SAT ACT AP SSAT HSPT ISEE GRE GMAT LSAT

Don't Panic. Prep.

Tests can feel overwhelming—but they don’t have to be. With Achieve, you’ll replace uncertainty with confidence and transform stress into success. Our personalized, one-on-one sessions are designed to simplify the process, helping you focus only on what you need to know to excel.

At Achieve, we don’t just prepare students for tests—we equip them with strategies, insights, and a calm, focused mindset. Because when you understand the material and know what to expect, you’re already halfway to achieving your best score.

Whether you’re preparing for the SAT, ACT, AP, ISEE, SSAT, HSPT, GRE, GMAT, or LSAT, we’ll help you understand the material, anticipate what’s expected of you, and approach test day with confidence.

While tests don’t define intelligence, even in the era of test-optional applications, they remain a critical line drawn by schools. A high score increases your chances of admission, while a low score could hold you back.

Achieve tutors specialize in understanding the intricacies of standardized tests. We don’t just explain test structures—we break them into clear, manageable steps tailored to each student’s needs.

From dissecting question types to decoding the test writers’ intentions, we help students master what’s truly essential. By learning how test writers construct traps and subtle cues, our students develop the ability to anticipate challenges and approach questions with a strategic mindset.

Our strategies for tackling multiple-choice questions include identifying patterns, eliminating wrong answers efficiently, and making smart guesses when necessary. With these tools, students gain the confidence and insight needed to navigate the test with precision and focus.

Test Scores Matter

How much do they matter?

Even small improvements—like adding one point to your ACT score or 10 points to your SAT score—can significantly boost your odds of admission.

We help students achieve substantial score increases by focusing on three key areas:

  1. Effective Strategies: We teach students to spot question traps and apply the right techniques for each.

  2. Mastery of Material: Every session is tailored to the student’s unique strengths and challenges.

  3. Overcoming Test Anxiety: Our stress-relief techniques transform anxiety into actionable focus, helping students perform their best.

With over 30 years of experience, our approach delivers results.

Choosing ACT or SAT

The landscape of college admissions testing is evolving rapidly. The SAT has transitioned to a fully digital, adaptive format that streamlines the experience—reducing overall test time and offering real-time adjustments based on your performance.

In contrast, the enhanced ACT now gives you a choice: you can take it online on a computer or stick with the traditional paper format. The updated ACT also features significant changes in pacing and structure, making it less of a relentless time crunch than its predecessor.

One notable development is the optional science section on the ACT. Currently, it’s up to the student whether to include it—and at this point, we don’t know how every college might treat scores from this optional section. Some schools may require or weigh it more than others, so our guidance will help you navigate these uncertainties to choose the test that best aligns with your strengths and future goals.

Which test is right for you?

ACT Prep

The ACT has undergone a broad set of enhancements designed to suit today’s test-taker. Starting in April 2025 for the online version (with paper versions following later), the test now incorporates a more relaxed pacing and a clearer overall structure.

Our ACT Prep sessions are updated to reflect these changes. We provide detailed walkthroughs of both testing formats—online and paper—so you can build confidence regardless of your chosen method.

You’ll learn targeted strategies for each core section—English, Math, and Reading—and, if you opt to include it, the optional Science section. We’ll show you smart ways to tackle data interpretation and experimental questions, all while acknowledging that the long-term treatment of the science section by colleges remains an open question.

SAT Prep

The new Digital SAT is designed for the modern student. With its fully digital format, the test adapts dynamically to your performance, offering a more focused, time-efficient, and interactive experience.

What used to be a lengthy paper exam is now segmented into shorter, adaptive sections—complete with integrated tools like an on-screen calculator and easy-to-use navigation aids.

But don’t be fooled. The SAT is just as challenging as ever.

Our SAT Prep sessions are built to familiarize you with this digital environment. We simulate the testing interface so you can get comfortable with the adaptive algorithm and streamlined layout. You’ll not only master the content but also learn to leverage the digital tools at your disposal, ensuring you know exactly what to expect on test day.

ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT Prep

Private school admissions tests each have their unique quirks—and we’re here to help you navigate them with confidence.

Understanding the Differences

  • ISEE: Commonly used by independent schools and favored by many Los Angeles schools, the ISEE is organized into multiple levels (Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper). It measures verbal and quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and math skills. An unscored essay also gives schools insight into a student’s writing style.

  • SSAT: Equally popular among independent schools and favored by many east coast schools, the SSAT focuses on vocabulary, reading comprehension, and math. Its design challenges students to apply critical thinking through analogies and problem-solving questions.

  • HSPT: Typically used by Catholic high schools, the HSPT assesses verbal, quantitative, reading, and language abilities—and sometimes integrates additional sections, such as science or religious content. Its format is geared to evaluate overall academic readiness for high school.

Our Approach At Achieve, we break down each test into manageable segments, making the content less intimidating and more approachable for your child. We start by pinpointing your child’s strengths and areas for improvement, then craft targeted, test-specific strategies. Whether it’s mastering the analytical reasoning required for the ISEE, sharpening vocabulary skills for the SSAT, or preparing for the comprehensive scope of the HSPT, our one-on-one sessions focus on:

  • Time-Saving Techniques: Teaching smart pacing and efficient methods to navigate through questions.

  • Strategic Practice: Using real sample questions and drills to familiarize students with each test’s unique format and style.

  • Building Confidence: Equipping students with techniques to eliminate options, make educated guesses, and ultimately feel calm and prepared on test day.

By clearly delineating the differences between these exams and offering targeted preparation, we ensure that every student not only understands what’s expected but is also empowered to excel.

Grad School Tests: GRE, GMAT, LSAT

At Achieve, we’re committed to keeping pace with the ever-evolving landscape of graduate and law school admissions tests. With decades of experience guiding students from middle school onward, our expert tutors tailor their strategies to help you master the nuances of today’s GRE, GMAT, and LSAT.

GRE Prep

The GRE is now accepted at many law schools and business schools, but is still primarily taken for admission into other graduate programs.

The test has evolved into a fully computer-based, adaptive exam with a shorter format (just under two hours). For the most authoritative preparation, look to the GRE Official Guide, Fourth Edition, the only guide created by ETS, the makers of the test. This updated edition includes fresh questions and aligns with the current test structure. Our GRE prep sessions focus on:

  • Adapting to the Digital Format: We simulate the adaptive testing environment so you’re comfortable with the real-time adjustments in difficulty.
  • Targeting Core Sections: Our approach hones your skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.
  • Strategic Practice: We emphasize critical time-management and problem-solving strategies to help you navigate each section confidently.

GMAT Prep

The GMAT remains the benchmark for aspiring business school students, employing a computer-adaptive format that demands both precision and strategic thinking. Our tailored GMAT sessions include:

  • Understanding the Adaptive Nature: We break down how test questions adjust to your performance, which is key to managing the Quantitative and Verbal sections.
  • Integrated Reasoning and Writing Mastery: We provide targeted strategies for the Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections to ensure you’re fluent across all parts of the exam.
  • Real-World Simulation: Our practice sessions mirror the actual testing environment, so you enter test day with the confidence to perform under pressure.

LSAT Prep

The LSAT continues to be the cornerstone of law school admissions and is evolving in both scheduling and administration options. With an array of test dates and flexible formats—including in-person testing or at-home online testing—we ensure you’re ready no matter what the format. Our LSAT prep highlights:

  • Deep-Dive into Logical Reasoning: We work on the vital skills needed for analyzing arguments and reading comprehension.
  • Adapting to Changing Test Logistics: With multiple test dates and variable conditions, we guide you through strategies that prepare you for any format changes.
  • Staying Informed on Policy Shifts: While the optional sections or any new elements remain under review by law schools, we keep you updated so you can adjust your preparation accordingly .

At Achieve, our strength lies in blending long-term, relationship-based tutoring with up-to-date insights on test innovations. Whether you’re eyeing business school or law school, our personalized strategies and rigorous practice sessions will help you master these tests and achieve your admission goals.