Tuition

SAT Tutors (US College Admissions)

We are experts in providing bespoke online and in-person one-to-one US SAT tutoring.

How can an Ivy Education SAT Tutor support students preparing for their SATs?

Ivy Education offers personalised, one-on-one SAT tutoring to help students prepare for the SAT exam. Our experienced tutors provide a comprehensive programme that includes diagnostic assessments, targeted instruction, and regular practice tests to identify areas of strength and weakness and improve scores.

The programme is tailored to each student's individual needs, allowing them to focus on the areas where they will make the greatest progress. Tutors use a variety of materials and techniques to keep sessions engaging and effective. Additionally, Ivy Education provides ongoing guidance on the US college admissions process, helping students understand how their SAT preparation fits into their wider university application strategy.

Caitlin Rea - Ivy Education
Consultant Profile

Dr Caitlin

University Consultant

"Caitlin has been guiding families on university applications since 2012. Caitlin is well placed to navigate clients through the elite US & UK education system due to her own experience at Harvard and King’s College London. She specialises in UCAS, SAT & UKCAT advice and preparation."

Full Profile

Expert Tuition Designed for US SAT Exams

We have many highly qualified and experienced consultants and tutors specialising in SAT preparation and US university admissions.

What are the SAT tests for US College admissions?

The SAT is a standardised test used in the US college admissions process. It assesses core reading, writing, and maths skills through a series of timed, adaptive questions delivered in a digital format.

Universities use SAT scores, alongside school grades and extracurricular achievements, to understand a student’s academic readiness for university-level study. Most students take the SAT during the penultimate year of school, particularly if they are considering applying to selective US colleges where strong test scores can strengthen an application.


When should you take the SAT?

The SAT is typically taken during the penultimate year of high school (Year 12, Lower Sixth, or Grade 11). Many students begin preparing over the summer beforehand, and then sit the exam between October and spring of that academic year. Taking the SAT earlier in the cycle gives students time to retake the test if needed.

Some students continue testing into the first half of their final school year, especially if they are aiming for competitive score targets or decide later in the process to apply to US universities.

SAT Exam Dates

The SAT is offered on multiple dates throughout the year, and students may take the exam more than once. Most universities superscore, meaning they consider the highest section scores across all test sittings. This allows students to focus on improving individual section scores over time.

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Frequently asked questions about our SAT Tuition

The SAT is a standardised test used by US colleges and universities as part of their admissions process. It assesses reading, writing, and maths skills and is usually taken by students in Year 12 / Lower Sixth (Grade 11) or early in Year 13 (Grade 12) who are applying to universities in the United States.

Yes. The SAT has moved from a paper-based format to a shorter, adaptive digital test delivered on a computer or tablet at approved test centres. The digital SAT has been rolled out internationally from 2023 and in the US from 2024, while keeping the same underlying purpose: to assess readiness for university-level study.

No. SAT Subject Tests (often called SAT II) were discontinued in 2021, both in the US and internationally. Students now typically demonstrate subject strength through APs, A levels, IB or other curricula, rather than separate SAT Subject Tests.Our SAT tutoring therefore focuses on the main SAT test, while also supporting broader academic preparation where needed.

Our SAT tutors provide bespoke one-to-one tuition, either in London or online. We start with a diagnostic assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses, then build a tailored programme that covers content, timing strategies, exam technique, and regular practice tests. We also help students understand how their SAT score fits into their wider US college admissions strategy.

Yes. We offer SAT tuition both in person in London and online to students around the world. Online SAT tutoring allows us to support families in different time zones while maintaining the same high standards of personalised teaching.

Most students begin focused SAT preparation in the penultimate year of school (Year 12 / Lower Sixth or Grade 11). Many start initial preparation over the summer beforehand, then sit the SAT between autumn and spring of that year. Some students choose an earlier sitting to allow time for a retake if needed.

This varies, but many students work with a SAT tutor for 8–16 weeks, with weekly or twice-weekly sessions. The exact length depends on the student’s starting score, target universities, and how much independent practice they can fit around school work.

A “good” SAT score depends on where you’re applying. Highly selective US universities often look for scores in the 1400–1500+ range, while many excellent colleges are happy with scores in the 1200–1300s. An Ivy Education consultant or tutor can help you set a realistic target score based on your academic profile and university list.

Most students benefit from one 60–90 minute session per week to begin with, increasing to two sessions per week in the final weeks before the exam. We can adjust the frequency to suit school commitments, extracurricular activities, and the test date.

SAT tutoring typically includes: Reading and Writing: comprehension, vocabulary in context, grammar and punctuationMaths: algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, and advanced maths topicsDigital SAT strategies: working efficiently on-screen, using the built-in tools and calculator, and managing time in adaptive modulesPractice tests: full timed papers, score analysis, and feedback All of this is tailored to each student’s goals and learning style.

Yes, indirectly. A strong SAT score can significantly strengthen an application and may help with scholarships at some institutions. Alongside SAT preparation, Ivy Education can advise on building a balanced college list, timelines, and how test scores fit with grades, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations.

We do. Many families are unsure whether the SAT or ACT is the better fit. Our consultants and tutors can review a student’s academic profile, look at any previous test scores, and sometimes use diagnostic tests to recommend the most suitable exam.

Yes. Our tutors regularly work online with students based in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. We are used to accommodating different time zones and school calendars for international families applying to US universities.

We use a combination of official College Board practice tests for the digital SAT, high-quality third-party resources, and our own materials. This ensures students are practising with questions that closely match the style, difficulty, and format of the real exam.

You can contact our tuition team to discuss your child’s goals, timescales, and any previous test results. We will then recommend a suitable SAT tutor, outline a suggested programme of lessons, and help you book your first session, either online or in person in London.