Every student prepares differently. We start by finding out where your student stands and what they’re aiming for, then build a one-on-one plan around their strengths and the areas that need the most work. Our tutors are current and former Stanford students who took these tests not long ago and know what works.
The SAT
The SAT is now fully digital and adaptive. It has two sections, Reading and Writing and Math, and each is split into two parts, with the second part getting easier or harder based on how the student did on the first. The whole test takes a little over two hours, and a built-in graphing calculator is available for all of the math. Our tutors help students master the content, pace themselves and get comfortable with the format before test day.
What parents say
“Our tutor was a senior at Stanford who tutored my son in English, and also SAT preparation. My son received great marks on the SAT exam and also improved his grade in AP English from B to A.”
Janet Y., Menlo Park
“The long term tutor that we had for pre calc and for ACT tutoring was amazing. She was completely professional, organized, thorough and easy to work with.”
Melissa H., Redwood City
The ACT
The ACT changed in 2025. It’s now shorter, about two hours, and the composite score comes from English, Math and Reading, with Science now optional. We help students decide whether the SAT or ACT suits them better, and whether taking the Science section makes sense for the colleges on their list.
The PSAT and National Merit
The PSAT/NMSQT is a shorter version of the digital SAT, usually taken in the fall of 10th and 11th grade. Junior-year scores are used for the National Merit Scholarship Program, so it’s worth preparing for, and the same work gives students a head start on the SAT.
Independent school admission tests
Many independent middle and high schools require the ISEE, SSAT or STAR Assessment for admission. Learn more about our ISEE, SSAT and STAR prep.
We’ve helped students across the Peninsula prepare for these tests, from Palo Alto High School and Gunn to Menlo-Atherton, Los Altos and Sequoia. Families in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City and Los Altos can meet with a tutor in person, and anyone can work with us online.
Sessions are one-on-one, in person within about 10 miles of Stanford or online from anywhere. Click below to tell us about your student, and we’ll find the right tutor.