Tutoring + Test Prep

Tutoring and Test Prep both prioritize student learning through regular, 1-on-1 meetings.

In general, Academic Tutoring builds knowledge of a specific subject (like English) or a specific skill (like Essay Writing), while Test Prep develops specific skills or strategies to maximize a student’s test score.

Highlights

• English Professor (Ph.D., UCLA) with 20+ years of experience in Teaching, Tutoring, and Test Prep
• Students make significant gains in their analytical reading and writing skills
• 90% of students raise their SAT/PSAT R&W score by at least 50 points (1-2 points on the ACT)
• Our 1-on-1 Online Tutoring + Test Prep Rates are 20% lower than those of similar companies

An Experienced Guide

Since 2012, I’ve worked as both an Academic Tutor and a Test Prep Coach, and, in my experience, students make real advances when the tutor

1. knows the material and explains it clearly
2. listens closely and builds a rapport with the student
3. provides regular updates on progress and next steps to the student and parents

My experience teaching English at the high school and college level enables me to quickly assess a student’s strengths and weaknesses and to develop a study plan.  I also listen closely to students as they explain what they struggle with or hope to accomplish.

I believe that teaching has given me the tools to guide students and help them accomplish their goals—for both Tutoring and Test Prep.  I use a variety of resources to improve a student’s academic skills or test performance.  For example, short stories, argumentative essays, research summaries, writing assignments, vocabulary exercises, and real standardized tests are all materials I might use to improve a student’s reading speed and comprehension.

Finally, I believe that Tutoring and Test Prep work best when the tutor, student, and parents are all on the same page.  Through email and phone or Zoom meetings, I keep students and parents apprised of assignments, student progress, and upcoming deadlines. 

Tutoring Subjects

• English Composition
• English Literature
• American Literature
• Language Arts
• US History + AP US History
  

Skill-Based Topics

• Essay Writing
• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary Building

These skills-based topics can be taught independently or in connection with the Tutoring Subjects above.

Test Prep Exams

• PSAT (Reading & Writing)
• SAT (Reading & Writing)
• ACT (English, Reading, Science)

While I have tutored all sections of these 3 exams, including Math, I primarily focus on the Reading & Writing (and Science).

Record of Success

• 100% of students who sign up for short-term Academic Tutoring (2-5 hours) to work on an essay or research project successfully complete it, often receiving a higher grade than expected.
• Students who continue Academic Tutoring for a longer term (10+ hours) report significant gains in their analytical reading and writing skills.  They show greater ability to outline argumentative essays and to write persuasively.  They build vocabulary and incorporate it into their writing.  They comprehend and retain more of the information in their readings for class.  And they feel more confident about their abilities as readers and writers.
  
• 90% of students who sign up for 8 hours or more of Test Prep raise their SAT/PSAT Reading and Writing score by 50-60 points (1-2 points on the ACT).  That's a significant jump when dealing with the 800-pt. scale of the Reading & Writing section.  (For example, if a student started at 550 on the R&W and jumped to 610, that means going from 60th percentile to 76th percentile nationally).  And many students have made even bigger gains.

Here are a few parent and student reviews of Tutoring and Test Prep:

• "My daughter took the SAT and ACT her junior year and did well, but she still needed higher scores for the colleges she was applying to. So, based on a friend's recommendation, she started working with Dr. Cooney this fall. He turned out to be a very knowledgeable tutor, and helped her become more confident in the math section by giving her strategies for the problems that gave her the most difficulty. And he also helped her improve her score in the English section (her strength). This fall, my daughter raised her score on the ACT by 3 points and on the SAT by 300. She is now in a great position to get into her top choice schools." -Tracy N. 

• "I can’t express my gratitude towards Kevin. He is not only the best in preparing students for the SAT but he was of tremendous help in guiding and helping both of my children get into highly recognizable colleges." -Agnes N.

• "Kevin was very encouraging at our sessions. We quickly narrowed in on what I needed to work on, and he was very considerate of how I wanted to spend our time. Each practice test, I improved and felt more confident. I looked forward to each meeting because I knew my effort was worth it. I’m very thankful to Kevin, and I’m happy with my SAT score!" -Naomi K.

Prices and Policies

The basic rate for Online Tutoring or Test Prep is below.  I also offer In-Person Essay Coaching for local students (Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Beverly Crest, Van Nuys).  Note that the Travel Fee can vary based on distance and travel time.

Billing is calculated monthly and due in advance.  For example, if meeting online once per week, the bill for a typical month would be $480.

The 10-Hr. Package provides a 50% discount ($60 off) on your 10th hour of Tutoring/Test Prep, whether In-Person or Online.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a cost-effective and comprehensive starting point for Test Prep, consider our Video Guides.  They are designed for individual study but can also be combined with Test Prep.

The PSAT + SAT Video Guides for Reading & Writing are now available.  They focus not only on Test Structure and Question Design but also on Subject Knowledge and Skills-Based Strategies.  

Free 30-Minute Consultation

For more information, please fill our Contact Form.  I will get back to you to schedule a free 30-minute Consultation, where I can learn about you or your son or daughter's goals, timeline, and previous experience with the Academic Subject or Exam.  From there, I can make recommendations on what types of Tutoring and Test Prep would work best to accomplish your goals.