SAT & ACT Prep with a 1590 Scorer

1-on-1 test prep with John Carlson, a current Stanford student who scored a 1590 on the SAT and a 36 on the ACT. Strategy-first preparation that builds real skills and real score improvement.

John Carlson, SAT and ACT Prep Instructor at Plato+
John Carlson
36 ACT | 1590 SAT | Stanford University
Your SAT & ACT Prep Instructor

John brings firsthand experience with the digital SAT format and a strategy-first approach to every session. As a current Stanford student and researcher, he understands what top universities are looking for and how test scores fit into the bigger admissions picture.

$150/hour · Free consultation to start · Online via Zoom

Talk to Our Founder: (650) 556-5995 Book Free Consultation
Teen girl studying at a desk, writing in a notebook illuminated by sunlight. Focused test preparation
The Process

How SAT Prep Works at Plato+

Book a Free Consultation

A 20-minute conversation with Aidan about your student's goals, current scores, and target schools. No commitment.

Diagnostic and Game Plan

John reviews a diagnostic test to identify the specific question types and content areas with the most room for growth. You get a clear plan before the first session.

Weekly Sessions, Real Progress

1-on-1 sessions focused on your student's highest-leverage areas. Timed practice, error analysis, and strategy refinement every week.

What We Cover

Test Prep Programs We Offer

High-leverage preparation built around each student's strengths and target scores. Every session moves the needle.

SAT Math Most Popular

Algebra, problem solving, data analysis, and advanced math on the digital SAT. We identify the specific question types holding your student back and build fluency through targeted practice. Most Silicon Valley families start here.

SAT Reading & Writing

Vocabulary in context, evidence-based reading, grammar rules, and passage analysis. We teach the reading strategies and writing conventions that the digital SAT rewards.

ACT Prep

English, math, reading, and science reasoning across all four ACT sections. We help students find their optimal pacing and build the stamina the ACT demands.

PSAT & National Merit

Early preparation for 10th and 11th graders targeting National Merit qualification. The same skill-building approach, calibrated for the PSAT format and scoring.

Test Strategy & Timing

Pacing drills, question triage, and mental game coaching. Many students know the material but lose points to time pressure and test anxiety. We fix that.

★★★★★
If you need a tutor CALL AIDAN! Shout out to Aidan for his patience, time and sharing his experience with math with my son. We appreciate all the help you've given my son and how you've taken so much weight off of us and my son's confidence in math.
Keli T.
Parent
Pricing

Straightforward Pricing, No Packages

$150/hour
1-on-1 with John Carlson. Online via Zoom. All SAT and ACT sections.
Most students work with John for 8 to 12 sessions over 2 to 3 months, though there is no minimum commitment. Every session is tailored to your student's diagnostic results and target score. Sessions are 60 minutes and scheduled flexibly around your student's calendar.
First session guarantee: if your student is not satisfied after the first session, that session is free.
Book a Free Consultation
Or text Aidan at (650) 556-5995
FAQ

Common Questions

It depends on their starting score and target. Most students see meaningful improvement in 8 to 12 sessions over 2 to 3 months. John will give you an honest assessment after the diagnostic. Some students need less, some benefit from more. There is no minimum commitment and no packages to buy.
John uses a diagnostic practice test to establish baseline scores across all sections. He then analyzes error patterns to identify the highest-leverage areas for improvement. The diagnostic is included at no extra charge.
All sessions are live on Zoom. Screen sharing makes math review and passage analysis highly interactive. Students can join from anywhere.
Large test prep companies run classes of 15 to 25+ students with rotating instructors. This is 1-on-1 with a single instructor who scored a 1590 on the SAT and a 36 on the ACT. Every session is built around your student's specific weaknesses, not a generic curriculum.
The Accelerator is a separate 6-week small-group program that bundles SAT strategy with college admissions guidance for up to 5 students at $699. Many families pair the Accelerator with 1-on-1 sessions for deeper SAT work. Learn more about the Accelerator.

Structured Program

Looking for a structured program? The College Admissions Accelerator combines SAT strategy with college admissions guidance in a 6-week small-group format.

Learn More

Ready to talk about test prep?

No commitment, no pressure. Just an honest conversation about your student's goals and where targeted prep can make the biggest difference. Sessions start at $150/hour.

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