Test Preparation Services

Our SAT Preparation Course has yielded results we are proud to share!  Here are the highlights:

• Average growth of 125 points per student from the initial SAT Practice Test at the beginning of the course to the Final SAT Practice Test at the end of the course (both are official SAT exams)
• Most improvement by an individual student: 390 points
• Highest scoring students: 1590 (out of 1600)—Achieved by three students!

Dr. Pittman, I just wanted to say thank you for all of the time you spent with me over the last couple of months. Thanks to the hours you dedicated and the work we did together, I was able to raise my score by 130 points with the December SAT. The score broke down to a 780 reading, 790 math (1570 total).

          -Laasya, high school student

By taking the SAT class, I learned how to focus better, how to analyze the reading passages, and different ways to attack grammar problems. New students: be prepared to do work that will end up being beneficial.

          -Antonio, high school student

Because of this SAT class, I became a better test taker overall, I identified and got to work on the things I needed improvement on, and I learned how tests will try to trick you into picking the wrong answer—and I learned how to find the right answer. I learned how to focus for 3-4 hours at a time and how much the college board tries to trick us. I would tell students who sign up to come into the class ready to work right away, and ask as many questions as you have. No question is bad in his class, and Dr. Pittman really helps you to learn from what you're struggling with.

         -Delanie, high school student

Dr. P! OMG! I scored a 1580 on the SAT! My verbal and math were each 790, and my reading is all correct! You are literally a genius, believe me! You're always so nice, and this could not have happened without your wonderful methods and patient teaching.Thank you!! 

          Amphitrite, high school student

In this class, I learned how to manage my time better, I figured out how to look for clues in the test to give me hints to the right answer, and I learned lots of tips to keep in mind to help me out when I don’t know the answer right away. I was surprised the most at how many minute patterns and tricks there are to the test. It will help so much when I take it because then I keep those tips in mind and find the best answer quickly. I would recommend for new students to take good notes during the lecture meetings because then you can take that advice and study it before the test. I don’t think there is anything that could make it better! I liked how in depth we went and how thoroughly we went over topics.

         -Katie, high school student

I just found out that I got a perfect score in PSAT Math (760/760) and a 740 on Reading/Writing & Language. So, my total score is 1500/1520. Thank you for teaching the SAT Masterminds class!

          -Krishna, high school student

I became more confident with reading passages because that was what I struggled with the most. I learned new information about grammar that I didn’t know because I usually just did the ear test. I became confident with timing because before this class it would stress me out, but now I know some shortcuts that will help a ton. I loved how comfortable of an environment it was because I didn’t really know anyone coming into class, and I assumed it would be like more of a school environment (usually just learn the material and keep to yourself), but it was very interactive, which made it more fun. I enjoyed the class, and it built up my stamina for the SAT’s long test. Thank you for teaching me so much and I thought you made your class super fun!! 

          -Ella, high school student

Dr. Pittman, I took the October SAT and got a 1570! I just wanted to share this with you, because you've been such a huge part of my SAT journey! Thank you so much for all your help!

         Anvi, high school student

Johann just got his SAT score today. He got 780 for math and 720 for reading with total of 1500 (compared to 1370 prior to working with you—math was 730 and reading was 640 ). Thank you so much for your tremendous help! He could not achieve this without your help.

          -Sue, parent

Phillip Pittman is an overall excellent instructor that met and went beyond our expectations. He always came well prepared and ready for each lesson with not a minute wasted.  I was impressed from day one and my daughters became excited and motivated to learn from that onset.  He planned all his lessons on his own time prior to each meeting with prepared copies of instructional work for each of my daughters. I'm sure he spent hours in preparation and a considerable expenditure of money for the materials he provided, yet he only charged for the time he spent tutoring. Phillip is highly knowledgeable in his area of expertise with a passion to pass it on and educate others. With each session my daughters came home with a wealth of knowledge and comprehension of English skills, language, vocabulary, mechanics, and the list goes on. Throughout the tutoring experience my daughters were placed at ease and comfort to ask any type of question or assistance. He was quick to meet their needs and gear his instruction to best fit each of my daughters.  He always sent me a detailed summary of each tutoring meeting and suggestions for what to work on and what to expect at the following the session.  Phillip was easily reached through text messages and quickly responded with any changes or adjustments I needed to make. He was extremely flexible and understanding to any of our needs and schedules. Not only is Phillip a very intelligent man; he is personable, approachable, and awfully humble. I am so grateful to have had my daughters meet and work with Phillip. They have become motivated and confident individuals as a result of Phillip's influence and role modeling.  Thank you so much Phillip Pitman!

