A little clarity goes a long way.

For many students, the summer before junior year is a good starting point. But the right timing depends on their coursework, starting scores, goals, schedule, and motivation. We recommend beginning with a diagnostic test and a consultation to determine whether to start now or give the student more time.

It can. A student’s math coursework can influence which test they’re ready to tackle and when. Their goal matters, too: students don’t need to master every advanced topic to make meaningful progress. For students beginning earlier, we often focus first on reading and writing, building foundations in grammar, punctuation, and careful reading.

No. We work with some students who are ready as sophomores, but readiness means more than strong grades or scores. Students also need the maturity and willingness to practice between sessions. Starting before a student is invested can turn preparation into a prolonged source of frustration.

Whenever practical, our goal is to help students finish before senior year. That leaves more room for applications, essays, recommendation requests, and schoolwork. That’s a planning goal, not a deadline every student must meet.

We ask the student what they want to achieve, then look together at what reaching that goal would require. We consider skills, pacing, fatigue, available practice time, and the test date. An ambitious goal may require substantial foundational work and a longer timeline. Sometimes we agree on a manageable first target and revisit it as the student progresses. The goal should belong to the student—and come with a plan they’re willing to follow.

Testing is one part of a student’s college plans. We help strengthen that part while keeping coursework, other commitments, and preparation time in perspective. For advice about a particular college list or overall application, we encourage families to work with their college counselor.

We offer time-and-a-half testing during weekend diagnostic sessions. Students must register for that option in advance so proctors can plan for the longer session. We generally cannot extend testing time on the day if a student registered for standard time. Our center cannot currently support double-time or multi-day testing. Other accommodations, such as large print, depend on obtaining suitable materials. Contact us before scheduling to confirm what we can provide.

We discuss accommodations during the consultation, along with strategies the student already uses successfully. When families choose to share an IEP or 504 plan, we can review it to help identify instructional priorities and useful approaches. We consider that information alongside diagnostic results and the student’s own experience.

Bring your testing device and charger, pencils, a familiar calculator, water, a snack for the break, and a sweatshirt or light layer. We use Bluebook for every SAT diagnostic. Download the app and sign in with the student’s College Board account before test day. We recommend a laptop; contact us in advance if you need help arranging a device. Read your confirmation email and arrive 5–10 minutes early.

Yes. Follow our at-home digital SAT instructions for setup, realistic testing conditions, and sending the information needed for a detailed report. Choose a quiet space, put the phone away, and complete the full test. Your total score alone doesn’t give us enough information to identify specific priorities.

Our ACT diagnostics are currently administered on paper. Bring a familiar calculator, pencils, water, a snack for the break, and a sweatshirt or light layer. No laptop is needed. Read your confirmation email and arrive 5–10 minutes early.

Most of our students do. Taking Science gives us a fuller picture, even if the student ultimately decides not to include it on the official test. During the consultation, we discuss whether registering for the official ACT with Science makes sense for the student’s plans.

Students and families generally receive their score report within 48 hours of completing the diagnostic. The results email includes the full report and consultation instructions. The message is also saved in your TutorBird account.

Contact Mary at admin@testprepwizards.com or call/text (203) 292-0196 to arrange a free, 30-minute consultation. We discuss the results, hear how testing felt, and identify next steps. The consultation is included whether or not you continue with tutoring.

We encourage both the student and a parent or guardian to attend. Consultations are available in person or online. We get to know the student’s interests, goals, and frustrations, answer parents’ questions, explain how today’s tests work, and begin outlining a preparation plan.

Individual tutoring provides dedicated attention and regular accountability. Small groups can also be effective; friends are welcome to prepare together when their starting scores and skills are similar. Guided independent study suits students who consistently follow through on their own: we set priorities in Study Spaces and check progress periodically, generally without regular tutoring meetings. If a student needs more structure, we can discuss adjusting the plan.

