SAT & ACT Tutoring

Our Approach

We believe that tutoring should be a highly supportive and targeted process that infuses the student with ability and confidence and ensures mastery of the material. We use a balanced, measured approach that diagnoses learning needs while challenging each student to exceed his or her own expectations

We immerse students in the material on the standardized tests and teach disciplined and intensive strategies for approaching each type of question. Our tutors follow a specific curriculum, but are skilled and versatile enough to tailor each session to the student's learning style. We emphasize critical thinking, which we believe is essential to success on the standardized test—as well as in college and beyond. 

Regular tutoring sessions, assignments, and practice tests help students develop a deeper understanding of concepts and refine their problem-solving techniques. Our track record demonstrates that students who are dedicated to their studies and complete our tutoring program will improve their scores significantly.    

Study Plan

We work with each individual student and family to ascertain their goals and to create an individualized study plan to reach those goals.  While every student's objectives are different, we generally recommend one two-hour tutoring session per week, commencing in the fall of junior year and continuing until the student is satisfied with his or her test score.  We find that one-on-one tutoring is the best way to motivate students and increase their scores (with the exception of our summer boot camps which are the perfect way to jumpstart the process for rising juniors without the distraction of school and extra curricular activities).  During the session, we will address each section on the ACT or SAT, focusing on the areas where the student needs work.  We dedicate one tutor to each student, which we find enhances the tutoring relationship and experience.  Tutoring can take place in the student's home, at our offices, or another location of the student's choice. 

Diagnostic Tests

Polaris administers a diagnostic test to every student before beginning tutoring. This allows us to assess the student’s strengths and weaknesses, get a baseline score, and develop an individualized tutoring plan. 

When to start studying

We recommend starting one-on-one tutoring in the fall of your junior year. We recommend that you book your tutoring well in advance.

How often should students take the test?

Most students take the test twice; some take it three times. Most college professionals recommend against taking the test more than three times. We believe that a student should not take a test before he or she is ready, and never as a baseline score. It's easy enough to take a diagnostic at one of the many businesses in the area that administer proctored practice tests.