“We live in an extremely competitive area, and the students are all very smart,” owner Sandy Tutwiler said. “To stand out, it’s more than just your GPA or class rank. That test score can give you an edge, whether it’s for admission into a particular program, like engineering or business, or for scholarships that help offset the rising cost of college.”
A personalized strategy for maximum impact
Tutor Doctor takes test prep to the next level by making it hyper-personalized. They begin the process not with books but with assessment.
“When it comes to test prep, we take it up a notch,” Tutwiler said. “We start with a practice test to determine where the areas of opportunity are, where students are already doing well, and develop a program specifically for that student. Not every student has to work on the same things, but each has the same opportunity to excel.”
Tutor Doctor’s programs are designed with flexibility and timing in mind. They vary depending on the student’s schedule and goals: some meet twice a week for an hour over three months, while others meet once a week for six months. The goal is not to cram but to systematically build skills and confidence.
Building foundation and confidence
Students typically begin test prep with at least a semester of algebra II under their belt, ensuring they already understand the necessary math concepts. This prerequisite is vital for efficiency.
“If a student doesn’t have that foundation, they’re using prep hours to learn math instead of strategies,” Tutwiler said. “It’s important they understand the strategies we teach on how to break down problems.”
Practice tests are a cornerstone of Tutor Doctor’s approach. They help students become comfortable with test content and reduce anxiety.
“Seeing the test over and over again makes it more commonplace,” Tutwiler said. “On test day, it’s not as big a deal. Building up confidence is huge. A student can walk in knowing they’ve made progress and that they’re ready.”
Adapting to the new test landscape
Recent changes to the SAT and ACT make tailored preparation even more critical, requiring programs to be adaptable. The SAT is now fully digital and adaptive, with sections that adjust in difficulty based on student performance.
The enhanced ACT, rolled out earlier this year, allows students to skip the science section. However, tutors generally recommend taking it anyway for schools that still require it. Fortunately, both tests are now shorter—around two hours—compared to previous versions, helping manage test fatigue.
Tutor Doctor emphasizes finding the right fit for their child’s learning style and treating it as an investment for parents considering test preparation.
“It’s about setting students apart, building their skills and preparing them for the future,” Tutwiler said.
Start preparing now
Here are the upcoming SAT and ACT test dates to help families plan ahead:
Click here for more information on personalized SAT and ACT test preparation with Tutor Doctor and to find the program that best fits your student’s learning style.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
