Academic Support

SAT Preparation

Application Support

There are two different approaches to SAT preparation.  A content-based approach relies on covering as much content as possible before the test: vocabulary, discrete math skills, etc, and hoping that the content covered matches the content of the test on a given date.  A strategy-based approach provides students with targeted techniques for understanding and answering any type of question in any section on the test.  I use the strategy-based approach, a method I've refined over the past15 years. My approach provides umbrella techniques, simple steps which are repeatable, and applicable to all content.  This prepares students to identify and avoid the tricks and challenges found in all SAT tests and arms them with the confidence that they are prepared, that they know how to handle any item that is presented on the day of the test.  This approach is a huge stress reliever.

My approach, which involves a lot of guided practice and individual review with College Board materials, also allows me to see what specific content needs to be reviewed for each individual student.  This is a targeted content approach, efficient, responsive and time-saving.  

Finally, students regularly take timed practice sections and tests, providing feedback that allows me to refine the strategy work if necessary, and revealing if test conditions present any further challenges--challenges that can again be met with strategy work and practice.

Overall, my approach allows for a calm, confident, well-prepared student to arrive on the day of the test knowing what he will see, what he will do, and what he will feel at the end (ready to celebrate, not collapse!).

In general, my students see significant gains across all sections of the test.  Former students have attended Princeton, Brown, Dartmouth, University of Chicago, Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, Grinnell, Oberlin & University of Wisconsin.

The essay is the only piece of the written application that presents the student's personality to the application readers.  It is essential that she feel connected to the topic, and that who she is, how she thinks, and what she values jump off of the page.

I will work with the student to identify essay topics that are original, authentic and engaging.  We will work together through the drafting process to ensure that the writing pieces are clear and focused and that they truly reveal not only strengths that she has, but also her personality, voice and ability to reflect and analyze issues and experiences she has faced. 

I will also help the student organize and schedule the usually long list of supplemental essays required by colleges.  This can be an overwhelming process (which often ends in last-minute frenzied writing sessions).  An organized schedule, which pairs similar topics and leaves ample time for revision is a huge stress reliever for both the student and the family living with the student!