There are so many people offering tutoring and test prep. Are you aware of how much competition you have?

Yes, I am well aware.

Well, we like competition. It gives us options. So what makes your services different?

“Exceptional,” “one-of-a-kind,” “superior.” These are all words test prep companies use to differentiate themselves.

The truth is, there is nothing revolutionary about the characteristics of good teachers: smart, compassionate individuals with effective communication skills and a genuine desire to share their knowledge.

See? Nothing to it.

In all seriousness, that’s why I love my job. When untainted by politics, teaching to me is one of the purest professions in the world. At Prep with Jen, we take pride not only in our teachers’ credentials, but also their ability to connect with students. Success to us means more than a high score. It means instilling a confidence that will stay with our students long after the standardized exams become a distant memory.

And yes, that day will come.

What does a formalized prep course offer that we can’t obtain through self-study?

I firmly believe you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, including self-study for standardized exams. I’ve even made a video series on how to do this effectively:

Effective self-study requires you to analyze the exam for patterns and deep dive into your mistakes. It’s not enough to brush off missed questions as silly mistakes. For true learning to take place, you need to understand the root cause of why you’re getting questions wrong; otherwise, you’ll make the same error again. This may sound like a painstaking process, because it is. If you’re like most students, you simply don’t have the time and energy to go about this on your own.

That’s where a prep course can help.

We’re experts at dissecting exam questions to uncover patterns and common traps the test makers like to set. We share these, along with our arsenal of test-taking strategies with you. Most importantly, we hold you accountable to doing the work.

Do you give score guarantees?

No, we don’t.

What kind of test prep company doesn’t give out score guarantees?

The kind that doesn’t lure you in with marketing schemes.

The next time you see an “X point guarantee,” read the fine print. Yes, all of it.

I have yet to come across a score guarantee that lives up to expectations. The lengths of some rival those of critical reading passages. Most of them don’t even give you money back. Instead, they offer you the opportunity to retake their course for free. This may sound great, but the logic is flawed. If the course didn’t help you the first time, why would retaking it be any more beneficial?

In reality, no tutor can replace a student’s drive, so be wary of anyone who makes lofty promises. Learning is a two-way street. At Prep with Jen, we supply quality instruction using proven methods and expect students to fully engage. Once they learn the strategies, it’s up to them to practice until they master said strategies. This process takes dedication, diligence, and relentless effort, but the payoffs are huge.

When students come to me ecstatic about their score improvements, I always commend them on their own efforts. I know I’m a vehicle, and not the sole reason for their success.

Interesting… How is test prep with you structured?

We hold small-group SAT classes that target specific exam dates. These are held in person throughout the year at our commercial space in Fairfax, VA.

Our course runs for 8 weeks, and we meet once per week for up to 3 hours. Our most popular offering is the comprehensive course, which covers all core components of the SAT (reading, grammar, and math). We also have a verbal only or math only option for students who want to focus on their weakest areas. In our lessons, we use a combination of lectures, group discussions, and independent practice to keep students engaged. In addition to teaching streamlined strategies, we also simulate test-day conditions by offering full-length, proctored practice exams.

For out-of-town students and those seeking the convenience of at-home learning, we offer virtual private tutoring over Zoom.

Do you offer any services beyond SAT prep classes?

Why, yes! For other standardized exams and academic subjects, we offer private tutoring. For students interested in long-term support, we have discounted packages tailored to your needs. Please reach out for more information.

How do I sign up?

To enroll in our small-group classes, click here. To schedule private lessons, click here.