1-on-1 tutoring · Kansas City
The best way to prepare for the SAT and ACT is not a class.
After teaching hundreds of students in both classrooms and one-on-one settings, I can tell you from experience: private tutoring outperforms test-prep classes every time — and costs about the same.
Why classes don't work
Three reasons test-prep classes fall short — every time
I've taught hundreds of students in classroom settings. Here's what I observed.
01 — Topics
Classes can't focus on you
Most students excel at either Math/Science or Reading/English — not both. A class follows a fixed syllabus covering everything, even topics you already know or will never need. One-on-one means we only work on what you actually need.
02 — Pace
One speed doesn't fit anyone
When a class moves on before you're ready, you fall behind. When it moves too slowly, you stop paying attention. Private tutoring moves at exactly your pace — faster through your strengths, slower through your weaknesses.
03 — Strategy
Your approach has to be personal
Not every student should attempt every question. Your optimal strategy depends on your current score, your reading speed, and the score you're targeting. That level of customization simply isn't possible in a group class.
— Why classes are so common
Whatever benefits you get from test-prep classes are so minimal they virtually never justify the cost. Can you see a score increase with them? Yes. More than what a student would get by studying alone? In all likelihood, no.
I say this as someone who has taught many hundreds of students in both classroom and one-on-one settings. So why do test prep companies offer classes? They are extremely profitable. Ten people paying $1,200, minus perhaps $1,000 for the teacher and supplies — that's a great business model. Of course they also offer private tutoring, but they price it so high that most people are steered toward the far more profitable classes.
The result: if you want test prep, you either pay exorbitant rates for private tutoring at a big company, or you settle for an ineffective class. I offer a better option.
My approach
I teach the SAT and ACT — not academic subjects
I try to teach as little academic knowledge as possible. Instead, I teach the tests themselves. These exams are nothing but a set of repeating question types. I teach students to recognize each type and apply the same simple steps every time — a mechanical, learnable process.
I keep meticulous notes on what we've covered and what each student struggles with. Every subsequent session is built around improving those weaknesses and reinforcing the systematic approach. Homework is tailored to each student. By test day, my students have their exam planned down to the minute.
I've been doing this since 2006 — first at Kaplan, then at Get Smarter Prep, then on my own. Nearly 20 years of experience refining an approach that consistently gets results.
Transparent pricing
What I charge — and how it compares
I charge less than a third of what comparable experienced tutors cost at the major prep companies, and I'm better.
Hasan Tutoring
Recommended: 1.5 hr sessions at $210 — starting 2–3 months before your exam
- SAT, ACT & LSAT preparation
- Fully customized to your weaknesses
- Free practice test to establish baseline
- Meticulous session notes & tailored homework
- Free initial consultation, no pressure
Competitor rates
Classes cost as much as private tutoring and deliver far less. The math is simple.
Free practice test.
No sales pitch. Ever.
Contact me and I'll provide a free recent SAT or ACT, answer any questions you have, and give you honest advice on how to proceed — whether that means working with me or not.