College Prep draws students from more than a hundred middle schools to its Broadway campus in Rockridge, and for many of them the first year is a real step up. Discussion-based classes, problem-first math and three required lab sciences ask students to think independently from day one.
Tell us about your student, and we’ll match them with a UC Berkeley tutor who fits.
Our UC Berkeley tutors help College Prep students work through challenging problem sets, write and revise analytical essays and build the study habits a demanding schedule requires. Sessions are one-on-one, at your home in Oakland or Berkeley, or online.
The first year at College Prep
Students who are used to a more traditional middle school math class often find a tutor especially helpful during the first semester. In College Prep’s math classes, students try a problem before they are shown a method. Our tutors work the same way: they ask questions, let the student find the next step and then check that the idea holds on another problem. College Prep gives 9th grade yearlong courses one final grade at the end of the year, not at the semester, which leaves new students room to find their feet. We help them use that first fall well.
Applying to College Prep
College Prep asks 9th grade applicants for either the ISEE or the SSAT, with no preference between them. For fall 2027 entry, application materials are due January 5, 2027, and testing must be complete by February 1. Every applicant also has a Zoom interview of about thirty minutes. We offer one-on-one ISEE and SSAT prep that starts with a practice test and builds from there, and a tutor can run a practice conversation before the interview.
What Cardinal Tutors families say
“My son received great marks on the SAT exam and also improved his grade in AP English from B to A.”
Janet Y. · Yelp review
Tell us about your student, whether they’re applying or already enrolled, and we’ll find the right tutor.
Tell us about your student, and we’ll match them with a UC Berkeley tutor who fits.