          -Souha, parent

I really wanted to thank you for your great help! Our daughter just earned a1580 (790 English & 790 Math) for her SAT test. She got a full score on reading, and that’s really because of your strong support! Really, really thank you! 

          -Angela, parent

We've tried several tutors before, including Varsity Tutors. Phillip is outstanding. He works together with your child analyzing every aspect of the question and answer options. Unlike other teachers who spend the first 30 minutes talking about how great they are, he started with an introduction of strategies and techniques to be used when working on the SAT. We all are very pleased with the process, no wasted time, very encouraging and engaging studies. If you are looking for a professional to really help your child, Phillip should be your choice.

          -Olga, parent

Hi, Dr. Pittman. I hope you are doing well. My PSAT scores came out a few months ago, and I received a 1490 (out of 1520). Thank you for your unique guidance and methods that helped me to do so well!

          -Saharsh, high school student

This SAT class was very valuable as I learned many test-taking strategies and concepts to succeed on the test. I felt extremely prepared for the SAT after going through this course. I learned the most from the reading section as you taught the reading portion of the test the best. After all the strategies and tips you gave, I felt well-prepared for the SAT. Overall, I learned so much about the SAT and the different ways to tackle each problem.

          -Ammar, high school student

Just to let you know that after just 5 lessons with you, Brandon scored a 750 on the Reading and Writing sections of the SAT (after starting at a 660)! Thanks for all of your help!

          -LaShawn, parent

Dr. Pittman does a very good job teaching the SAT Class. You learn a lot, including tips and tricks about how to take the SAT test. Dr. Pittman makes the class fun and worth it. In this class you will stay well-organized, which is great (check your binder). You can do the extra packets at home (check the extra packets and answers). You learn extra techniques for answering questions and taking the test. It is a very good class. I highly recommend it!

         -Chloe, high school student

I just scored a 1480 on my SAT with 770 math and 710 reading, just as I had been aiming for. I am really happy! Thank you so much for all of your help!  

          -Sasha, high school student

I felt that this class taught me a lot about what I should work on to ace the SAT. The techniques you taught were very helpful, to a point where even though I am still a sophomore and haven't learned some of these standards in school, I was still able to get the questions right. Overall, I think this class was very valuable and helped me to get a head start on what is to come.

          -Ashley, high school student

Just wanted to let you know that Anna scored a 1480 on her latest SAT. 750 math/730 reading (compared to 1350 on her previous test). Tears of joy. 

          -Mary, parent

I found this SAT class really helpful. Going over and fixing questions I got wrong really helped me change my thinking and helped me learn how to address certain questions. Learning the question types and “trap” answers really helped me. The class made me more confident in taking the SAT!

         -Angie, high school student

This SAT class has been beneficial for me as I’ve learned a lot about the test. Altogether, I’ve learned a lot, including approaches for how to actually take the test. Plus, Dr. Pittman has been so kind and understanding to all of us. Thank you!

         -Sophia, high school student

Dr. Pittman, I want to thank you for your advice because I was able to get an SAT score of 1520. Your methods of tackling separate passages first and highlighting transition words proved especially advantageous during the exam. Thank you again for all your help. 

          -Aadhitya, high school student 

This SAT class was good. I liked how we spaced each section out and went through each subject on the test multiple times. I learned a lot about how to process the reading section better. I also like how we can choose multiple strategies, and we aren’t forced to do just one. I also like the size of the class, as we had just the right amount of kids in the class.

         -Paige, high school student

After working with Phillip online for two months, our 9th grade daughter scored a 700 on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT! We are so thankful for Phillip's work with her.

          -Vladimir and Elena, parents

I just wanted to thank you for providing such an amazing opportunity for Ava and others to get quality test prep! Being Ava, I'm sure she didn't show it while there, but after every class she said she felt like your instruction was helpful, and she was very positive about attending each session. I'm quite positive she would not have achieved her level of success without you!! And for what it's worth, I thought your summary emails were amazing!! The fact that you were so thorough and transparent about each class really presented itself in a way that your dedication to the kids' success was palpable. For reference, Hannah did SAT prep through The Tutoring Center in West Bloomfield and your program is so far beyond their playing field. You should be very proud of what you've created.  I'm happy to endorse you in any way I can! Let me know if you want a review! Meanwhile, I would like to have Ava see you a few times after her scores come in and before her June test. A million thanks to you!!!!!!!!!

