)

  3. Content ranges from pre-Algebra and number theory through pre-Calculus. Heavily-focused on Algebra

Scoring

  1. Reading and Writing sections combined for a total section score ranging from 200-800; Math sections also combined for a total section score ranging from 200-800

  2. Total composite SAT score range of 400-1600

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Choosing not to submit SAT scores has advantages and disadvantages. For students with unimpressive test scores, applying test-optional helps keep the focus on application components that may be stronger, like grades and essays. For other students, presenting high test scores helps confirm academic preparedness or even balance out weak components, such as a low GPA.

    Since test-optional policies change frequently, students should research schools they’re interested in early on in the process and consider the impact of withholding scores. At many colleges, SAT scores are considered when granting scholarship funds or awarding course credit.

  • Most students take the SAT two or three times. We recommend pursuing a serious program of study before taking the SAT for the first time. Retesting within 3-6 months if often part of a sophisticated testing strategy, and can help students manage SAT prep homework or navigate tricky sports schedules. However, retesting without additional preparation rarely yields better results.

  • Superscoring entails considering only the highest test section scores achieved across multiple test dates. Most colleges and universities follow this general policy. However, there are a few schools that recommend students submit all test scores; students are advised to craft their college lists early in order to develop a successful testing strategy.

  • While some schools offer a School Day SAT administered during the week, most students will need to register for the SAT via College Board’s website and take the exam on a Saturday. Find more info about how to register for the official SAT on our Client Support page.

  • We do not offer score increase guarantees, nor do we track official scores or report on average gains. Each student’s journey looks very different – from where they start to how long they prepare to how committed they are to improving. What we do guarantee is that every student will get the best support possible, that we will be transparent throughout the process, and that we will be a reliable source of encouragement and information.

    We will also be adaptive to whatever needs or challenges arrive. Students will work with their instructor to set reasonable goals, and for those ready to put in the work, significant gains are attainable.

  • Hourly 1:1 SAT & PSAT prep starts at $180/session. Read more about pricing and packages.

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