Tutoring

Our Approach

Not every teacher can reach every student in a classroom. So while a student may be naturally gifted, if a teacher explains concepts in a specific fashion, comprehension of the material may be out of reach. Sometimes this realization comes later than is ideal – test prep students often discover that their foundation in math or grammar is surprisingly weak because of topics a teacher two years prior chose to gloss over – and other times, it comes early enough in a class that there is still time to fill in the gaps before major assignments, AP exams, etc.

Test Prep

Standardized testing requirements are anything but standardized these days, and schools’ policies are changing constantly – more and more are requiring test scores, or at least strongly recommending them. Having competitive test scores ensures that students won’t limit their school lists based solely on requirements and can keep their options open.

Learn more

Academic Tutoring

Whether you are looking to strengthen students' fundamental skill sets, supplement their education with in-depth exploration of subjects perhaps not offered at their schools (creative writing, marine science, etc.), or secure support in subjects or classed that they are struggling in, we are here to help.

Learn more

It’s never too soon to start preparing!

The best way to tackle the college application process is to start soon and stay organized.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

Executive Functioning Skills

Mastering the most effective and efficient ways to study is not only key to a student’s confidence and academic success, but to reducing stress and improving emotional well-being. In order to support students who struggle with this aspect of their academic journeys, our Classic+ tutors have undergone comprehensive training in executive functioning, time management, and study skills, mastering detailed techniques such as note-taking methods, overcoming procrastination, and effective goal-setting. We can prepare students for the challenges of high school, college, and beyond, such as managing deadlines, juggling multiple projects, and maintaining a healthy study/life balance.

One-on-one vs. Group Tutoring

While the majority of our students opt for one-on-one tutoring, which allows us to personalize each lesson and move at the pace appropriate for each student, we also offer group tutoring programs. These programs provide a great way to balance cost, individualized instruction, and the benefits of a classroom dynamic. Students will be introduced to the fundamental course and/or exam content and will explore various test strategies, tricks, and pitfalls.

Our group tutoring programs max out at 5 students, which allows the tutor to give each student individual attention — a feat that is nearly impossible in classrooms with 20-30 students present. Even with personalized attention, our group sessions are less expensive than the competition's large classes. Students arrange their own groups and are able to schedule sessions at times that are convenient for everyone, which means students work alongside friends and/or classmates and can select dates/times that work with their hectic schedules.

“My daughter is a great student but falls a little short in the standardized test taking department. We turned to GE College Prep to help her prepare for the ACT. Not only did she reach her target score, she exceeded it and was accepted into her first choice University with a faculty scholarship. Everyone at GE has been exceptional in their service from the tutors to the administrative staff. If my daughter needed help with a paper for school instead of ACT prep, easy to pivot to that. GE is also helping my 8th grader prep for the ISEE. We have used all levels of their tutors, and all have been EXCEPTIONAL. Worth every penny.” - Cindy D. (Los Angeles, CA)

"The tutors at GE prep don’t let you slack off — many of my friends took prep courses with a group of people or in a classroom setting where they were able to get away with not completing their assigned practice tests, and were also not shown techniques that might have worked best for them individually. Working one-on-one with a tutor who knows you very well is a crucial component in getting the best score a student can on a standardized test! I am so grateful for the personalized techniques and attention I had when preparing for the ACT because I couldn’t have been more pleased with the result." - Jennifer E. (Pacific Palisades, CA)

"My son has Aspergers, so our situation was more complex, requiring perhaps a more nuanced type support. Great Expectations never disappointed. They also provided support to me, as a parent, as we worked through some complicated challenges regarding my son’s accommodations for his exams. Our results ended up exceeding any expectations I had going in. My son was able to achieve perfect scores on both his PSAT and ACT exams, thanks to their dedicated work with my son!” - Jana L. (Hidden Hills, CA)

Tutoring FAQs

What are proctored exams?

Proctored exams are mock exams given to track progress and assess a student’s test-taking ability. They serve as a good indicator of where strengths and weaknesses lie in terms of material comprehension and test-taking strategy; we use regular proctored exams to tailor sessions to each student and ensure we are covering areas of the exam that they are having difficulty with.

Since many schools are test optional, should I still test?

Just because you test doesn’t mean you have to submit the scores everywhere you apply; if you score on the upper end of a college’s average range, include your scores with your application, but if your scores will be the weakest part of your profile, it is best to omit them. Simply put: if you can give colleges yet another reason to be impressed by you, do it! It’s also worth remembering that more and more colleges are reinstating standardized testing requirements, so having scores in your back pocket will keep doors open.

What are your tutors’ qualifications/training?

