Private SAT & ACT Tutoring in NYC
Schedule a Free ConsultationThe SAT and ACT are the two primary college entrance exams in the United States—and for many students, a strong score is the single most controllable factor in their college application. Whether your student attends a Brooklyn public school, a Manhattan private school, or anywhere in between, Honors Prep offers one-on-one SAT and ACT tutoring designed to help them build real skills, not just memorize tricks.
We're an independent, Brooklyn-based tutoring practice. No classrooms, no generic curricula, no rotating cast of instructors. Just experienced tutors who get to know your student, diagnose what's holding them back, and work with them until they're ready.
What Makes Our Approach Different
Large test prep companies treat SAT prep like an assembly line: standardized curricula, large group classes, and tutors who may never see your student twice. We do the opposite.
Every student begins with a diagnostic exam so we can see exactly where they stand—not just their overall score, but which math concepts need reinforcement, where their reading comprehension breaks down, and how they manage time and pacing under pressure. From there, we build a prep plan around their needs.
Our tutors are drawn from top universities and carefully selected not just for their command of the material, but for their ability to connect with high schoolers and keep them motivated through months of preparation. Families across Brooklyn and Manhattan trust us because we treat every student as an individual—not a seat in a classroom.
SAT Math
The SAT Math section tests algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and some advanced math including geometry and trigonometry. We focus on building both content knowledge and test-specific strategy—helping students recognize problem types, avoid common traps, and use the built-in Desmos calculator efficiently.
For students who need foundational work, we shore up gaps. For students already scoring well, we focus on the higher-difficulty questions that separate good scores from great ones. From Brooklyn Heights to the Upper West Side, our students consistently see meaningful improvement in their math scores.
SAT Reading & Writing
The SAT Reading and Writing section is adaptive—your performance on the first module determines the difficulty of the second. We prepare students for both scenarios, focusing on close reading strategies, grammar and usage rules, and how to work efficiently through dense passages.
Many students underestimate this section. We don't.
Test Strategy & Pacing
Knowing the material isn't enough. We spend significant time on pacing, question triage, and managing the mental stamina required for a two-plus hour exam.
Our students take full-length practice tests regularly—typically once a month. This gives them realistic experience with the test format and timing, while allowing us to track progress and adjust the prep plan as needed. We share results with parents so you always know where your student stands.
SAT Score Ranges for Target Schools
One of the most common questions we hear from parents in Brooklyn and Manhattan is: "What score does my student actually need?" The answer depends on where they're applying. While SAT scores are just one part of a holistic application, they remain a critical benchmark—and understanding the competitive range for your student's target schools helps set clear goals from the start.
| School Tier | Examples | Competitive SAT Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy League | Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia | 1500–1600 |
| Top 20 schools | NYU, Georgetown, UMich, USC | 1400–1550 |
| Competitive state schools | SUNY Binghamton, UConn, Rutgers | 1200–1400 |
These are approximate ranges and vary by year and applicant pool.
For a more detailed breakdown, see our guide to SAT scores for Ivy League schools.
We Also Offer ACT Prep
While most of our New York City students take the SAT, some prefer the ACT—or want to try both and see which suits them better. We offer the same bespoke, one-on-one ACT tutoring with the same diagnostic-first approach. If you're unsure which test is right for your student, we can help you decide.
We also offer SHSAT tutoring for families preparing for NYC's specialized high school admissions.
Flexible Scheduling, No Packages
We know high schoolers are busy—with classes, extracurriculars, jobs, and everything else. That's why we keep things simple.
We offer pay-as-you-go tutoring with no required packages or long-term commitments. Our tutors are generally available seven days a week. We offer in-home tutoring throughout Brooklyn (including Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Fort Greene, and Clinton Hill) and Manhattan, online sessions via Zoom, or a hybrid of both.
Looking for private school test prep instead? See our ISEE and SSAT tutoring.
What Parents Say
“Our tutor was responsive, professional, knowledgeable, and an excellent teacher. My son, who is not easily impressed, reported that he felt his tutor was a ‘really good teacher’ and that he enjoyed the sessions. And his SAT score went up by 100 points, which we were all very happy about! I highly recommend Honors Prep!”
— Michelle C.
“We hadn’t planned a long time in advance for extra studying and tutoring for the SAT. In the short few months leading up to my son’s first SAT, Honors Prep put a measured and effective tutoring plan in place. Our son’s first score was really pretty good, and on the third and final test six months later his score had come up 150 points! I would highly recommend working with Honors Prep. They were always professional, punctual, and pleasant to work with.”
