FAQs

How much do SAT scores and ACT scores matter in the application process?

It depends on the school, but we estimate that SAT/ACT scores are about 30%, grades and a challenging course load are 60%, and extracurricular activities and essays are 10%. However, for “test-optional” or “test-blind” schools, other elements of the application become even more important.

How do the colleges interpret SAT and ACT test scores?

Most public schools will simply look at a student’s highest overall score from a single test date, regardless of the breakdown sections (Reading/Writing and Math). However, most private schools will mix and match scores to generate a “superscore”; they will take the better Reading/Writing score from the March SAT, for example, and combine it with the better Math score from the May SAT.

Should I take the SAT/ACT test multiple times?

Only Stanford and a few Ivy League colleges require students to submit all of their testing results; the others allow you to submit only your best scores, so students have an incentive to take the test several times. Most students burn out after taking the SAT or ACT three times, so we are not big proponents of taking these tests at an early age. About 75% of students produce their highest scores when they retake the SAT or ACT in the fall of senior year.

Should I take the SAT or ACT?

Most students score about the same on both tests. We caution parents not to make premature judgments about which test is better for their students. Instead, have your student take a timed practice test and make your determination based on concrete results rather than speculation. At AJ Tutoring, we offer free proctored practice tests to our clients.

Most AJ students prepare for the SAT and then only need three or four additional lessons to be fully prepared for the ACT. We can also successfully prepare students for both tests by starting with the ACT prep and transitioning with a hybrid program to the SAT test.

What is a good SAT score?

We use three important benchmarks to judge a good score. Does the new score represent a significant improvement over the previous score? We use this question to judge the success of the tutoring process. Does the score represent the highest score the student is likely to earn? We address this question when thinking about retake strategies. Is the score in or above the range for the colleges to which the student is applying? This is ultimately the most important benchmark. How does a student’s score compare to his older sibling’s score, or to the scores of his peers? Discard this benchmark: we keep your scores absolutely private and would never compare siblings or classmates.

Why don’t my student’s SAT scores match their grades?

If scores matched grades, there would be no purpose in having scores; colleges would simply judge students based on their grades.

Students’ scores are lower than their grades when their course load is not rigorous or they simply struggle with test-taking skills like time management, guessing strategy, and question interpretation. At AJ Tutoring, we specialize in assisting students in bridging this gap and conquering the SAT and ACT.

How does AJ Tutoring differ from other tutoring groups?

AJ Tutoring offers the most efficient and effective way to improve your student’s score. Most students improve about 100-150 points in only ten sessions. We are the only group with a proven track record of improving students’ scores in such a short time. We are also a team of professional 1-on-1 tutors. Other groups hire high-scoring tutors whose main focus in life is elsewhere. We are committed to teaching full-time. Additionally, we do very little advertising: all our work comes from the great word of mouth of our clients. In fact, AJ Tutoring is the outgrowth of the private practices of Aaron Andrikopoulos and Joe Niederman. Our main objective is to provide the best education to each student.

Where does the tutoring take place?

We meet in your home, online, or at our offices in Saratoga, Burlingame, San Mateo, San Carlos, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Gatos, Woodside, Los Altos, San Jose, Lafayette, or Danville, or at school during your student’s free period, whichever you prefer. We tutor students seven days a week until 10 pm, including Saturdays and Sundays.

How do you determine which AJ team member is the best fit for a student?

Identifying a great match between tutor and student is crucial to 1-on-1 educational success. All of our tutors are professionals. They have college degrees and join AJ with prior tutoring experience. From there, we provide training on their specialties and offer regular support from leaders and department heads. Thus, you can rest assured that all of our tutors are incredibly knowledgeable in the subjects or tests they tutor. That said, each individual has a unique personality and approach. To find the best fit, we’ll speak with you to learn more about your student’s unique situation before recommending the right match. 

Where do I register for the ACT exam?

Register for the ACT at www.act.org

How many times can/should a student take the SAT?

Typically, two to three attempts yield the best results, ensuring improvement without inducing burnout. See testing schedule »

Do you offer customized SAT/ACT tutoring programs?

Yes! We never lock our clients into fixed programs, and our billing is hourly. Although we usually meet with students for ten 90-minute sessions and cover content and strategies for all test sections, we are happy to do fewer or more sessions. We can also focus exclusively on one aspect of the test.

Do you tutor for AP Tests?

Yes! We tutor for almost all of the AP Tests. Our AP test tutors have extensive experience preparing students for the AP exams. Learn more about how our AP Tutors can help your student get a great AP test score in AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Spanish, AP US History, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science, AP Art History and more…

How do I sign up to take a practice test at AJ Tutoring?

Please email our practice test coordinator at

info@ajtutoring.com.

You are welcome to bring your friends who are prospective AJ Tutoring clients.

How does academic tutoring differ from test prep tutoring?

We offer comprehensive tutoring across a wide range of subjects, from mathematics and sciences to humanities and arts. Curious about a specific subject? Just ask! We’re well-versed in school curriculums throughout the Bay Area, boasting extensive experience coaching students across all subject areas, and we are renowned for delivering results.

Is there a set curriculum for academic tutoring at AJ Tutoring?

Tutors come to their academic sessions with a variety of resources to help meet students where they are. Students are encouraged to bring schoolwork (including notes, homework, and completed assignments) to help guide the lessons, but every academic tutor is trained to customize the lesson according to the student’s needs and goals.

How do you develop a plan to support an academic tutoring student?

Each tutor spends the first few academic tutoring sessions talking with the student about content, study habits, learning style, and test preparation strategies. At the same time, they teach and support the student directly with their schoolwork. This information provides tutors with the tools to write a holistic academic plan that is shared with the parent a few weeks into the tutoring, after which tutors continuously refine and execute the plan to best fit the student.

Are there special academic programs available over holiday breaks (e.g. summer break, winter break, etc.)?

Yes! We have Summer Bridge and Enrichment courses and Winter Break courses for students who are hoping to take advantage of the time off to reinforce previous content or explore new information and strategies.

How often do academic students meet with their tutor(s)?

AJ Tutoring takes a minimalist approach to tutoring, both to help students build independence outside of tutoring and to meet the needs of students with very busy schedules. We typically recommend one 90-minute session per week for high school students, although we may recommend additional sessions for students coming in with high needs (e.g. those who are very behind or need help studying for a final exam).

Can my student expect AJ tutors to be well-versed in learning differences if my student receives accommodations at school (e.g. via a Section 504 or IEP)?

One of the greatest advantages to 1-on-1 tutoring is that it is one of the most highly recommended accommodations for students with IEPs or Section 504 plans! Even students without formal accommodations will find value in highly customized attention. While our tutors are not educational psychologists, they receive resources and training for how to help students with accommodations. We are always eager to learn more about a student’s needs during the intake process.

What age range does AJ Tutoring accommodate under its academic programs?

While our academic tutoring began with primarily high school students, we now have a robust K-8 program for elementary and middle school students and a growing college program for students who want to continue their tutoring after high school.

Let's discuss your student's academic tutoring, test prep, or college counseling needs!

Our test prep, academic tutoring, and college admissions counseling professionals are here to help you navigate the test taking maze, share our experience with your local school, and inspire your student.

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