         -Stephanie, parent

I really enjoyed the SAT class. I learned a lot of new strategies, and I got to meet many new people, which was cool. I am happy that I took this class because I have improved my English and math skills a lot. I liked the reading tips about the line numbers, and I benefited from all the materials that included various tips and rules. I improved a lot, and I enjoyed coming to this class on Saturdays.

         -Tudor, high school student

I found this SAT class to be beneficial. Before this class, I didn’t know how to read the reading test or how to interpret the questions, but now I have a clear understanding on how to “go at” the questions. Also, it is good to know how the test is formatted and that you don’t have to do the passages in the same order of the test, which really helps.

         -Savannah, high school student

The SAT class was beneficial because I learned the format of the SAT and how to manage my time on the test. The reading section is not bad anymore because I know how to approach the passages and the paragraphs. The way we went over every question was very helpful.

         -Kennedy, high school student

I thought this class was very helpful. The second test seemed easier because I knew what to expect, and I now have strategies I can use. I liked how we worked through each problem so we had a better understanding of the question. Overall, it was a good class, and I feel well-prepared for the SAT.

         -Desiree, high school student

Money well spent!  Thanks Phil.  She went from a 1300 to a 1420!  Amazing!

          -Mark, parent

Dr. Pittman, I wanted to let you know I did a lot better on the AP exam than I had expected. I really thought it was hard, but to my surprise, I got a four! I must therefore thank you for everything you inscripted into my head during the year because without that, I surely would not have been as successful as I was. 

         -Horia, high school student

This SAT class was beneficial for me because I have struggled with the test since my freshman year. I learned many tips and tricks, which have helped me learn how to get the right answers!

         -Hailey, high school student

By taking this SAT class, I have felt more comfortable taking the SAT. I’m not as stressed out as I used to be. What I liked about this class is how we went over everything related to every question. It helped me realize the SAT is not as hard as it looks. This class helped me out a lot! Thank you.

         -Sara, high school student

Going into this class, I was unprepared for the SAT. Now, I feel like I have a better understanding of the test, and I feel like I can get a high score. 

         -Madison, high school student

As the SAT classes went along, they got more helpful, and I'm really glad I took the class! I like the teacher and my classmates.

          -Mary, high school student

In the SAT class, I enjoyed going over the answers, and I enjoyed the practice tests we did, especially the smaller ones. I like when we talk about answers because it helps me realize the thinking behind the answer.

          -Tessa, high school student

Great ACT Instructor

From session # 1, my daughter felt much more comfortable about how to approach the ACT test. Phillip offered her instruction but also helpful hints on how to approach each section of the test. She was so much more confident after just one session. Highly recommend Phillip.  

         -Michele, parent

Amazing writing tutor (with extensive knowledge of the AP Lang test)!

I came to Phillip with only a week left before the AP Lang exam. I had not taken the corresponding AP course, so I really did not know anything about the exam format/grading/timing/etc. Not only did Phillip provide me with helpful exam resources and thoughtful analysis of my essays, he also gave me lots of needed encouragement! The fact that he has read thousands of AP Lang exam essays as an AP grader really made his tutoring excellent. After only two lessons, I felt very well prepared for the exam. Anyone who needs help with AP Lang exam prep should come to Phillip.

          -Lynn, high school student

Patient, Detailed, and Effective

After a couple of tutoring sessions for AP English Language and Composition, Phillip has really improved my confidence for the demanding essays on the test. Having someone who knows exactly what the AP graders are looking for has been a tremendous help.

          -Jenny, high school student

Phillip is great teacher! He knows the subject and knows how to teach. His sessions are packed with valuable information. We enjoy each and every lesson with Phillip as he has so much to offer. Can't ask for more! 

          -Lily, Parent

Hi Dr. P! Happy New Year! I just wanted to let you know that I got accepted into Brown University. Thank you for all of your help with AP Lit and SAT Prep, as well as my college essay writing. You have really helped me a lot! I am planning on majoring in the humanities, which you have served as inspiration to me as well.  Thank you again!

          -Gabi, student

Very personable & we can tell he cares about kids!

My son actually enjoyed his time with Phillip because he helped him get started on his outline & added bullet points.  I feel my son felt more confident after 1 session.

