Expert PSAT/SAT/ACT Tutors Near You and Online
At S4-Successful Study Skills 4 Students, we know these standardized tests aren’t just about content, they’re about confidence, strategy, and timing. Our expert tutors deliver personalized, one-on-one prep for the SAT, ACT, and PSAT that meets students where they are, whether they’re aiming to boost scores, overcome test anxiety, or master the essentials.
We combine proven test-taking strategies with targeted academic support in math, reading, grammar, and writing to help students build the skills they need to succeed. Each tutoring session is tailored to your student’s strengths, challenges, and college goals, so they walk into test day prepared, focused, and confident.
SAT, ACT, and PSAT prep—our flexible, customized, and results-driven SAT, ACT, and PSAT prep are built to deliver real impact.
Contact us today by email or 203-307-5455 to get started on unlocking your child’s potential.
Build Skills. Boost Confidence. Succeed on the SAT, ACT & PSAT.
Every student deserves to feel prepared and confident on test day. With our expert support, your child will:
- Master key test-taking strategies
- Strengthen critical thinking and time management
- Improve study habits and academic performance
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Frequently Asked Questions:
A practice SAT that tests reading, writing & language, and math. It also serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship.
Sponsor: College Board (in partnership with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation).
When Taken: Usually taken by 10th and 11th graders in mid-October.
A standardized test for college admissions that measures reading, writing, and math skills. It focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving.
Sponsor: College Board (nonprofit).
When Taken: The SAT is typically offered seven times a year in the U.S., with test dates in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. Most students take it in the spring of their junior year and/or the fall of their senior year.
A college entrance exam covering English, math, reading, and science, with an optional writing section. It emphasizes curriculum-based knowledge and data analysis.
Sponsor: ACT, Inc. (nonprofit).
When Taken: The ACT is usually offered seven times a year as well, with test dates in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. Students often take it in the spring of junior year or early senior year.
“S4’s methodology was precise, and the result was an increase of over 210 points on the SAT. My daughter and I are truly satisfied… I recommend S4 Study Skills for anyone preparing for AP exams, college entrance exams, organizational and time utilization skill development, and more to reach out to Michelle. You will not be disappointed.” — Richard Fertig, Fairfield, CT
PSAT/SAT/ACT Tutors:
Our PSAT/SAT/ACT tutors specialize in a range of subjects, helping students undergo full and comprehensive preparation for any college entrance test.
Crystal C.
I love teaching because I love seeing students grow from learning new material.
Henry H.
I believe that math is the language of nature with its own vocabulary and universal set of rules.
Marc M.
My dedication to teaching and genuine care for my students’ success makes me a trusted partner in their academic journeys.
Jacklyn S.
For me, education has always been about empowerment. Teaching allows me the opportunity to pass on this mindset to younger generations.
“S4 is so knowledgeable about what your student needs and the best way to support them. The SAT teacher was patient and very understanding. He was also very flexible with scheduling. I highly recommend S4!” — Kim Lax, Stamford, CT
“The SAT prep service provided by S4 was exceptional. The personalized study plan and regular practice tests significantly boosted my child’s confidence and scores. We highly recommend S4 comprehensive and supportive approach to family looking to improve their child’s SAT performance.” — Liz Klein, Armonk, NY
About the Tests
When it comes to college admissions, standardized tests play a significant role. While some schools remain test-optional, many are once again placing greater emphasis on standardized tests—meaning strong SAT, ACT, and PSAT scores can help students stand out, qualify for scholarships, and strengthen their college applications.
Each test is different, and understanding those differences is the first step to preparing strategically.
