Test Preparation
We teach students the skills and strategies needed to excel in any test situation.
Comprehensive test preparation
We offer tutoring for the SAT and ACT tests which are for college admittance, as well the SSAT and ISEE test which are for private high school admittance. Learn more about each test and our offerings below.
SAT
The SAT is a standardized college admission test taken by students around the world and widely used for admission by colleges in the United States. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing, and math, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge. Most students take the SAT during their junior and/or senior year of high school. Learn more.
David Aronson is an expert in all aspects of the SAT test, providing comprehensive preparation from one tutor.
Please see the FAQ below to see how packages are constructed.
ACT
The ACT is a nationally administered, standardized test that helps colleges evaluate candidates. Similar to the SAT, the ACT is comprised of math, English, and reading comprehension sections. In addition, the ACT has a science section. Most students take the ACT during their junior and/or senior year of high school. Learn more.
David is an expert in all aspects of the ACT test, providing comprehensive preparation from one tutor.
Please see the FAQ below to see how packages are constructed.
SSAT
The SSAT is designed for students who are seeking entrance to independent schools worldwide. The purpose of the SSAT is to measure the basic verbal, quantitative, and reading skills students develop over time — skills that are needed for successful performance in independent schools. The SSAT provides independent school admission professionals with meaningful information about the possible academic success of potential students at their institutions, regardless of students’ background or experience. Learn more.
David has 16 years of experience tutoring at a private school in Newton, Massachusetts, and has provided test preparation for the SSAT for 20 years.
Please see the FAQ below to see how tutoring packages are constructed.
ISEE
The ISEE is designed for students who are seeking entrance to independent schools worldwide. Like the SSAT, the purpose of the ISEE is to measure the basic verbal, quantitative, and reading skills students develop over time—skills that are needed for successful performance in independent schools. The ISEE provides independent school admission professionals with meaningful information about the possible academic success of potential students at their institutions, regardless of students’ background or experience. Learn more.
David has 16 years of experience tutoring at a private school in Newton, Massachusetts, and has provided test preparation for the ISEE for 20 years.
Please see the FAQ below to see how tutoring packages are constructed.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ What test preparation materials do you use?
At KeyTutor, we use a variety of test preparation materials and tools. We don’t feel that there is a singular resource that works for every student so we use a range of materials and books, matching them to each student’s unique learning needs. We also partner with TestInnovators to provide online testing and analytics. We ensure that our resources are up-to-date and are always searching for ways to improve our materials so that we can best help students achieve their goals.
+ How many hours of tutoring are recommended for a test?
Our standard tutoring package for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE consists of fifteen 1½ hour sessions. While we use this as an initial estimate, we will spend time during the first few tutoring sessions to evaluate the student’s skill set and testing ability. Once we understand the student’s goals as well as their ability to meet those goals, we may recommend additional tutoring hours if they are needed to meet those goals.
+ How should a student decide between the SAT and the ACT? Do you offer diagnostic testing?
Since each test is challenging in its own way, the best way to choose the appropriate test is to study for each test for several weeks and then take a full practice test as opposed to a truncated diagnostic test. We can then compare the scores and let the student make an informed decision based on which test they felt more comfortable taking. Our experience is that most students achieve the same percentile ranking on both tests.
+ Do all schools require SAT or ACT scores?
Some schools do not require or recommend test scores. Some schools do not require but recommend tests and will use them to make an admissions decision. Some schools do require test scores and accept them interchangeably. This means that you have the opportunity to decide on which test you'll perform better. Some students prepare for both exams, and then wait until they receive the scores before deciding which scores to submit to colleges. While the decision to take and submit scores is ultimately up to the student, we can help you decide.
+ When are the tests offered and how far in advance should a student begin preparing?
The SAT and ACT are offered on a range of dates throughout the year. Learn more about specific SAT test dates and deadlines. Learn more about specific ACT test dates and deadlines.
The SSAT and ISEE tests are also offered on a range of dates throughout the year. Learn more about specific SSAT test dates and deadlines. Learn more about specific ISEE test dates and deadlines.
While the timeline varies from student to student, we generally recommend that each student start preparing for the test 6 to 9 months in advance in order to allow ample time for not only learning the test material, but also getting comfortable taking standardized tests. Consistent practice over a longer period of time allows for better absorption of materials so we recommend starting as early as possible.
+ Do you offer PSAT tutoring?
While we will help students prepare for this test upon request, we recommend studying for the SAT given that colleges do not request or require PSAT scores.