          -Holly, parent

Highly professional, yet still relates to teens

Phillip is not only highly qualified but very in touch with teenagers. He is definitely committed to their success and willing to work to determine their areas of greatest need. He also takes time to touch base with parents and is receptive to their input.

          -Susan, parent

Dr. Pittman made each SAT Prep session fun and enjoyable. Our daughter gained confidence and skill, and she looked forward to going to SAT class each week.

         -Elaine, parent

Just wanted to say how very much I appreciated the time and effort you shared with my classes.  I appreciate you and so do they.  Many of the tips and strategies will help me to also effectively teach my junior level classes.  

         -Shana, teacher

Thanks again for working with my students.  I have many of the same juniors for TOK, and they mentioned their gratitude for helpful SAT strategies and dedicated practice time.  Thank you!

         -Erin, IB teacher

Informative, experienced instruction

I took away tools for annotating first thing. Made great suggestion for future reads to inform my writing. Examined past writing and gave feedback. I will use Phillip again.

          -Elliot, high school student

Dr. Pittman, I just wanted you to make sure you know how much I enjoyed your class this year. I remember at first when I told you I’ve never liked English, so I think it’s safe to say you were the first English teacher who really let me explore the language and find what it has to offer. I feel like I’ve grown this year because you challenged the way I thought about love, life, and faith. I learned so much from our discussions, and thank you for making me laugh. As a teacher, I’m sure you hope to be able to affect a student in a positive way, and I want you to know that you have—for all of us. I’m really glad I had a chance to learn from you. 

        -Catherine, high school student

Dr. Pittman, as the school year comes to a close, and I head off to school in the fall, I wanted to share this note of appreciation. I entered junior year with a not-so-open mind and an anti-political attitude that turned out to be somewhat destructive. With AP courses, ACTs, SATs, pressure from parents, and too much importance placed on letter grades, I chose to say “screw it” instead of playing the game. So, instead of just writing the paper or doing the assignment, I had to find purpose and meaning first, and if I couldn;t find one, the work didn’t get done. Assignments were handed in late and grades fell, but there was something different about your class. At the beginning of the year, you assigned a comparison-contrast essay between two non-fiction pieces. The comments proved only to be the beginning. For the first time in my life, I had someone believe in me as a writer and had someone encourage me to want to write, and that someone was you. But, you didn’t stop there. You continued to dole out writing assignments that could be reinterpreted and gave me a newfound love for reading and writing, letting me express myself through words instead of just art, clothes, and hair color. For this, I am truly grateful. You have given me the strength and courage to write and to want to be read, while putting up with my antics the whole way through. In all honesty, you and your class were possibly one of the greatest things that’s ever happened to me. So, I thank you again for giving of yourself to us as your students, for sharing your passion for the English language, literature, and writing, and for believing in me. 

        -Sari, high school student

Dr. Pittman, thank you for being such an inspirational and motivational teacher! I learned how to really improve my writing skills, and the writing techniques you taught will really help me at the university level and beyond. 

        -Ahimsa, high school student

Dr. Pittman, I just wanted to thank you for being such an extraordinary and influential teacher to me. I always had such a wonderful time in your class, and I learned so much at the same time.

        -Erica, high school student

To Dr. Pittman:

...but Life...wrapped around alleys

and in holes of their serrated ground-stones.

around wrists of skin. of child-people.

amidst it,

possibilities arise,

(within corroding creases of Untouchable time)

for stagnation of Life-Living.

...then

alongside sills,

Might and Might-Not appear.

(clinging Not.s. At the end

Had ToBe,

For Might to retain simplicity.)

while ledge-leaning,

Hopes were glimpsed performing downward trickles

(as hardened hailstones did)

it became Common-Knowledge:

they pierced just as profoundly.

but pain provokes pleasure

because sensation is tugged.

and one lives. As one feels.

...and… at a certain point,

one lives,

Because

one feels.

Yes, I learned a lot in your class, many things for the first time. Thank you for your patience as we all learned. It was a wonderful experience.

        -Zehra, high school student

Dr. Pittman, if there is one thing you can be proud of, it’s that you genuinely connected with our class, both as a teacher and as a person. You are the person I would go to if tomorrow my world fell apart. Engaging discussion is an often overlooked aspect of education, but there were several times when I had to look deeply into myself in regards to my thoughts on what we were learning, especially when it came to the more philosophical topics. I hope we can continue the teacher-student friendship we have built. Thank you.

        -Julie, high school student