Palo Alto Test Prep

Strategic SAT & ACT Prep for Palo Alto Students

In a community where top percentile scores are the expectation, not the exception, our strategy-first approach helps Palo Alto students earn the results their effort deserves.

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What We Cover

Test Prep Services for Palo Alto Students

For families who expect more than generic practice tests. Every session is built around your student's diagnostic data, targeting the specific areas where points are waiting.

SAT Preparation Where Most Families Start

Full diagnostic, strategy-first approach. We pinpoint the question types and content areas with the highest point potential, then build fluency where it matters most. Designed for Palo Alto students who need scores that match their competitive academic profile.

ACT Preparation

For students whose strengths align with the ACT format. We cover all four sections with focused attention on science reasoning and the strict pacing that distinguishes the ACT from the SAT.

PSAT & NMSQT

National Merit qualification strategy for Palo Alto juniors. In a district with some of the highest PSAT averages in the country, early 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 AP course load, extracurriculars, and target school list.

Score Plateaus

For students stuck in the 1400-1450 range who need to break into the 1500s. Advanced strategy, error pattern analysis, and targeted drilling on the question types that separate strong scores from elite ones.

Subject-Specific Prep

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

★★★★★
Aidan has been an incredible tutor for my son, providing support in math, science, ELA, and even interview preparation. He is highly professional, reliable, and has a remarkable ability to connect with my son, making each session engaging and productive.
Vanessa
Parent
Common Questions

Common Questions from Palo Alto Families

What Palo Alto 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. Many Palo Alto families come to us after realizing that even well-known group programs weren't producing the top percentile scores their students are capable of.
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 Palo Alto students eyeing National Merit qualification.
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 Palo Alto?
Yes. We offer in-home sessions across Palo Alto, from Crescent Park to Barron Park. 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.

Your student's scores should reflect their ability

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.

Text (650) 556-5995 Book Free Consultation