We only hire a mere 1-2% of its applicants—to put that in perspective, Stanford’s acceptance rate is 4%, which means it’s more difficult to get hired by us than to get into Stanford! Every tutor holds a Bachelor’s degree, and many have a Master’s or higher. Our tutors go through rigorous training with our curriculum developers to ensure that they are prepared to help our students achieve their goals.

‍

MAKE THIS THE FIRST ONE (OR HIGHER UP)

How do I sign up for proctored exams?

Students should reach out to their GE College Prep tutor directly to determine which exam to sign up for. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at exams@gecollegeprep.com or call us at 888-917-7737.

‍

REORDER

How many sessions will I need, and how often should I meet with a tutor?

The answer to this, of course, depends entirely on what you hope to accomplish. Some students only want to review the broad strokes of the SAT/ACT, while others want to dive deep over the span of several months to cover specific problem types and increase their scores as much as possible. Still others are looking for regular academic support or assistance preparing for AP exams, as well. Based on the number of exams you are preparing for and the score improvement you are seeking, we will sit down and come up with a plan that fits your goals.

When should I start test prep?

Many students begin preparing for the SAT/ACT as early as sophomore year (if they took Algebra II in 9th grade, which is the highest level of math tested on these exams), while others put it off until fall of their senior year. Whether you fall in the first or last group (or somewhere in between), the important thing is that you wait until you have taken the necessary high school courses and still leave yourself enough time to take the exam more than once.

‍

Athletes on the recruitment path typically need to start preparing at the end of sophomore year or very beginning of junior year in order to have scores to share with coaches — but this does depend on the sport and division, as recruitment timelines can vary.

‍

From our experience, the optimal time for test prep for the average high schooler is spring of junior year; you’ve likely learned everything you need to know by this point, and you don’t have to balance college essays and applications, like you would in the fall of senior year. In this instance, our goal is for students to start preparing in January and wrap up their final test date (we encourage taking it 2-3 times) by June so you’re completely done by the time summer begins.

‍

Based on your performance in school, extracurricular commitments, and college goals, we will determine the right time for you!

‍

Which test should I take — the SAT or ACT?

Both tests are accepted by all U.S. colleges/universities that consider test scores and are respected equally, while international schools' policies can vary.

‍

The ACT is typically more straightforward but moves at a faster pace, whereas the SAT can be better suited for students who struggle with pacing but excel at thinking outside the box. It’s worth pointing out that, historically, College Board has been more liberal with accommodations, so if you are seeking extended time, you are perhaps more likely to have it granted for the SAT. However, if you are granted extended time on the ACT, it can be far more helpful.

‍

NOTE: We do NOT recommend taking the exams that some companies and schools offer that are half ACT and half SAT, then basing your decision on which section you did best. If you got distracted on one section—or struggled on a single passage—your score will be skewed. Additionally, how would you possibly do well on a section you’ve never seen before (the ACT Science section, for instance) if you have no clue what it’s testing or how to approach it?

‍

We will work with you to determine which exam is best for your particular skill set after you take a Test Prep Diagnostic, which includes two proctored exams (one SAT and one ACT) and a meeting with a tutor to review the results shortly thereafter.

How can I get approved for extended time?

The biggest mistake people make in seeking extended time for learning differences is waiting until the last minute to do so. Not only can the process be a lengthy one, but the testing agencies often require months/years of documentation of a student’s disabilities and challenges, so get organized as early as possible. You’ll need documentation of diagnoses, recommended treatments, and progress from a medical professional, as well as proof that the student has been given special accommodations by his/her high school.

‍

The #1 challenge the ACT presents test-takers with is the requirement to move quickly and efficiently through the sections. Therefore, they are far more hesitant to approve these requests, as they feel it gives students a disproportionate advantage. Of course, if you approach them with the proper documentation, your request should be granted. If not, there is always the possibility for an appeal. College Board, which administers the SAT, is notoriously more generous about approving extended time requests.

‍

Our tutors will help you approach standardized testing differently once you are approved for extended time; strategies and pacing rules change significantly (for the better!) once extra time is in play. Test preparation certainly shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all service, and we will arm you with the necessary tools to maximize the additional time you are allowed.

‍

For more information on what is needed to substantiate learning disabilities for College Board (PSAT, SAT, AP exams, etc.), visit the SAT Accommodations Page.

‍

For more information on what is needed to substantiate learning disabilities for the ACT, visit the ACT Accommodations Page.

What is GE College Prep's average score improvement for the ACT or SAT?

While all students start from different points, the average SAT score increase for our students in the Class of 2024 was 255 points, and for the ACT, 6 points.

ASK NEVADA FOR UPDATED NUMBERS