FAQ

If you are planning to take a standardized test, it would be a mistake not to prepare for it. You can improve your scores dramatically by learning frequently covered topics and familiarizing yourself with the format and pacing of the tests.

These tests are not as mysterious as you may think. There are many types of questions that you will see over and over again, as well as certain types of mistakes you will learn to avoid.

In short, the SAT, ACT, and GRE are like pretty much everything else in life; if you practice extensively, you can do much better than if you walk in cold.

Need to? No. There are definitely resources available for students looking to study on their own.

The benefits of one-on-one tutoring are efficiency and structure. We can help you learn topics that would be much more difficult or time-consuming to teach yourself, and we can determine which skills are the most important for you to add to your arsenal at any given point. In addition, we will hold you accountable for finishing your assignments and taking practice tests. Even King Arthur had Merlin!

It is almost certainly more beneficial to submit a strong test score than to submit no score at all.

Strong test scores add another dimension to your profile as an applicant and can help validate other areas of strength on your application. Because the tests are “standardized,” they allow you to distinguish yourself in a way that grades alone do not.

Last, your scores will likely improve quite a bit through tutoring. The fact that your scores aren’t competitive at your top choice colleges right now doesn’t mean they can’t be after studying with a tutor.

I am a big believer in remote tutoring. Why spend 30 minutes to an hour driving to and from a tutoring session when you can learn from the convenience of your home? That can make a particularly big difference on weeknights, when students are often juggling homework, after-school activities, and ideally some time with family.

This also removes the potential in-person obstacles of inclement weather, minor illness, or extended travel.

As of now, Standardized Quest is not offering any in-person tutoring.

Please contact us for pricing, as our tutors have different hourly rates and because rates may change over time.

After your diagnostic test, we will help you figure out which prep books and testing gear (calculators or pacing watches) are right for you.

If you have already purchased any official test books (from the actual makers of the test), please don’t work through any tests yet! Those are by far the most valuable resources. You will want to take them in a setting that simulates the test, and you’ll want to leave time to review each one before moving onto the next test.

Reach out and we’ll discuss it. It’s possible we would be able to take the class along with you and be a useful resource. If not, we will try to direct you to someone who can help.

Yes, we have worked with many students with different levels of accommodation. The beauty of one-on-one tutoring is that it is inherently customized. Our program will focus on preparing for the test as you will experience it.

The frequency of our meetings will depend on your diagnostic score, personal goals, availability, and timeline for finishing with official testing. Once or twice a week are the most common schedules.

Well, first and foremost, it’s a spectacular pun, and I like wizards and dragons.

Also, studying for a standardized test is a challenging journey, but one that can absolutely end in triumph. We want you to take pride in the commitment you’re making and remember that the work you’re doing is worthwhile. Huzzah!