Summer Program 2022 — Hybrid classes: in-person and on Zoom over the summer

If, during the summer months, social distancing is no longer mandatory, students can decide to attend class at my office or participate online via Zoom. In-person classes will be simultaneously recorded for Zoom access.

All Zoom recordings of all classes will be available to students so that vacation activities, spotty wi-fi service or sporting events will not prevent kids from “zooming” in a day or so after class.

Optimizing scores

In my summer classes, students learn how to apply sophisticated problem-solving techniques to optimize their SAT Scores.

Here’s how it works: Outside of class, students are assigned several SAT practice tests to complete as homework assignments. Then, in class, we drill down on each question of the completed assignment and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of various student responses.

This meticulous give-and-take between students and teacher is the hallmark of my approach to test prep, unlike any other in the industry.

Summer Schedule

Classes begin in late June. Register now by contacting me at tctutoring@comcast.net.

    SAT new PROGRAM

    POSTCARD

    Here's my one-page roadmap for the test

SAT or ACT: How to Determine Which Test to Take

For students who want a quick read on whether the SAT is suited for them, I’ve included a one-page profile of the differences between the two tests and the personality types of students best suited to one test over the other.

     Profile

For students who want a more formal evaluation of whether the SAT is suited for them, I've provided an "abbreviated" diagnostic test culled from questions on the PSAT. Students should sit down in a quiet room and set their alarm clock to 45 minutes. Answer key provided. Contact me with the total number of mistakes per section for an individual analysis.

    Diagnostic practice test

    Diagnostic test answer key

Instruction

In contrast to the "big box" test prep companies where student teachers come and go, I teach all classes myself in a small group setting of 5 to 9 students. This allows me to establish an interesting and educational team dynamic that makes learning fun, unintimidating and, most of all, consistent across all subject matter. 

As a former college teacher -- St. Mary's College -- and high-end Miramonte, Acalanes and Campolindo tutor (physics, chemistry, calculus, and SAT/ACT) with over 25 years experience, I know how to handle a classroom and keep students both engaged and motivated.   

SAT Course Details

Using my award-winning book "How to Write a Killer SAT Essay", I teach students how to write foolproof, pre-fabricated essays so that they can dominate the writing test. Lots of sample essays are performed in and out of class. I personally evaluate the work.

As a professional writer, and nationally recognized grammar expert, I use my "Killer SAT Grammar" app to teach kids the 9 most important grammar rules they need to know to ace the SAT. Along with this, I provide short-cuts for improving speed and critical thinking abilities in the Reading sections of the test.

Finally, as a long-time physics, chemistry and calculus tutor, I teach students all the tricks and techniques they need for successful problem solving and pattern recognition on the Math portion of the SAT test.

SAT Grammar Gotchas

Test your SAT grammar expertise by following along with these clips from two of my appearances on national TV.

   

SAT II

Small SAT II workshops (5 — 9 students) are held in May for students taking the June SAT II test. Workshops, which are three hours long, are held in the afternoons or evenings. Four types of workshops are offered:

Math 2 --- Physics --- Literature --- Chemistry

Tutor Traits

Top-notch standardized test prep tutors are professional, prepared, persuasive and fun! In addition, such tutors need to:

    Use the College Board "Blue Book" as the core material for the course
     Teach problem-solving techniques and pattern-matching strategies with sincerity and clarity
    Provide binder notes and corollary materials to augment the "Blue Book"
    Have a bullet-proof curriculum in place to optimize classroom efficiency
    Ensure that students complete at last five full-length practice tests
    Establish rapport with students to make learning interesting and fun
     Address concerns of parents in a timely and professional manner