WNS Standardized Tutor Recommendations - Test Preparation and Recommended Tutors

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Stanford

Recommendations for parents and students on improving standardized test performance for the SAT and ACT through targeted test-taking skills and structured practice. Emphasizes reviewing recent results to identify weaknesses, becoming familiar with question formats, answer keys, and time constraints, and integrating free self-help resources. Highlights two one-on-one tutor options recommended by the College Counseling Office, describing their qualifications, tutoring specialties, and accessible contact information for arranging support in math, science, and test-prep areas.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Standardized test preparation benefits

Skills, practice, and time management

Free test-prep resources

Recommended one-on-one tutors

Andy Hilnbrand

Brian Leaf

Greetings Parents and Students: When it comes to standardized tests such as the SAT and the ACT, it is important to understand the benefit of acquiring test-taking skills and taking practice tests. Being familiar with the nuances of standardized test questions, formats, answer keys, and time constraints is almost as important as possessing content knowledge and critical thinking skills. Evaluating closely, one’s most recent test results to focus on skills in areas that need strengthening is a valuable tool in enhancing one’s performance on subsequent tests. Self-help is free and should be a regular part of every student’s repertoire. College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to offer free tests prep that can be found here: College Board/Khan Academy.The ACT also offers test prep, including free practice tests which can be found here: ACT Resources Both programs are very successful and they allow students the flexibility to work around their unique schedules. Additionally, working with an expert in the field can pay big dividends. To that end, for those interested in working one-on-one with a tutor, we want to make you aware of the two people the College Counseling Office recommends: Andy Hilnbrand and Brian Leaf. Andy Hilnbrand is the founder of Quotient Education ([quotiented.com](quotiented.com)). He is a professional tutor specializing in standardized testing preparation and math and science course support (including AP Calc, Stats, Physics, and Chem) . A former Director of Mathematics and Sciences and Princeton Review Instructor, Andy also served as a math and science department chair for 13 years and has had his own independent tutoring business for 20 years. In addition to tutoring, Andy is a professor for the University of Massachusetts School of Education. He can be contacted at: [andy@quotiented.com](andy@quotiented.com) or (413) 320-2645 Brian Leaf ([brianleaf.com](brianleaf.com)) is the author of six books, including Defining Twilight and the four-book SAT and ACT test-prep series McGraw-Hill’s Top 50 Skills. He is Director of the New Leaf Learning Center in Massachusetts, and has provided SAT, ACT, GED, SSAT, and GRE preparation to thousands of students from across the country. He can be contacted at: (877) 584-0075.

FAQs

Why are test-taking skills and practice tests important for SAT and ACT success?

Because understanding standardized question nuances, formats, answer keys, and time constraints strengthens performance alongside content knowledge and critical thinking. Using recent test results to pinpoint weaker areas helps guide improvement for subsequent tests.

What free resources are recommended for SAT and ACT practice?

College Board partnered with Khan Academy to provide free SAT test-prep resources. The ACT also offers test preparation, including free practice tests through its resources.

Which tutors are recommended for one-on-one SAT and ACT support?

The College Counseling Office recommends Andy Hilnbrand and Brian Leaf. Their backgrounds include standardized testing tutoring, math and science support (for Hilnbrand), and extensive preparation services across multiple exam types (for Leaf).

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Stanford