Test Prep

ACT, SAT, ISEE, and more

Would you go to a driver's test without ever sitting behind the wheel of a car?

(Imagine the disaster that could take place.)

Would you take a written driver's exam without studying the rules of the road?

(Imagine the anxiety you would feel.)

When we ask students to take a standardized test without proper preparation, we increase their anxiety, challenge their confidence, and limit their potential.

The more prepared they are for the specific test, how it is written, and what it will be like, the better the testing experience will be.

TEST PREPARATION

Reduce your anxiety. Increase your confidence. Improve your scores. Improving your test scores increases the quantity of choices you have and heightens your chances of earning valuable scholarship dollars.

As a creative person with a wild imagination, I could find many ways to argue when it came to the options on a multiple choice test when I was in school. Additionally, I found it difficult to focus long enough to truly demonstrate my aptitude. Just look at my ACT scores from 1988, and you will see what I mean.

It has been a worthwhile struggle for me to learn about testing literacy and how to help students perform better on standardized tests. Since 2011, I have been helping people reduce their testing anxiety, increase their confidence, and improve their scores.

All of my clients report that our sessions help them succeed personally and academically, beyond the day of their test.

FEATURES OF TEST PREP

one : one
customized by learning style
responsive to individual needs
includes digital notes to keep
dynamic skills review
remediation of forgotten/lost skills

Rates vary according to length of session (60-90 minutes.)

Quantity of sessions varies according to student need.

The cost of test prep includes all materials. Students only need scratch paper, pens/pencils, and a calculator.

Customized home practice is included at no additional cost.

A FREE Discovery session allows students to experience Ms. Martha's style and determine whether this is the right program for them.

SPACE IS LIMITED. PLAN EARLY!

"It's the best English class I've never taken" - Jake, San Diego (CA)

"I actually enjoyed the ACT lessons. I can't ever imagine saying that!" - Harish, Bentonville (AR)

"I felt more confident taking the ACT this time, thanks to you. . . I wasn't as nervous as before" - Bella, Atlanta (GA)

"Thank you so much! Holden really enjoyed it" - Holden's Mom, Kansas City (MO)

"Thank you so much for all of your help with Addi this past semester! I'm not sure if she shared this with you, but with your gracious help, she scored a 100% on her English writing assignment and she made straight A's this semester!" - Addi's mom and dad, Fayetteville (AR)

"Do you know how long I have been trying to teach him grammar? You're a miracle worker!" - PJ's mom, San Diego (CA)

"I don't know how you do what you do, but the kids are loving it . . . loving studying with you for a standardized test. Crazy wonderful." - Mom of twins, San Diego (CA)

Zootoring

where tutoring meets Zoom

1) Weekly Zootoring - (1) 90-120 minute session per week

2) Zootoring On Demand - Sessions to help struggling students

During Zootoring, a student or small group of students meets with Ms. Martha. There are two formats: weekly and as-needed. Ms. Martha takes ten (10) weekly clients and up to ten (10) as-needed.

Every Zootoring session includes work on specific academic skills as well as integrated life-skills. The goal of zootoring is to support student academic growth and general well-being.

Rates vary, hourly and monthly.

Schedule a consultation if you are interested in Zootoring.

Subjects available (in any combination):

English
Reading
Writing
Geometry
Algebra
Trig
Pre-Calculus
Science (general)
Biology
Chemistry
Organizational Skills (Executive Functioning)

College Journeys

The transition from high school to college does not need to be filled with stress, drama, or trauma!

We help you identify and apply to places that fit your needs!

Already booking for 2025! HURRY!

We only take 6 College Journey students per year.

An exploratory meeting is FREE. Please let us know if you want to meet, and we will set up a time.

Work with the Marthas: Ms. Martha Co & Crowe College Counseling

Let the Marthas help you navigate your college journeys. I do my work in collaboration with Crowe College Counseling, LLC out of San Diego. Martha Crowe is a specialist in public health and counseling. We make a great team.

TIMELINE

Parents AND their student sign a contract before the work begins. This ensures that everyone is on board and understands the parameters of the work and the nature of the working relationships between parents, counselor, and student.
After the contract is signed and before the work begins, Martha Crowe and I have a meeting with you (parents/guardians) about finances and what YOU hope for your student to gain from their college experience. The College Journeys package is $10,000. Parents can pay 50% down and the balance on December 1. Some parents pay monthly.
There are monthly parent meetings on Zoom for those who want to talk about what is going on with their students and hear great tips and ideas. Parents find those sessions both helpful and reassuring.
Sessions begin in May of a student's junior year and conclude November 15 or earlier, depending on when the final application has been submitted.
The student works with their College Journey counselor to conduct research and eventually generate a list of 10 potential colleges/programs for application. Ultimately, we want a balanced list of "reach," "match," and "confident" admission schools.
While we build the college application list with the student (keeping in mind the financial, geographic, and other parameters set by you during the finance meeting) we hold things pretty close to the vest. Your student will be empowered to share their college list and any progress with you when they want to do so. This relieves stress and worry at home and allows you to enjoy your student during their final precious months at home before leaving for college.
The student and counselor work on all of the admissions materials together, including essays.
The counselor helps gather all required documents to make sure that those documents are reaching the right people/offices.
The average quantity of hours spent in individual one:one coaching sessions is 25-35.

TOGETHER, we learn to ignore the college admissions insanity and the gossip/buzz that goes around at school, on social media, and in the community!

TOGETHER, we keep the student's mental health intact and their happiness at a maximum!

"[She] got accepted to U of A. I can't believe it . . . . And all thanks to you." - Parent of graduating senior, Class of '24

"You are amazing." - Parent of graduating senior, Class of '23