Innovative SAT/ACT Programs

SAT/ACT FAQ’s

Since 2004, Tier One Tutors has been helping students master the SAT and ACT. Whether it is a student underperforming looking for a modest improvement, or it is a student looking for a perfect score, we have expert tutors and customized programs that will guide your child. Here are some of the common questions that we get asked and our answers to them. If you have any additional questions, feel free to give us a call toll-free at 800-998-4371.

Q: My child is unique, and I don’t want them getting the same service and program every other kid gets.

A: That is a concern we share with you. Because your child’s skills, background, and goals are so unique, we specialize in one-on-one, in-home tutoring. Furthermore, before getting started we will provide you with a FREE no cost, no obligation SAT, ACT, and college admissions consultation where we will make sure to analyze all prior scores and get to know ALL the specifics about your child’s goals, grades, personality, and learning type. Utilizing this information, we will craft a custom program for your child’s success on the SAT or ACT.

Q: How do I know that you are better than any other SAT or ACT prep company?

A: We have been in the business for 10 years and began a full year before the current version of the SAT was even created. We have continually retooled our methods and materials to provide your child with cutting-edge, groundbreaking SAT and ACT preparation. In addition, we have worked with over 10,000 students and nearly 100 schools in Southern California. Want to hear what satisfied clients have to say? We’ve posted student success stories on our website, just check them out here. When you provide your child with Tier One preparation, you can trust that you are giving them the best chance at succeeding on the SAT or ACT. To learn more about the development and history of our program, check out our history page here.

Q: I want my child to take the SAT or ACT just to see how they do. If they struggle, then I’ll get them help.

A: This is an understandable approach; however, it has consequences. Most universities around the country only want to see a student take the exam two or three times. Since colleges will focus on your child’s best score, by taking it once as a practice run, they are really reducing their opportunities to score well. An effective compromise is to have your child take a real practice test from the test maker to see how they perform. This way you will get a completely realistic understanding of your child’s score, strengths, and weaknesses, while still allowing them all their opportunities to take the exam.

Q: Why is SAT and ACT preparation so important? Can’t my child just study on his or her own?

A: Students can definitely study on their own; it’s just not nearly as effective as getting private help. By way of analogy, imagine that your child wanted to learn how to play guitar. Most likely, they wouldn’t pick up a guitar and try to teach themselves! All the more so with the SAT and ACT, which play such a large role in the college admissions process. Because the stakes are so high, getting customized prep for your child is an investment in their future you won’t regret.

Q: I am considering a group course at my child’s school. Why is private tutoring better?

A: These exams are multifaceted. What makes your child struggle on the test will likely differ from what makes his friend struggle. One student may have timing issues, another may struggle to choose between answer choices, and yet another student may need to brush up on his or her background knowledge. This makes group classes difficult environments to learn in – everyone has different needs and the instructor cannot spend time with everyone individually. Second, a group class is filled with a wide variety of students with skills all over the spectrum, from fantastic to horrible and everything in between. Private tutoring, on the other hand, allows for personalization, customization, efficiency, and a dramatically higher rate of success.

Q: I have heard that private SAT and ACT prep is pricier than getting a tutor from a local college or local tutoring center.

A: You’re definitely correct. Tier One’s in-home tutoring is indeed more expensive than finding a college student or visiting a local tutoring center. However, we’re pretty confident that when it comes to your child’s SAT and ACT prep and his or her chances at getting into a dream college, you don’t want to take a risk just to save a few bucks. What do you really know about the background and experience of a “discount tutor” from a local college or small company? We put our tutors through a vigorous interview cycle that rejects 97% of applicants, we train them extensively, and we have invested tens of thousands of dollars into the research and development of our methodology and materials.

Q: I know the ACT is a more “straightforward” test than the SAT. What do you teach to help my child deal with the “tricky” SAT?

A: The ACT is certainly more straightforward than the SAT (to learn more about the differences between the exams, click here). That is why we created our own unique “Study Smart” approach to the SAT. First, because the SAT is a standardized test, we teach your child how to instantly and accurately identify every type of question that shows up on the exam. Second, because it is a reasoning test, we teach your child what their “natural reaction” should be when approaching each question. This “reaction” is an effortless and consistent strategy, tip, trick or method that will make getting the right answer a quick and seamless process. With this system, your child no longer needs to study hundreds of pages of review or memorize countless facts. For more details about the development of the SAT program, please click here.

Q: I don’t just want a good SAT or ACT prep company – I want my child’s actual tutor to be a real expert!

A: This is an important concern. The majority of our tutors have been with us for years; in fact, we have one of the longest average years-of-experience per tutor in the entire country! Our tutors are all extensively tested before being accepted as tutors and are personally trained by the expert developers of the Tier One program.

Q: We are strapped for time and don’t want to trek to your center.

A: We only provide one-on-one, in-home tutoring. We will come to your house – or another convenient location such as a nearby school or local library – at a day and time that works for your child’s schedule.

Q: What if I’m not happy?

A: We boast one of the absolute best guarantees in the industry. The bottom line: if after the first session you are not 100% satisfied with our service, we’ll refund all of your money, no questions asked.*

*Certain restrictions apply, call for details.