| Section | SAT | ACT |
| Reading | 5 passages: literature, historical documents, social science, and science. Tests comprehension, main ideas, evidence use, and inferences. | 4 passages: prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. Tests comprehension, main ideas, details, and inferences. |
| Writing & Language / English | Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, word choice, and rhetorical skills. Focus on improving written passages. | Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, style, and strategy. Focus on editing and revising passages. |
| Math | Covers algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, advanced math, geometry, and limited trigonometry. | Covers pre-algebra through trigonometry, including functions and geometry. |
| Science | No separate section, science-related questions appear in reading and data interpretation questions. | Dedicated science section focused on charts, graphs, experiments, and reasoning skills (not content knowledge). |
| Essay (Optional) | Optional essay: analyze how an author builds an argument using evidence, reasoning, and style. | Optional essay: write a persuasive argument in response to a contemporary issue. |
| Timing | Reading: 65 min Writing & Language: 35 min Math: 80 min total Essay: 50 min |
English: 45 min Math: 60 min Reading: 35 min Science: 35 min Essay: 40 min |
| Skills Tested | Reading comprehension, grammar, problem-solving, data analysis, and analytical writing. | Reading comprehension, grammar, scientific reasoning, persuasive writing, and data analysis. |
| Test Format | Currently transitioning to fully digital (administered online at test centers). Paper versions are being phased out. | Mostly paper-based, though digital versions are available in some locations. |
Understanding the PSAT: What It Is and Why It Matters
The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is often called a “practice SAT,” but it’s more than just a warm-up. Typically taken in 10th or 11th grade, the PSAT helps students get comfortable with standardized testing while offering valuable insights into their academic strengths and areas for growth. Most importantly, high PSAT scores can open doors to scholarship opportunities through the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Although it’s not used directly for college admissions, the PSAT is a powerful tool to prepare students for the SAT and ACT and to help them start thinking strategically about their college journey.
| Category | Details |
| Purpose | Preliminary practice for the SAT; also used for National Merit Scholarship qualification (PSAT/NMSQT). Helps identify academic strengths and readiness. |
| Who Takes It | Typically 10th and 11th grade students. |
| Sections |
Two main sections:
|
| Reading & Writing | Combines reading comprehension and grammar skills. Covers:
|
| Math |
Divided into key content areas:
|
| Science | No dedicated science section, but science-related texts and data interpretation appear in the Reading & Writing section. |
| Essay | No essay component. |
| Test Length |
Approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes total:
|
| Test Format | Digital format only. Administered through schools, typically in 10th or 11th grade. |
| Scoring |
Total score range: 320–1520 (Each section scored on a scale of 160–760) |
| Key Benefits |
SAT preparation Qualification for National Merit Scholarship Academic benchmarking (National Honor Society) Early college/career readiness insights Student Search Service connection to colleges/scholarships |
Why the PSAT Matters
5 Reasons the PSAT Is Important
- Practice for the SAT: The PSAT mirrors the SAT in format and content, making it excellent practice for the real exam.
- Scholarship Opportunities: The PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which can lead to significant college scholarships.
- Academic Benchmarking: Helps students, parents, and schools identify academic strengths and areas for improvement early on.
- College and Career Readiness: Scores can help guide future course selection and planning for college applications.
- College Interest: Taking the PSAT can connect students with colleges and scholarship organizations through the Student Search Service.
Key Testing Areas
The PSAT, ACT, and SAT are standardized tests widely used for college admissions in the United States. While they share the common goal of assessing a student’s readiness for college-level work, they differ in their structure, content emphasis, and scoring. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas for each test:
| Key Areas | PSAT | SAT | ACT |
| Reading | Passage-based reading (literature, history, science) | Evidence-based reading across various subjects |
Reading comprehension across 4 subject areas Prose Fiction, Social Studies, Humanities, Natural Sciences |
| Writing/English | Grammar, sentence structure, language use Grammar, Punctuation, Sentence Structure, Usage, Rhetorical Skills |
Grammar, punctuation, rhetoric Comprehension, Analysis, Craft and Structure, Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions (Multiple-Choice with some questions on informational graphics) |
Grammar, sentence structure, rhetorical skills Grammar, Punctuation, Sentence Structure, Usage, Rhetorical Skills |
| Math | Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, Geometry and Trigonometry (Calculator and No-Calculator Modules) |
Divided into two subsections: one allowing calculator use, one not Covers algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, advanced math, and some geometry/trigonometry |
Pre-Algebra through Trigonometry Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, Trigonometry |
| Science | Not included | Not included |
Scientific reasoning, data interpretation, experiments Interpretation, Analysis, Evaluation, Reasoning, Problem-Solving in Biology, Chemistry, Earth/Space Sciences, Physics |
| Essay | Not included | Discontinued (was optional) |
Optional Essay based on a given prompt |
Each test assesses a blend of reading, writing, and math skills, with the ACT uniquely including a science reasoning section and both the ACT and SAT previously offering an optional essay component679. The PSAT serves as a preliminary SAT and focuses on similar skills but is slightly shorter and does not include an essay.