Los Altos Test Prep

Strategic SAT & ACT Prep for Los Altos Students

For high-achieving Los Altos students who need test scores that match their academic record. Strategy-first preparation that turns strong fundamentals into top percentile results.

What We Cover

Test Prep Services for Los Altos Students

For families with high expectations who want a tutor who can match them. Every session is built around your student's diagnostic data, not a generic syllabus.

SAT Preparation Where Most Families Start

Full diagnostic, strategy-first approach. We identify the question types and content areas with the highest point potential, then build fluency where it matters most. Los Altos students typically start with strong foundations, so we focus on the precision and pacing that push scores into the top tier.

ACT Preparation

For students whose strengths favor the ACT format. We cover all four sections with particular attention to science reasoning coaching and the pacing discipline that the ACT demands.

PSAT & NMSQT

National Merit qualification strategy for Los Altos juniors. In a college-prep community with high baseline scores, early PSAT preparation positions students for both scholarships and SAT readiness.

Test Strategy & Timing

When to take each test, how many attempts, which sections to prioritize. Strategic planning that accounts for your student's advanced coursework, extracurriculars, and target school list.

Score Plateaus

For students who've hit 1350-1400 and can't break through. Advanced strategy, error pattern analysis, and targeted drilling on the question types that separate good scores from great ones.

Subject-Specific Prep

Deep dives into SAT Math, Reading, or Writing sections individually. Perfect when a student's composite score is held back by one section that needs concentrated attention.

★★★★★
You were very good at breaking down my problems step by step and making sure I got the hang of it. If it was not for you, I would have been stuck in summer school.
Jordan
Student
Common Questions

Common Questions from Los Altos Families

What Los Altos families ask before getting started.

How is Plato+ different from group SAT prep programs?
Every session is one-on-one. We start with a full diagnostic to identify your student's specific weaknesses and highest-leverage areas, then build a plan around that data. Group programs teach to the average. We teach to your student. Los Altos families often come to us when they realize their student needs more precision than a group class can deliver.
When should my student start SAT/ACT prep?
Ideally spring of junior year, giving enough runway for two or three test dates. But we've achieved significant score gains in focused 8-week intensive windows. Sophomore-year PSAT prep is also a strong starting point, especially for Los Altos students already on an advanced track.
SAT or ACT: how do we choose?
We run a diagnostic on both formats to see which one favors your student's strengths. The tests reward different skill profiles, and many families are surprised by the answer. We'll give you a clear recommendation so you're not guessing.
What score improvement can we expect?
Most students see 100-200+ point SAT improvement with consistent effort. Results depend on starting point, commitment, and session frequency. We'll set realistic expectations during your consultation based on your student's diagnostic baseline.
Do you offer in-home sessions in Los Altos?
Yes. We offer in-home sessions across Los Altos, from North Los Altos to the Country Club area. We also offer online sessions for scheduling flexibility, or a hybrid approach. Many families mix formats depending on the week.
What does SAT/ACT prep cost?
Engagements typically start at $100/hour. We discuss fit, goals, and the right session cadence during the free consultation before making any recommendations.

Turn strong academics into top percentile scores

In a 20-minute conversation, we'll look at where your student stands, identify the highest-leverage areas for improvement, and tell you honestly whether we're the right fit.