Standardized Test Preparation

Standardized test preparation is designed for students who want to maximize their scores while still building real understanding. I work with students preparing for the SAT, ACT, AP exams, PSAT, and SSAT/ISEE/HSPT, tailoring instruction to both the specific exam and the individual student.

 

Preparation is structured using periodization, meaning work is intentionally phased over time rather than treated as a flat weekly routine. Early sessions focus on diagnosis and core skill development, followed by targeted practice, strategic refinement, and execution as the test date approaches. This structure ensures preparation is aligned with the timeline and avoids wasted effort or burnout.

 

I also use yield analysis to prioritize effort where it produces the greatest score return. Rather than treating all content equally, we identify which question types, skills, and strategies will most directly impact a student’s score given their current level, strengths, and constraints. This allows preparation to be optimized for the greatest expected score improvement.

 

Sessions combine practical test strategies such as pacing, question selection, and recognizing common traps with the skill-building necessary to support those strategies. Preparation may be short-term or longer-term depending on the student’s situation, but the objective is always the same: to maximize the student’s test score given their starting point, timeline, and goals.