— Vincent M.
“Honors Prep tutored our son in hopes of improving his score on the math section of the SAT. Our tutor was easy to work with, a very nice guy, and my son’s math score went up 60 points. Needless to say, we are very pleased.”
— Tonya L.
“Honors Prep is professional, thorough, enthusiastic, and engaging. My daughter has had a lot of tutors and she thinks her tutor at Honors Prep is one of the best. The follow-up emails after tutoring sessions and weekly homework assignments make it easier to see the progress. Highly recommended!”
— Brenda H.
“Our kids received great, personalized tutoring for the SHSAT and ACT. If you’re looking to match your student with an experienced tutor, we highly recommend the Honors Prep team.”
— Brian H.
FAQs
When should my student start preparing?
We recommend beginning 3–6 months before your target test date. This allows time to build skills without cramming. For juniors, starting in winter or early spring is ideal.
How is the digital SAT structured?
The SAT is now fully digital and adaptive. It consists of two sections—Reading & Writing (two modules, 64 minutes total) and Math (two modules, 70 minutes total). The entire exam takes about 2 hours and 14 minutes.
What's the difference between the SAT and ACT?
Both are accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges. The SAT is adaptive and has no science section; the ACT is linear and includes a science reasoning section. Some students have a clear preference—we can help determine which test plays to your student's strengths.
Do I need to commit to a package?
No. We offer pay-as-you-go tutoring. Schedule sessions as needed, with no minimums.
Our Tutors
Sam M.
FOUNDER
Born and raised in New York City, Sam attended Stuyvesant High School before graduating cum laude from Middlebury College with departmental honors in English. As a native New Yorker with years of tutoring experience, Sam has applied the lessons he learned both as a student and as a tutor to create Honors Prep.
Charlie M.
TUTOR
Charlie is a PhD candidate in Computer Science at Stanford University. Before his PhD, Charlie graduated magna cum laude from Haverford College, double majoring with highest honors in both Computer Science and Mathematics. He brings with him six years of experience tutoring at the high school, college, and post-graduate level.
Grace G.
TUTOR
Grace is a dedicated tutor with 7+ years of experience in test prep, college admissions, math, and Spanish. She's helped 70+ students reach top schools with her personalized, stress-free approach. When she's not tutoring, she produces comedy in Brooklyn. Grace graduated summa cum laude from UPenn with a degree in Urban Studies and English.
William S.
TUTOR
William is a playwright in Brooklyn. He graduated from Columbia University with a BA in English and a concentration in physics. He specializes in teaching math, physics, the SAT, and the SHSAT.
Stephanie T.
TUTOR
Stephanie has a BA from Boston University and is currently working towards her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. As a therapist-in-training, she emphasizes her work in child and adolescent development. With 5+ years of tutoring experience, Stephanie works with a range of students to highlight their existing strengths. Together, they set achievable goals to build academic confidence and knowledge, while reaching those desired scores.
Elianna K.
TUTOR
Elianna holds a BA in Literary Studies from Middlebury College and an MA in Literature from the Bread Loaf School of English. She has taught creative writing and literary translation at Middlebury College and Columbia University, where she also serves as an MFA thesis advisor. Elianna offers writing coaching, intensive reading seminars, and Spanish tutoring.
Alex S.
TUTOR
Alex is a magna cum laude graduate from Columbia University, where he studied English Literature. For the past five years, he has mentored high-achieving students from middle school to college, specializing in standardized test preparation, essay writing, and homework management. Outside of teaching, Alex pursues his passions for writing and independent filmmaking.
Emily F.
TUTOR
Emily holds a BA in Government and French from Georgetown University and has over six years of tutoring experience. She specializes in math, English, history, French, and Spanish, and has helped many students prepare for the SHSAT, SAT, and college admissions with a focus on building confidence and mastery.
Devin B.
TUTOR
Devin earned a BS in Chemistry from Purdue University and is completing an MD/PhD program at NYU, with a PhD in Cell Biology. With 10+ years of experience, he tutors chemistry, biology, physics, and math. His approach focuses on identifying strengths and weaknesses to build mastery and test strategies.
Start Your Student's SAT Prep Today
A strong SAT score won't guarantee admission anywhere—but a weak one can close doors. If your student is preparing for the SAT or ACT, the right support makes a difference.
Schedule a Free Consultation