We offer SAT classes primarily during January–March, leading into spring school-day testing. We rarely offer ACT classes. Classes can suit students with similar foundational gaps—for example, students around 980, 1050, or 1100 may need many of the same concepts and strategies. Individual tutoring afterward can fine-tune remaining needs. Contact Mary for availability.

We start with subject expertise and a schedule that works. When multiple tutors can provide that support, we also consider personality and the interaction that may help the student feel comfortable. Let us know about preferences so we can discuss available options.

Either is possible. Vinny currently teaches every section of both tests. Students can also work with tutors specializing in math or reading and writing. The arrangement depends on student needs, family preferences, and availability.

Parents can receive weekly progress reports through Study Spaces, and our tutors use TutorBird to share session notes. We also contact families when practice, progress, or difficulties suggest the plan needs attention. Parents are always welcome to reach out with questions.

Sessions take place through Zoom, with many of the same resources used in person. Study Spaces provides a shared whiteboard to work through questions and capture explanations for later review. Students should be ready to participate, ideally with their preparation manual or a tablet for notes. We expect students to work, ask questions, and record useful ideas—not passively watch for an hour.

For most students in individual test preparation, a typical rhythm is one hour with a tutor each week plus approximately 2½–3 hours of independent practice. We assign most work through Study Spaces and revisit priorities with a practice test about once a month.

Yes. Lisa supports personal statements and supplemental essays, from brainstorming through polishing. Students remain the authors: we do not write essays for them.

It’s an encouraging milestone. We generally aim for roughly 40 SAT points or 2 ACT points above the student’s target to provide some breathing room. That is a preparation target, not a guarantee: nerves and test-day circumstances can affect performance.

Reinforce your preparation rather than reinvent it. Focus on the three to five priorities you’ve been working on, review mistakes, and practice your established approach. Handle logistics early, get consistent rest, and avoid last-minute cramming or a new collection of internet “hacks.” We also send test-week guidance.

We help students trust their preparation and put one test in perspective. Usually there is another testing opportunity. Useful outcomes include reaching the goal, making progress in one section that may support a superscore depending on college policy, or learning something actionable for another attempt.

Yes, please—whether you reached your goal, made progress, or had a disappointing day. Send results to your tutor or admin@testprepwizards.com. We want to celebrate progress and understand how preparation translated to the official test.

Let’s talk before jumping to conclusions. We want to hear about pacing, nerves, fatigue, distractions, or anything that felt different. When results are substantially below expectations, we may offer another free consultation to review what happened and discuss next steps.

Once you’ve left the testing room, consider a short voice memo about how you felt and worked—not specific test questions or answers. Note timing, fatigue, changes in approach, and what felt comfortable or difficult. Fresh observations help us understand the results later.

We celebrate their effort and accomplishment. If the score meets their needs, we’re happy for testing to be finished. If their goals change, we can discuss what further preparation would involve.

Contact Mary for current rates, available formats, and scheduling: admin@testprepwizards.com or call/text (203) 292-0196. We don’t sell packages of tutoring hours.

Most tutors’ available appointments can be booked directly through TutorBird and are confirmed immediately. For Vinny, contact admin@testprepwizards.com.

For individual sessions: at least 24 hours’ notice means no charge; at least one hour but less than 24 hours means half the session fee; less than one hour or a no-call/no-show means the full fee.

After two no-call/no-shows or same-day cancellations, including a combination, within 60 days, we reserve the right to remove remaining appointments. Rebooking is subject to availability after our waiting list has been notified. We reserve the right to make exceptions for genuine emergencies. Notify Mary or your tutor; notice to either counts toward the deadline. Read the full cancellation and rescheduling policy.

Yes, under the regular cancellation policy. If the goal has been reached in practice but the official test is ahead, we may recommend fewer sessions and maintenance work to keep skills fresh. Most students remain engaged until test day. Once an official score meets the student’s needs, we’re happy to wrap up.